Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

Daalyd31,

I agree with some of the other posters that, if you really want better 2-channel sound, you're going to be disappointed by just switching to another AVR. You may get marginally better,or atleast different, sound from a different avr. But, to acheive your goal of a significant improvement in 2-channel performance, it will require a good dedicated 2-channel preamp with ht passthru.
Your Bryston amp, paired with a nice ss or tubed preamp with ht passthru, is your best chance at acheiving very good 2 channel performance. I would recommend asking a local high-end retailer if you could home test a couple prior to purchasing to see if they meet your needs. Ideally, you'd want to try out a ss and a tubed version.
BTW, I don't consider myself a 2-channel snob, I just know through experience that this solution worked for me when searching for a similar solution. Good luck.

Dalyd31,

After just rereading this entire thread, I've come to the conclusion that:
1. I will be giving Snofun3 an actual or atleast a verbal atomic wedgie. This will necessitate me pulling Snofu's underpants waist band firmly upwards from the back side until it is pulled completely over his head ending loudly with a painful 'snap' as I release the waistband underneath his chin, and
2. If you continue to refuse to go the separates route, then you will continue to be unsatisfied with your system's performance in some area with no clear cut solution.

However, I would still like to help you find a solution and have some ideas. But, if you're serious about better sound, you need to be flexible,keep an open mind and overcome any space constraints or other obstacles. Here's one solution:

Sell your Denon avr.
Keep your 3 channel Bryston (this is a very good amp that should provide the basis for both a very good 2-channel and ht system).
Buy a surround processor (prepro) either new or used
Buy a high quality ss or tube preamp with HT Pass Through, either new or used (the better the preamp, the better the 2-channel sound).
Buy a small stereo amp to power your surrounds, either new or used(doesn't need to match Bryston quality or expense).

I know you have objections that I'm still not exactly clear on. But the easy solution, of just getting a better avr with very good 2-channel performance, may not even be attainable at any price. You have reached a fork in the road on your audio quest. Either keep chasing an unattainable goal with an avr based system or make a bold and decisive move in a separates based system direction that will almost certainly result in very good to excellent 2-channel performance).

I would be willing to assist you if you choose the separates route. If you're looking for the easy avr solution, I'm sorry but you're on your own. Let me know if you want my guidance on choosing components or setup. Or, let me know I should stop beating this dead horse. Thanks

Tim

     I think zd542's post way back on 1/26/2013 contained all the answers the OP needs to answer his original question.  That was 5 years ago but zd542's advice is still valid today.
    Due to the OP's insistence on only using an AVR for 2-ch music and his insistence on not utilizing a high quality separate preamp with HT Pass Thru, however, I seriously doubt the OP has improved his system's 2-ch music performance unless he followed zd542's very good advice.
    My thought is "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"
  Tim