You have now started three different threads Nesto in an attempt to improve your 2 channel listening and everytime an integrated is suggested, you keep going back to questions about HT stuff. We really are trying to help you. But they are two different things and HT is great for car crashes, explosions and battles between giant robots but Not For Music!
So, I will repeat again...a 2 channel amp & AVR will not give you what your looking for. You tried it with the Emotiva and didn't like it. A different power amp with your AVR will not help. A dedicated pre/pro and power amp will not give it to you either. You would still be stuck with the sub-par stereo preamp section that HT gear has.
For good 2 channel stereo, you need good 2 channel components that were designed for stereo. Not HT stuff designed for digital surround sound!
I will explain an integrated with HT bypass again. One pair of interconnects from you L/R main pre-outs of your AVR into the HT inputs or Power Amp Direct inputs of the integrated. All analog sources (TT, CD, Tape Deck, etc.) are connected to the integrated. All digital sources, (Blu-ray, Gaming System, etc.) are connected to the AVR. The integrated powers the main speakers ALL THE TIME, regardless of source. The AVR powers the center and surrounds only when you want a digital source.
For 2 channel you only turn on the integrated and use its volume knob (in other words, its preamp section). And you get true high quality HiFi stereo. For multi-channel, you turn on the AVR and use its volume knob - all with the push of one button on the integrated. And you get surround sound. This is exactly how my system is configured.
If a sub is important for 2 channel listening, consider getting a REL that can be simultaneously connected to both the integrated and an AVR. Or some integrated amps with HT Bypass now offer sub-out jacks,. Like the Parasound Halo Integrated. Come to think of it, this unit would be all you need.
I hope it is all clear now.
