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.

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.

"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."

I know for certain that you never worked in my store. I've fired people with a lot more experience than you.

"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. "

Actually I did. Thats why I recommended a 2 channel preamp instead of another receiver.

"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..."

Thats just plain arrogant. Satisfies his needs quite well? Maybe you should let him make up his own mind. Not only that, how much experience do you have with this stuff that you can look at his $800 Denon receiver and then tell him to get something from $900 to 3000? The analog preamp sections of these products don't change much as the price goes up; if at all. He could go out and buy another Denon for $1500 or more and have very little to no change, whatsoever, to the line stage portion of the receiver. I don't see that as very good advice when someone is looking to better his 2 channel sound and is happy with his theatre setup. Not only that, this is not just a complete waste of money on the preamp section, but the amp as well. In spending more money on a better receiver, a huge portion of the increase in cost goes to the amp section. How well will the amp section of a high end Chinese receiver compare to the OP's Bryston amp? Do I really even have to answer that one? It will be a toy compared to the Bryston.

As I said before, I think its a complete waste of money to get a better receiver. The things that will make the receiver better will be of little to no benefit in improving 2 channel sound. Sorry Rlwainwright, but I see now why you only worked in the industry for 3-4 years. I can't wait to hear you invent for a reply, though.