Soix thank you. I didn't even think your suggestion was an option. It's yet another consideration to the whole problem. When you say the marantz has a garbage preamp vs a stereo integrated, what are you basing that off of? I know measurements are only one thing but the SR8015 did seem to measure really well in its preamp output (as per audioholics). Gene's opinion was that the preamp section on the SR is really good for an AVR. Of course he may be speaking relatively.
I started looking into separates placing a premium on the pre-pro side and then shifted to placing more importance on the amp side. Now I feel like I'm being shifted again to the pre-pro. I understand it's the hobby but it's painful to consider a higher end pre-pro (let's say anthem avm 70- not yet out) costing $3400. So tempting to stick with an avr and external amplification.
I started looking into separates placing a premium on the pre-pro side and then shifted to placing more importance on the amp side. Now I feel like I'm being shifted again to the pre-pro. I understand it's the hobby but it's painful to consider a higher end pre-pro (let's say anthem avm 70- not yet out) costing $3400. So tempting to stick with an avr and external amplification.