Best AV receiver to use as an AV pre amp

Here is a link to the 'gon listing.

I made him an offer just now, but no idea if he will ship to Canada, my loss could be your gain

Frankly, why am I even sending you this link, you will end up buying it, and I will be back to square one. But it sounds to me like you need some friends that actually listens to what you want...so here it is

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/processors-cambridge-audio-azur-640r-2013-02-01-home-theater-33407-west-palm-beach-fl

I used to have a pre-owned Cambridge Audio (CA) 540 v.1 AVR. I LOVED IT!

Broke due to issues with switching from stereo to DTS, could have something to do with the liar that sold it to me, but I still used it for 3 yrs, so I feel I got my $500 worth out of it.

I have the Denon 2805, a few years old but sounds pretty good. Nothing compared to the CA though.

Your quandry is very similiar to mine, don't worry, be happy, or search for that elusive increase in all things sonic. Mind you I ended up buying a Yaqin tube amp for my two channel listening, but this was well afer the CA went heaven

I am seriouly considering getting a new Cambridge AVR, I just loved the sound, very detailed, but not harsh. Could hear everything on Movies and SACD, much more so than my present 2805. Stereo sound was understandibly quite superior as well, gevin what CA is all about

There is a Cambridge Audio AVR on this site for sale for around $550, if this fellow was willing to ship to Canada I would buy it, but his ad says USA only.

Have not heard the Arcams, but they are very popular with the crowd that has money (which ain't me, which ain't me, I ain't no fortune son)