Is using a X.1 AV receiver just for stereo bad?

Loomisjohnson: I am inclined to believe that integrated amps are likely to do better at each pricepoint than separates. If you can match pre-amp to amp, then there must be some sonic or $ improvements, if not both.

Still, if you take processing out of the picture, I have yet to encounter a class-d implementation that I am 100% confident I can differentiate between in a true blind AB.

I will see what B&K options I can rummage up. Thanks to the long term loan of the Rotel, I can put this off for another 6 months.

Zanon, most people believe that (all things being equal) for a host of engineering reasons separates will sound better than comparable integrated components, although of course a high-quality integrated will outperform suppar seperates. The ultimate question, as you infer, is whether the sonic differences are cost-effective. Now, I often see older Arcam and B&K AVRs on Agon and Ebay for as little as $200. These AVRs not gonna sound as good as a system consisting of used Arcam or B&K componenents and an external DAC, but they'll probably sound 80% as good for, say, 25% of the price. Whether the improvement in sound is worth the extra $$ is, of course, the dilemna we all must face.

Loomisjohnson: Do you know what kind of amps B&K and Arcam use? I'm guessing SS A/B in the amp stage, and who knows what in the pre-amp stage.

i'm not a techie, but looks like depending on model they use class a or a/b designs; b&k appears to use class d on some separate amps. the more i read, the more i'm impressed with their engineering--these mfrs. absolutely blow away the asian crap in terms of design and build quality.

Loomisjohnson: Thank you for your info. Based on my hearing comparison of a $50 class-d implementation (almost certainly made in China) with a $2000 class-d implementation (ICE) I see NO advantage to the more expensive one, except for W, which I do need. Whatever wonders you feel they are working in design and build quality, and I have no doubt there are many, do not seem to impact sound, at least to me. Class-d is class-d, and even more specifically, ICE is ICE. If someone has a blind ABX between ICE implementations I would be very curious.

I am interested in hearing what class A and AB can offer, as well as tubes of course, both in pre-amp and amp stage.

Again, thanks for your help!