Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

I agree with Zd too. Sadly, the 2 channel preamp sections in most AVR's are an afterthought - they were designed for multi channel use with their room correction facilities. Not stereo music. I have yet to hear an AVR in "pure direct" mode that I was impressed with.

Consider a separate 2 channel preamp with a Home Theater Bypass feature. This will allow seamless integration with an AVR and your power amp all in one system. I use a Parasound 2100 preamp in my configuration. Relatively inexpensive and brings my 2 channel listening up to a whole new level. There are many manufacturers offereing HT Bypass preamps all the way up to five figures. If you can fit another box in your installation, check them out. Could be the solution to your problem.

Dallyd, sorry for your frustration but I believe there is a misconnect in this thread. It of course started by you asking for an AVR with a preamp section for 2 CHANNEL MUSIC. So, some of us suggested that you consider a 2 channel PREAMP with HT Bypass; only ONE component. You will still use your Denon, Bryston, et al. However, twice you came back and said separate 2 channel GEAR is not an option. I think some of us are construing the word GEAR as plural. Our mistake and we come back again with the same suggestion. We just want to be sure you do not think we are talking about a separate 2 channel system.

I am going to assume that what you mean is that you cannot even add another component so using an AVR as your preamp is the only viable option. Therefore to address your specific question about what AVR's perform best for 2 channel only, I would agree with others who suggested NAD and would add that the ARCAM's I have heard may even better, especially the AV400 on up. Finally you can consider auditioning Cambridge Audio AVR's too. You now have three brands to listen to with, in my opinion ARCAM being the best.

To consider the mainstream AVRs, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc , you might as well keep your Denon. I not believe this these will give you what you are looking for. I hope this helps and provides you exactly what you need.

Snofun3, maybe you are the one who should read the OP's original request. Very first sentence. I have cut and pasted as follows:

"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."

His exact words; not ours. This is why most of us are talking about 2 channel and how to improve his listening.
Hope this helps and best regards.