Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

I wouldn't do it. You need a really good preamp for stereo. There's no way around it. Not only would I not use the preamp section of a receiver, I wouldn't use a HT preamp as well. I've tried it before and they just don't sound that good for music. My advice would be to work around it or build a 2nd system.

Don't listen to the 2-channel bigots, they'll tell you that all multi-channel receivers are no good. Nonsense.

Most of the better-quality Denons, Marantzs, Onkyos, Arcams and such are really quite good. And when you factor in the fact that they will also provide you with bass management and room correction capabilities (Audyssey, ARC, etc.), you can obtain very good sound indeed with an AVR...

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How about a 2 channel pre-amp with home theater bypass? I think that would be a better investment that another receiver. Changing between Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo is probably not going to make much difference. Many think Marantz receivers are a step up for 2 channel. I like NAD, but to get room correction and the other bells and whistles runs the price up quickly. You should consider keeping the Denon for theater and a getting good quality 2 channel pre.

If recommending a 2 channel preamp for 2 channel stereo makes me a bigot, I'm completely fine with it. People that don't have any clue as to what they are talking about always get mad or become nasty when they see or hear something they don't understand. Had someone shown the OP enough respect to, at least, READ his post, they would find that he already has a pretty good Denon HT receiver and is not happy with it. Heaven forbid!

I won't apologize for giving an honest answer. I give recommendations based on real experience; not guesses and magazine reviews. Two of the better processors I've had over the years was a Classe SSP75 and a Meridian 861. Most people wound agree that both of those aren't too bad, as far as HT preamps go. For 2 channel stereo, neither one could come close to my Ayre 5 preamp. For music, it beat the processors in every single area I could come up with. Better yet, its a fraction of the price.

Dallyd31,

Sorry to be going off like this, but its becoming very common to see people that have certain "issues", posting irresponsibly. The worst part of it is, they sometimes actually talk people into buying equipment based on their, less than adequate, understanding of audio equipment.

One last thing that I should have put in my original post. Don't take my word, or anyone else's, for what you should or shouldn't buy. Listen to what everyone has to say and then go listen to some equipment. You'll find out really quick who knows what they are talking about. More importantly, though, you will too. With enough hard work and experience, you can elevate yourself to bigot status, as well. I bet you can't wait.

>> The worst part of it is, they sometimes actually talk people into buying equipment based on their, less than adequate, understanding of audio equipment. <<

If you are referring to me, you do not know what you are talking about. I have had very good 2-channel systems for over 40 years, and some very good surround-sound systems for the past 10 years. And, I sold hi-end hi-fi for 3-4 years. So, I kinda know this stuff.

Secondly, YOU did not read his post correctly. Or you have trouble with reading comprehension.

The OP actually posted "I want to get another AV receiver, but I want one that has a really good pre section in it so I can also use it well for 2 channel music. "

The latest crop of good-quality AVRs satisifes his needs quite well. And he could do this for about $900 - 3,000 - no budget was stated. If he wants an AVR, the ones I suggested are quite good...

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