Bi-amp through receiver vs pre out to 2 channel for fronts

Also, can anybody show me pictures of the difference between the transformer of a pioneer elite receiver, and one in a nice amp or integrated amp? 

Is there really much difference between a separate pre-amp, and using a receiver as a preamp? 

I know the the general theory, but just wondering if people exaggerate the differences caused by the transformer in the AV receiver and then the signal processing of the AV as a pre-amp. 

I totally believe that the power from an AV is overrated. 

Here is is why I am asking - I found a 7 channel Anthem PVA7 Power Amp which may be a nice solution for now if an integrated amp will not make much difference from my receiver using it as a Pre-amp. 

Let me be blunt. Both the preamp and amp section of your (and almost all) AVR suck. They just flat out suck. If you replace one part, your stereo sound will be greatly compromised by the other. Period. People, especially when they’re relatively new to higher end Audio, tend to underestimate the importance of a preamp in the audio chain. Don’t make that fatal mistake. Get a good integrated and you replace both flawed components of your AVR at once. If you buy the Hegel H160 and compare it to your AVR I guarantee you won’t believe how much better your MA Gold speakers will sound in every conceivable way. There are no shortcuts here. Buy an integrated and get it over with in one shot. You’ll be thrilled you did.

+1 @soix ...

I think my mind is made up...I’m saving for the Hegel 160. 

Thanks @soix   Guys, there is more to things than a transformer etc... There is no simple post that can tell you WHY AVR's sux (sorry to Anthem and other more expensive ones), but you suck too (hope I didn't step on toes, but I know I will).  As I said, there are a ton of integrated's at various levels to listen to. 

Teh only way to say something sounds better, is to listen wiht your own ears.  I enjoy the NAD and Rotel for the under 1k amps. I feel that they are just great values and I've owned and still own their gear.  Heck, I have an Onix integrated amp that is from 1996 or so I believe.  It doesn't have phono, nor does it have remote, but it's still a GREAT sounding integrated amp. Beats (to my ear) most of the sub 2k integrated amps of today.  Heavy toroidal transformer and high end ALPS pots.  Even the internal, point to point wiring is better than most of what I see today.  

Go listen to the Hegel.  Looks don't mean jack...nada....go listen to an NAD and or Rotel.  I promise you that it's worth listening to the Belles also.http://www.powermodules.com/products/aria-integrated.html this is their sub 2k.  I have heard the Hegel vs the Belles at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and was blown away by the Belles.  It wasn't even close to MY EAR....Craig, you will be chasing your tail and losing money and never happy if you don't audition and just listen to a few of the folks online (that includes me too).  Just saying and I be most would agree.