Mcintosh MX170 2-Channel Sound

My question was not very clear at all, sorry about that.  I was basically asking if I should get a stereo preamp to go with my Yamaha processor or skip the preamp and just get a much better processor (MX-170).  

I have the D’Agostino classic 3 and it is powering the Amati’s and the Vox center channel.  Long term my plan is to get monoblocks for the Amati’s and have the classic 3 power the Vox and the rears.

I do not own the Mac yet, I have a Yamaha CX-A5100 and it needs to be upgraded.  So I was thinking about the MX170, but was also considering the Audio Research Ref6 preamp and keep the Yamaha for movies.  I am trying to get them both for a home demo so I can decide if the Audio Research really sounds that much better, if not then I will go with the Mac.  

Thanks for the comments, and for explaining the Samra reference, I had no idea.

I currently have a 5.2, I have a sunfire amp powering Kef LS50’s for my rears at the moment.  I want to get a pair of full range, possibly SF Olympica III’s or something.  

I wish I could hear the MX170 in my set up while listening to music and compare it to a good preamp.  I am not sure how much better the MX170 will be in movies over my Yamaha but I am guessing a dedicated preamp will beat the MX170 in 2-channel enough to make me pick the preamp first.