AV Receivers vs Separates. Which One Is Better? 

We just added a supporting article to this video at: www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/receivers-vs-separates

My dad and I aren't very knowledgeable in the world of audio, but we know a bit more than the average Bose consumer. He started telling me about speakers he'd find in the thrift stores and he did research on the topic. So a couple years ago he bought nice speakers from the pawn shop that say 200 watt and 8 ohms on the back (B&W CDM 9NT) I think for like a couple hundred bucks only. He told me it was a good deal even though we didn't really understand why. We have a open ceiling family room where we're putting them in so he wanted to have larger speakers because it was a large room, at least he thought. It made sense to me. He also found a Denon avr 2807 to connect them to and to upgrade our existing setup from a 5.1 set we bought from Best Buy from the early 2000's. When we upgraded our family room home theater with the pawn shop speakers, I was so impressed that I started becoming interested too. I couldn't believe that I was in the dark for so long, or rather my ears were in the silence? I think at that moment, I became an audio lover. Anyway, so fast forward to now, I bought a fire stick 4k for his birthday, and I discovered that our Denon 2807 was very outdated and lacking necessary features to take advantage of the features from our other units like the fire stick 4k and 4k tv... I knew it was old when he found it from the pawn shop, but I had no idea that it would basically be obsolete in terms of being able to consume 4k and Atmos/X etc. I was very sad, but then I started to search for other avr units and kept getting frustrated because our B&W speakers needs a lot of power. I'm not even sure now if our current setup 100 W per channel is strong enough. Every avr unit I see is like 70-125 W for 2 channels only! It's very confusing. Why are they rating multi channel avr's with 2 channel power output? I still don't know the answer. Also why are all the latest units outputting so much less than the Denon 2807 which came out like 14 years ago. Our Denon 2807 is really heavy too, and all the units I'm seeing today are like 30 pounds only. After watching this video, it's starting to make a lot more sense. Earlier today I discovered that you could use processor/amp separately. I think this is the route that we'll take. Thanks for the videos, you and other youtubers make it so fun to learn about audio topics. Keep up the great content!

REALLY good, honest review! I've always noticed that separates have such power in the sound waves and warmth/depth.

7 years ago and still very relevant!!

I have been in this hobby for long time, I’m in the separates are better camp over a standalone AVR. I started out with AVR’s, then adding amps and eventually stepping up to a Pre/Pro. I agree if you want to go separates route, you don’t have to dump your AVR long as you have pre-outs to support whatever assortment of outboard amps one prefers. You can hear the difference especially if your speakers are power hungry, but you can hear the smallest details clearly, and your soundstage will be more dynamic as well as effortless. Just my thoughts, good video guys.

I like your receiver + amp approach. I run an Anthem MRX520 with an AudioControl 7-channel amp, which meant that I didn't have to wait for Anthem to justify a re-design of the AVM50 to incorporate the latest codecs. Now with the advent of the AVM60 using common casework with the MRX series, my friends don't even know that I'm not using a separate processor.Added to that, I can now use the 'spare' channels of my MRX to drive the Atmos speakers, which don't require huge amounts of power, and even if they did, I just add a 4-channel amp.

Years ago, I used a NED pre-amp, and a Kenwood 120 watt per channel amp. These ran a pair of Infinity speakers with 15 inch woofers, two mid-range speakers, and an emit-r tweeter in each.

Hi Can you please review Denon's AVR-X7200wa vs. Marantz AV8802A and 2 MM8077? I'm still trying to understand the main difference between these two and how the make power and what the real difference is? I understand that the Marantz separates produces more power or volume. But, what's the real quality difference? I'm using Boston Acoustic M-Series Speakers and Boston Acoustics in-ceiling speak 6 1/2 inch HSI470T2 series. Please Help. Thank you, Francisco

Great video guys! I'm a huge fan of your channel. Best regards, Emiel

I have come to the some conclusion going forward-latest receiver with a good amp for power. I had the Onkyo 989 but ran into the same problems with no HDMI switching. Thank you for the discussion. Currently I have a 5 year old A/V receiver Intergra DTR 6.9, good enough for an apartment but will upgrade when we move to a house.

New subscriber ! Great video, the information I was needing!!!

I appreciate you guys so much. Thank you.

I'm using semi-separates, sangean HD tuner with a Yamaha AS-501 and other components,and I'm setting up a second 5.1 system, I just got a Rotel 1068 surround sound processor and slowly collecting the pieces I need.separates are definitely better unless like you said,you get a high-end receiver they do work very well. It all depends on budget!

I like Separates,but I just bought an A/V Receiver the Denon XL3100 only because I had to send my Carver mono block amps to the shop... I need lots,and lots of power to drive my Infinity Kappa 9 Loud speaker system. I'm really enjoying this receiver though. I have not had a Receiver since the 70ties... doing the old Radio Shack days. do you guys remember Radio shack? :) sure you do.. they still are around but not the same as days of old. I loved Radio yet back in the day. when I get my carvers back I'll use my A/V Receiver as a pre-amp.

I like the separates route,looking at the new yamaha as i write. the top end receivers do the job pretty good. i'm bias towards yamaha since ive owned them for over 20 years. i have the rx-a3020 right now and it does a great job running my def tech bp7001sc setup which has the clr 3000 center and bpvx/p surrounds and bpvx for rear surrounds. but with yamaha once you drop below the flagship they lose power pretty fast and the under $1000 ones aren't even worth looking at, i'm sure the other brands are the same.

Thank you so very much for sharing this.

they talk about all these high end audio stuff and they use a crappy camera microphone to record it..

I love your video clips I'm using a Denon AVR X20 400h receiver from Visions Electronics and I do find sometimes the memory of the speaker connections I have to reset the amp a few times over again on certain setting of The Denon AVR amplifier

hi I took your advice and connected an old denon 3806 as a pre through a pair of quad mono blocks driving monitor audio silver 10's .. I really like what it does for ht but when I switch to pure direct mode for music the sound just doesn't sound as expensive or airy and open as I would like it to be ..what are your thoughts of denon's pre sound quality

I use a network reciever for my cd audio and all video needs (onkyo tx nr5008) however on my analog source ( turntable) I use separates

Hello mate, need your help please. I’m about to add power amp to my home cinema receiver. Do I have to run calibration again, or just to leave it as it was set up on first time ??

I'm a music guy, not a video guy. I have a Denon PMA-2000 Integrated Amp. Love it! Also, my other system has a Jolida JD 1000 Integrated Amp. I've had Receivers from Denon and Yamaha. They were nice. I've had separates from Bryston and Adcom. Loved them. I had to simplify. The Integrated is perfect.

Right now I have a Denon AVR 3808, but I'm looking to upgrade to more modern features, I'm having thoughts of switching to separates for my 5.1 set-up, but for movies I just use a lower volume level, but I really use the power for 2 channel music. Maybe I should just get a newer receiver like the Denon X3400 and use the per-outs to a 2 channel amp for the mains for listening to music. But doesn't a receiver lack sound quality in the pre-outs compared to a separate pre-amp?

Hello Audioholics, I'm in love with my Pioneer Susano. This amp. is able to perform on top-contstnt-quality. It's not a receiver but a compact and heavy amplifier. When you are able to listen you can hear the difference. Depending of course ... cables...speakers....and living room at your home....

I would say you were pretty much right about not much technologic advances anymore. It seems like the audio quality is moving down the road of improvement which is something you probably will enjoy

Hey hope you can help answer this for me...i have a Bose cinemate sr1 soundbar (digital optical out), sony bravia tv (outputs 5.1 dolby). Should i use a receiver to run my soundbar, or just through the tv? does it matter? and would a receiver make a noticeable difference in sound and picture quality for my devices. thanks!

Thank you so much for explaining. i have one question. can i drive floorstanding speakers with 7.1 in ac receivers i mean my dose capable to drive the floor standing speakers 130watt ?

Hi Experts, Can you please suggest your fav Separate Combos for medium power speakers, and your Top 3 Fav Medium Priced AVRs ever?

That's the route I went. Onkyo receiver TXNR-809 with the latest codes, internet radio and networking capabilities along with two Emotiva amps. Its a win win.

Dear Gene & Hugo what are your thoughts on hooking up an Oppo BDP-105D via its analog outs to a power amp like the Outlaw 5000? Since the Outlaw is a Power Amp & the Oppo uses a digital audio control (that chops of the audio bits for lowering the volume), will it necessitate a pre-amp between them? Alternatively is there a good power amp 5.1 or 7.1 with variable volume control that can be mated to the Oppo directly? The reason being I want to use the superior DAC audio processing of the Oppo. Any thoughts is totally appreciated! And a BIG THANK YOU for all the awesome stuff on your site and the awesome informative videos. Keep up the good work and God Bless!!!

AV separates are better hands down but ill admit AVR's are getting better and more feature packed. Im currently running a Marantz SR6005 which has preout jacks so i plan to buy 3 Rotel Amps so I can run a 9.2 setup. I do need to upgrade my Marantz though Im thinking something like the Marantz AV8801, with 3 Rotel amps. If I have the money Ill get the one and only Datasat RS20i or AP20. Also as much as I want to upgrade right now I want to wait and see if Dolby Atmos makes it to the consumer level gear.

You're so right even 7yrs latter

Hey i have a pair of Wharfedale Valdus 500's any help on what receiver i should buy? and what other speakers you recommend cheers :)

It's two channels for me. I am about to add a SVS SB-2000 for my first sub woofer. I am a grumpy old man who can remember when stereo radio required one fm and one am station to broadcast. Now, it is mostly computer sourced music.

I have a cheap Yamaha AVR that provides 5.1 capability to my 60 inch smart screen. My main is an Axiom audio M60. My two channel setup is a Yamaha AS2100 /CDS2100 and plays all my formats including vinyl on a vintage Pioneer PL 520. I have not consider using my AVR pre to run thru the integrated amp, but it is a possibility.

Is Marantz PM6005 good amp for Klipsch RF52?

I would like to know something: I have presently a Pioneer dolby surround ProLogic 400 watt reciever connected to 2 pioneer 160 watt tower speakers and 2 more 80/90 watt speakers hooked to just my A channel ...its sound pretty good! I was wondering if its possible or practical to hook up a 680 watt Kenwood Stereo amp linked to my receiver? Is there an advantage to this soundwise? Or do I need keep everything separate; like also implement a graphic equalizer.

Hi, If I want to use my PC as a home theater, than do I need any "Receiver" ? Because I'm currently using only 5.1 speaker system (My sound card support upto 7.1 channel). Someone Help please!

One advantage o separates is that amps do not become obsolete. You can use a high quality amp for 20 years or more. You can change out the processor or receiver (using pre-outs) as needed but the amp should last virtually forever.

I am looking for an av reciever that has a 5.1 mutichannel analog input. I play multichannel sacds and that input is a must. It could 7.1 or 9.1 or whatever. As long as it will support mch analog and not process the sound. I am lookinf for this and they are hard to find. Any suggestions.

I have a Denon 4200 running 5.2.4 atmos with Pioneers Andrew Jones entry model speakers. I want to run the front speakers on a Russound 2 channel amp. It the R275HC model. My question is where should I set the sound levels on the amp? The speakers are rated 130 watts at 6 ohms and the amp is 75 watts at 8 ohms and 100 watts at 4 ohms.

Thumbs Up! Question. Building a new 2 channel system for digital jazz. I want big highly efficient Cornwall speakers - have a vintage Marantz 4415 Receiever and a Nuforce STA 200 amp thus far. Can I connect the two some way? Suggestions?

I just bought me Bowers & Wilkins speaker’s which are high end speakers. and tried utilizing my stereo receiver which I nearly fried!!!!... Lol. The speakers were very power and crisp in high and low frequencies. I need separates in order to run these speakers to its full potential.

The reason I see to get a Preamp over receiver is the XLR outputs, Most receivers are just RCA pre-out, is this a no-no? or would we be just fine with RCA to the Amplifier(s)

I currently use a 7.1 set up and was thinking of upgrading to 11.2 and most of the set ups that I see for 11.2 seem to be separates. I am wondering if I go for the 11.2 will there be issues in terms of the system getting confused with 5.1 and 7.1 DVD/Blu Ray sources. Or does a 11.2 or 9.2 system some how compensate for this.

hi sir, i have marantz 1608 2018 version. and my speakers is bose acoustimass 6. please help me on how i setup those in order to have a nice sounds including music and movies.. hope you can help me in terms of levels, crossover etc. thank you so much

I use a 9.2 channel receiver with pre-outs. I am adding separate amplifiers to the system to give my receiver some breathing room and the ability for a Doly Atmos 7.2.4.

What is the model of the Yamaha Receiver and Amp you have their? I'm looking to to get a AV receiver Yamaha 3080 and connect an external Amp to it for the fronts Emotiva or Outlaw! What would be your opinion for my external Amp?

+Audioholics what's an affordable processor plus amp system to replace my Sony v444es? Or what's a good amp to use with my Sony v444es? Plus a processor and a preamp? Or do I need separates?

Hope you can help me out looking into buying two new amps (Marantz AV receiver SR7012 2ch 8ohm 0.08% 110w will be driving 7ch) and a (Marantz Power amp MM8077 8ohm 0.08% 150w per channel )also driving 7ch exactly thesame setup as the AV receiver so basically 4 floorstanding speakers totall 8 surround (at the back stacked 1 on 1 on top of each other 4 sets, 2 centre channels) Will the 110w AV receiver be a problem to the power amp that is 150w??? As so my highest output range of my speakers (floorstanding needs 25-200w in 8ohm) the others surrounds and centre are lower ofcourse than that example 25-100w and 30-150w. Will it make a big impact due to the power amp have more power? Will it not as described as the speaker specifications needed? Cranking up the volume will it be out of balance with each other? What is your personal opinion about this and will you kindly make a video about this, been a question for about more than 4 months and no one can give me a GOOD answer about this. Kind regards. (All the way from South Africa)

Does the Aventage line offer any real benefits? Such as a more solid power supply, better shielding between the pre and power amps. You know that kinda thing.

The Denon AVR-5805 receiver is an incredible piece of equipment. I wish that I had owned one.

such a nice video, thanks,

What is HDMI switching? I keep hearing about it but don't know why I need it? And why are pre-amps the same price (or higher) than receivers when they have less stuff inside of them?? Seems to me that they should be cheaper.

I have speakers which require huge power my AVR will not power them properly. Will a separate Amp be what i'm looking at to wake these speakers up? Also next question how much difference will I notice with the separate Fully driving those L/C/R vs letting the AVR under drive the speakers. Will a processer and AMP be a better solution for my setup?

prefer separates, that's what i currently have at home. you can always connect various source to the pre-amp/pro i.e. blue ray, dac, network player, etc.

I have a Pionner LX-83 with a NAD M25 7-Channel Amplifier. Passive bi amp on my Bowers and Wilkins 804s. End the B&W HTM3s I use 6 of 7 channels on the front and center. surround speakers are connected receiver (B&W 805s) 5.1 setup. Sub SVS PB12-plus/2

I just inherited a Denon avr-2600 reciever(no digital audio input) and 2 Polk Audio RT2000P Powered Tower speakers. I would like to add a center channel speaker and 2 rear surrounds in the future for 5.1movie watching in my bedroom (maybe it's called 5.2 because of the 2 subs in the tower speakers). My question is, What should I use to turn the digital signal from my computer to anolog coming out of my speakers. I could use the plugs on my pc motherboard (line out, rear, sub jacks) or I was thinking of getting an external 5.1 dac and the last and I think most interesting option is getting a separate processer to maybe update my technology. With so many options, I am left confused. What would a smart person do? :)

I'm running an old Marantz SR4200 receiver with an even older Sansui AU-20000 as the power amp for the front two channels. The Sansui provides much more kick and control on the low end than the Marantz, which is especially helpful considering I do not use a powered subwoofer in my home theater. However, I do think it's long past the time to upgrade my Marantz, it doesn't do any of the HD formats, and no HDMI switching! :O

This video feels relevant even after 9 years. Great 👍

I've a Celestion Dolby Surround Processor it's gathering dust in a cupboard. Is there a way to connect it to my Sony 5.1 receiver?

Personnaly I always had receivers I'm on my number 3 it's a Marantz and I like the kind of system more than separates because I find it may be more simple to set up but the problem is tha most of these don't have any phono input (and I still like listen to my old collection), so I had to get a separate RIAA

Coming from using the Denon AVR5308ci to the Anthem AVM70, with a Rotel RMB-1095. Even though my Denon was an excellent receiver, the Anthem Rotel combo sounds better. More detailed, wider/deeper soundstage and more dynamic range. I’ve only had the Anthem for about 2 1/2 weeks, so there’s more breaking in that needs to be done. I only have about 10 hours on it.

The guys are pretty buff for a couple of audio geeks. Thinking about getting a Yamaha RX-a840 and outlaw 7125 amp. After watching this video, this seems like the best method for my 4000 cu foot room

Thank you for your video. My question is, Amplifier without receiver sounds better? Because I have a SONY Amplifier/Receiver and I have a Kenwood 1970 only Amplifier. Kenwood sounds crisp, clear you feel more "Presence" than the SONY. Please let me know the right answer.

In regards to diminishing returns, has your opinion changed at all with atmos and dts:x now hitting the market? Along side my aging Denon AVR, I have added a couple power amps in preparation to go with separates. However I'm not feeling as confident about spending $2k-$3k on a processor when it may be missing "the next best thing" since lossless audio. Especially when I can spend $800-$1000 on a new AVR and hook in to my power amps (as you mentioned).

I'm using an Onkyo TX-NR1010 to power my 4 surround sound speakers, and using the pre-outs to a Carver Premiere AV-705x to power my front 5 speakers. I love having sepereates to spread the work load of my AV receiver to power the front sound stage alot better. So yes I enjoy having "BOTH". ;-)

I'm still sporting a Denon AVR-5805 MK2 as my preprocessor. For my front left and right speakers I'm powering them up with a Bryson 4SST 2ch amp. Rotel RMB-1095 5ch powering the center, surrounds and two back speakers. I have my Oppo blu-ray player sending out the audio signal in LPCM to the receiver so I can hear the current high definition audio formats. Another words I have the Blu-ray player decoding the high definition audio codec and the receiver processing it. I still have that itch to replace my processor, I'm having a hard time finding something that will replace my beloved Denon AVR 5805 MK2.. :) Any ideas what you would replace it with? By the way all the speakers are Revel Performo series going into a newly constructed dedicated home theater room.

You do not commonly see many receivers that have pre outs included. Which receivers do you recommend that come with pre outs?

So then this setup is just like hooking up a receiver in my car, using an external amp to power the highs and midrange, and a seperate amp to power the the sub correct? Except, the sub and mid+high range are on two different amps, with two completely different impedences. Can this be done with one home theater amp? Or can one theater amp do more impedences than just high and midrange? Can one amp play all needed Ohms and frequencies (4ohms)? I cant justify the cost for so many home amps as opposed to the cost of car audio.

Good video. I prefer separates and use an AVR in my modest 5.1 with 2 powered subs but my misic configuration in a dedicated space is 2.1 w. 2 powered subs and separates .

I have a Kenwood KRF X9090D, I am looking for an upgrade. I often find myself with more speakers, and the " SP Cable" is on because of jerry rig wiring lol. I never owned seperates, but will consider. I shall look at your site and see what I can do.

I'm currently using both a Pioneer SC-1222-k and a separate amp Atlantic Technology A-2000.

Hi been using seperates for a long time reason also being is i bi-amp all my speaker im using a Primare-SP33 Processor,2 Atlantic Technology-A2000 7 channel Power Amps,M&K Sound Speakers but since i got the new speakers got a spare power amp.

I just bought a PIONEER VSX-LX102 / AV receiver i also bought 2 HDMI cables.. how can i hook it up to my PC so i can watch u tube videos thru the power of this receiver and speakers. Thanks

Comparing the marantz & anthem pre pro, vs more expensize pre/pros, like acurus, lyngdorf, trinnov, datasat, ECT. How does the cheaper marantz & anthem compare to them sq wise?

i love your video s . to answer your question. i ve got both the onkyo tx nr 5010 receiver . and the onkyo pr sc 5507 pre pro and the power amp pa-mc 5501 i think separates are better

What is a Yamaha dsp e800? It seems to be half way between.

Im running Rotel separates RC 1570 PRE & RB 1552 AMP

NAD T-787 receiver. Plenty of power and sounds pretty good also.

Hey, guys. As a matter of fact, I just recently picked up the gear in your video, the Yamaha CX A5000 and MX A5000 amp. I absolutely LOVE them. The build quality is outstanding and the audio quality, the most important thing, is the best that I have heard. Now, in the past I've had to settle for buying a receiver and using it with an outboard amp. I've owned Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, and Marantz. Yamaha is the best-sounding to my ears, with Pioneer Elite being a close second. Marantz and Denon are both very good companies, but their sound is a little dark and even dull to me. Anyway, I always wanted to get a pre-pro, not a receiver, because I think outboard amplification sounds better. I hated buying a reciever, knowing a significant part of my money is going toward amps I'm never going to use. I wanted to be able to spend the same amount of money, maybe even a little more, knowing that all my money is going toward audio quality, not amplification. However, you had very few choices with that, usually only ultra-high-end companies made pre-pros -- with an ultra-high-end price. When I found out Yamaha made reference quality separates, I was ecstatic. Now, I'm really enjoying my new gear. Okay, I actually do have a question for you. I've always heard that separates always sound better. You can take the exact same internal equipment, put it in its own, separate box, with its own power supply, etc., and it will sound better than putting all the components in one box. Is this true, or has modern technology made this idea less valid?

Please do a video on how to connect a receiver to an amplifier and how to make all other components work with it. There is no such video anywhere.

Ok guys I've been watching you for a while and I have a question I'm just a two Channel guy I have a 1972 marantz 2270 and I like the sound now it has a pre out how do you think it would sound with adding a nice adcom 555 amp I have a pair of JBL'S S310 and I also have a pair of klipach 5.2 just wondering how it would sound?? I'm sure it would really be Trial-and-error but I would like your in put or is there a better amp you would Suggest and I am kind of on a budget !!!! The marantz has ok power but I think I would like a little more and would that give me a little more head room so I'm never Near Distortion level ? Thanks you guys you make more sense then most and no I don't spend Thousands of dollars on wires completely absurd....hope to hear from you

It's as good as it's gong to get. Enter atmos dts:x, and 4k sources. Ah technology

But is the processing better on say a marantz av7002 vs a marantz avr7008

Got my Yamaha rx-v675 love the receiver, had a pioneer before but this way more power, which bring me to this question need some good budget bookshelf speakers as the old one just not cutting it, movies are awesome on

I love you both top guys.

I use separates. I have my main speakers tri-amped and that isn't possible with a receiver. I like the flexibility of picking my own amp and having the power not affect the processor. I've had receivers too and they are nice if you don't have power limitation problems.

Good talk guys :)

Now we have 8K tvs with HDMI 2.1 The truth is always get a preamp in separate amplifiers so your amplifiers will last you a lifetime as power, and your preamp can always be upgraded at a cheaper cost when technology advances

I am using my trusty old Yamaha HTR 5150 the receiver that keeps on going. I am ruining Paradigm Loudspeakers in a 5.1 DD DTS and a Reloop 4000 m TT and Xbone for Blue ray.

i Have a receiver (Denon avr x4200) i use seperate Power amps for my front speaker ( to channel Nad 275) in the future i want complete seperate..

Hi, I want to buy AV Receiver in India (Under 60k ) which one is best in everything? what is your suggestion.

Am separate nuts and at one point had 6 boxes (tuner+preamp+dolby processor+3 stereo power amps) now down to saner 4. Still have my 3 stereo power amps, why change it if I like them I say. Roger on new codexes but personally am happy with plain (compressed) 5.1, I like keeping my blurays on my htpc for convenience sake but the software player imposes cinavia blocking from tru-HD anyways, for the most part not worth my effort physically looking for the disc and firing up the bluray player.

I've been doing the receiver with separate amp for more than 20 years, it's a great compromise. However, getting pre-outs is getting harder and harder, meaning the least expensive receiver that offers them keeps creeping up in the lines of the various manufacturers. I've seldom felt a need for the most expensive, feature-laden receiver, but I fear next time I need a receiver, it might be the most expensive one on sale. And, what really bugs me is I think main-in jacks are gone, I'm fairly familiar with Yamahas, I don't know if there are other brands that are less hostile to adding what is really a minor set of jacks. You end up with useless amps which could otherwise be put to good use. Ok, felt like venting about that, feel better now. My first receiver, a Marantz 2270 [the one in the burned ad if you're old enough to remember], it had the classic pair of jumpers across the 4 jacks. I was still using its amps 20 years later to power my center speakers in an early surround sound system kludge in the mid-90's.

i am currently using a Yamaha RX-v1000 receiver as my preamp with a Yamaha M-80 Amplifier too power my Technics SB-G920 speakers

NAD its stereo it has 150 watts continue per channel It has nad powerdrive and soft clipping it can also drive down to 2 home load is this a good machine and can you give me any comment on it thanks Dan

I had not seen this video before and I posted a question on another video thread about this dilemma. I will have an amp to drive my front channel speakers and now I just need to get a receiver for the surround sound and it should not have to put that much demand on the receiver not having to drive the fronts.

I prefer, and use, separates, because this solution gives me more margin for improvement than the integrated option, not, in principle, because the sound must be neccesarly better.

This video is cool, but I'm still having trouble deciding whether to dump my vsx53 and go with separates. I recently bought the cm9 series including the cmc2 center and cm5 rears. They sound great, but the watts on the pioneer I have doesn't come close to 200 watts like the front speakers allows. What's a guy to do :D I also am weary of spending another 5k or more on separates!! Anybody have an opinion? I will post on the AudioHolics forum too