pre/proc or integrated w/pre outputs


hi all,
maybe someone could offer advice. i currently run a denon avr-687 and am looking to upgrade. i just acquired a RBH labratories 5 channel amp 100WX2 & 75WX3 which i would like to use.
I've been looking at outlaw 970/990. rotel 1066 and NAD T163 preamps. But now I started to consider an Integra "all-in-one" (5.8, 6.8, 7.4 or 7.8) and use the pre outs to driver the RBH amp?
What I'm asking is will I get a significantly better sounding unit by selecting one of these over the other. Does one manufacturer use better ic's or dac's which should sway me?
Currently I send all my video & audio into the Sony Bravia and take the optical out from the sony & feed the Denon AVR-687. The only other input I utilize on the denon is Optical 2 from my satellite dish receiver.
So I don't really use (need) many inputs like most of these pre/procs offer or the denon for that matter. what i really want is better, cleaner, more defined audio.

Any input would be welcomed
wzakaras
Is the RBH really an upgrade over the Denon? Isn't it an older unit? To really see a benefit from power increases, you will need to double or triple the power from the denon. If you figure that by going to one of these processors first is a good start, then great. There is no use in going to the Integra units that I see. Go for a pre/pro that can handle your satellite outputs. Then from the pre/pro to the Bravia.
I'd really push you to use the digital outs from the dish reciever to the pre/pro and analogue outs from the receiver directly to the bravia for when you aren't using surround.
Follow up: If I could get the 970 in the neighborhood of three hundred plus, do you think it would be a wise investment and i would see a significant improvement over the denon?