I rarely post but feel I have some useful personal experience.
Definitely separates. Everything matters.
Receivers are great but that added power and control you get with a separate amp makes a difference, regardless of what you are listening to. I'm lucky I have a great system which I've built up over the years. Wilson speakers, McIntosh front end. When I upgraded my Marantz pre-pro to the Mac, it wasn't subtle how much better everything sounded. There is a ceiling on how good you can get it, just depends on the funds.
You can find used 5 channel amps all over the place, then invest in a good prepro. This gives you more flexibility with upgrading in the future.
If you have really high end stuff, it's worth pulling the trigger on the better Anthem. I know it starts to hurt!!!!
Definitely separates. Everything matters.
Receivers are great but that added power and control you get with a separate amp makes a difference, regardless of what you are listening to. I'm lucky I have a great system which I've built up over the years. Wilson speakers, McIntosh front end. When I upgraded my Marantz pre-pro to the Mac, it wasn't subtle how much better everything sounded. There is a ceiling on how good you can get it, just depends on the funds.
You can find used 5 channel amps all over the place, then invest in a good prepro. This gives you more flexibility with upgrading in the future.
If you have really high end stuff, it's worth pulling the trigger on the better Anthem. I know it starts to hurt!!!!