amp or preamp most important

I do not know what the difference in cost of this versus 5 ch amp. What he is saying may sound a little better but I do not know for sure. I am very familiar with Ayre and this is indeed a nice pre/amp combination. I would imagine that the dealers recommended set up would allow for an easier upgrade path in the future.

I find that 2 channel works fine for home theater for me, but I am not a real HT fanatic.

The absolute reality is, they become one unit as far as the sound is concerned. Imagine a pot of soup, the sound coming out of your speakers is the end result of this soup. The carrots potatos and peas all combine for one single taste. Both units are extremely important.

thanks for all the help guys if you have any experience with the ayre,simaudio,edge,krell or proceed let me know which models and the results !
Thanks Charles

One could argue that a pre-amp is superfluous, but I don't believe the same could be as easily said about amplification.