Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

Thanks all. But, the point of this thread was to try ands get some ideas on what people thought was a better AV receiver than my current Denon to use in my situation described above....or will they all sound about the same ans stick with the Denon.
The NAD was mentioned...as was the Marantz in passing. Are these truly better options than my Denon 2808 ? Any other suggestion that folks have had success with that can offer any feedbacl. ?

I've been pretty impressed with the sound quality I am getting from my Onkyo TX-NR809 as pre-pro to my McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe RevA power amp. I get a really nice, defined soundstage on both music and movies. I run a 4.0 system, and I use the Onkyo internal amps for the surrounds. It also sounds pretty darn awesome on SACD and DVD-Audio via HDMI.

As to comparing to different receivers, my 809 replaced a Yamaha RX-V1800 in the system, and I immediately noted better clarity and dynamics with the Onkyo. The newest receivers do have the latest DACs, which I do think makes a difference.

Frankly, I don't understand the personal, ego driven attacks which too often surface on this forum. Like everyone, I have opinions, but the value of a forum, for me, is to learn, gather information and share, not to step on other people. Speaking only for myself, this is why I share very little on Audiogon and prefer more collegial venues. This particular thread should NOT have been controversial or an "outlet" for disagreeable personalities. Knock it off. Cheers.

Daalyd31,

I agree with some of the other posters that, if you really want better 2-channel sound, you're going to be disappointed by just switching to another AVR. You may get marginally better,or atleast different, sound from a different avr. But, to acheive your goal of a significant improvement in 2-channel performance, it will require a good dedicated 2-channel preamp with ht passthru.
Your Bryston amp, paired with a nice ss or tubed preamp with ht passthru, is your best chance at acheiving very good 2 channel performance. I would recommend asking a local high-end retailer if you could home test a couple prior to purchasing to see if they meet your needs. Ideally, you'd want to try out a ss and a tubed version.
BTW, I don't consider myself a 2-channel snob, I just know through experience that this solution worked for me when searching for a similar solution. Good luck.

Folks

I really appreciate all of the input..really I do. I value others opinions and take others advice as very valuable. But I need to re-iterate, once again, that for various reasons (several in fact) separate 2 channel gear is NOT an option, as mentioned a few times in previous posts. I don't mean to sound unappreciative, but I as mentioned twice...it just won't work for several reasons and is not an option at this point.
If you have some input on an upgrade to my HT receiver, please, let me know, I want to hear it. Heck, if you think that my Denon will provide me with about as good as it will get in my scenario, please let me know that as well. But I am looking for options with an HT receiver. I do appreciate and value the input.
Sorry to sound frustrated, but...