I say go integated so when you want nice 2 channel music you gain the advantage of a better quality preamp. I'm starting like you but the other way around. I bought a bryston integrated here on audiogon recently as my entry into high end and was going to get a Denon receiver to have surround sound, and IMHO, the B60 sounded better in 2 channel form than the Denon AVR5800. good luck
Best used amp for around 500
I'm am desperately trying to upgrade from a Denon AVR-3300 receiver. Looking for a stereo amp for the fronts. I'm entertaining the idea of a five channel amp, but I don't yet have DVD-Audio or SACD, and money is an issue. The receiver is fine for movies, but for music...well, it won't do. I'm currently running Acoustic Energy Aegis 3's for the fronts - silk dome tweets, pretty warm, laid back sound. Any suggestions?