for years i had a denon 4802 (one model up from the 3802) and it had a damn good amp section--i passed it on to a true audiophile buddy who was also surprised by how good it sounded. however, your revels need a lot of high-current power and i would go for a parasound amp (coincidentally, i power my revel performa f30s with a parasound hca150 and it's a significant improvement from the denon).
Improvement over 2002 Denon AVR-3802 for 2 Channel Music System
I currently have a 2002 Denon AVR-3802 that I am using for a dedicated 2 channel audio system. My room is a converted garage bay, about 15'x24' (with a bunch of guitars and amps and such in it - multi purpose room...) I have Revel Performa3 M106 stand mounted speakers, and an SVS 3000 Micro sub. I am streaming using Roon (Qobuz and Tidal as well as DSD "rips" of my SACD collection) into a Ropieee loaded Raspberry Pi 4 into a Geshelli Labs JNOG2 (with AK4493). I have a Sony BDPS-5100 for playing CDs via coaxial out into the Geshelli (also used for ripping SACDs). For vinyl. I am using a late '70s JVC QL-A7 with an AT VM540ML cartridge into a Schiit Mani2 pre.
Anyway, overall the sound is really good. However, I am being tempted by the idea of separates, and what I can do to best improve my experience. I am thinking middle-of-the-road for now. No Mark Levinson or Mac (yet). Candidates include the Parasound P6 pre with either the A21+ or the A23+ power amp, or maybe the Anthem MCA 255 Gen 2 (not going to go all the way to the Anthem STR). Another extremely interesting idea is the Benchmark AHB2. For budgetary purposes, I would likely buy an amp first, and continue to use the Denon as a pre for the time being. I use it in Direct mode, WITH bass management (speakers set to small - sub set to on). Eventually, I would want a pre with Bass Management as well. Not super interested in a pre with a built-in DAC, but most seem to have this (Including the P6). After that, a better phono stage...
My quandary is, what will I really gain here with a new amp? The amp section of the Denon is solid- does not seem to be lacking much other than lower volume push / punch / control and (of course) definition at more extreme SPLs. I feel like the A21+ would be a significant improvement, but not sure I want to drop $3k on an amp when the current situation is pretty good.
I guess I am wondering if a lower wattage (closer to that of the Denon's 105 WPC), lower $ amp (like the A23+ for example) will get me any significant (audible) benefits over what I have, or do I need to bite the bullet and go with the A21+ or Anthem. I know that eventually the Denon will give up the ghost, but I bought it brand new in 2002 and it has never failed me yet. I just want to get ahead of its inevitable demise. I know it seems like I am answering my own questions here, but I think I need some affirmation from like-minded folks.
I'd hate to drop a few grand and be nonplussed with the results. Not a unique situation, I know.
Talk me into it.