Integrateds vs Emotiva XPA-2 + $600 AVR as preamp

Just a little confused. Are you building a 2 channel only system or multi channel because you mention using an AVR as a pre-amp. I would recommend against using the AVR as the 2 channel pre-amp sections in most AVR's are simply an after thought and not of the best quality.

If quality 2 channel reproduction is what you are after, then I would lean toward a nice intergrated to drive those Dyns (nice speakers by the way). The ones you mentioned will work. With a $1500 budget, I would also add the NAD 375BEE and Creek Evolution 2 to your list.

Finally if your asking about an AVR as a pre-amp because you already have one and want to add a Emotiva power amp for the Dyns, I have another suggestion to consider. Get the Emotiva power amp for your L/R mains but consider a 2 channel pre-amp with home theater bypass function. I use a Parasound 2100 pre-amp with this feature in my combination HT system and 2 Channel rig and it works great. I believe Emotiva has a pre-amp with this feature too. Also, many integrateds have it so you can use the integrated (pre and power)for your 2 channel listening but only the integrateds power amp section for HT listening allowing your AVR to do all the precessing and control. I think the Marantz PM 8004, Musical Fidelity M3i and Creek Evolution 2 all have it.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Now I am clear. Glad that I was on the right track all along. That being said, I am a big fan of combination HT and 2 Channel systems using a bypass feature. I really feel its the best of both worlds in one installation.

So you have a receiver and the Dyns now and you are concerned that an integrated would not have adequate power and current to drive the Dyns. All the units you listed plus a few more I have suggested are rated 75 to 150 wpc and while exact amps in current may be unknown, these are all high quality amps that will drive the Dyns with no problem. But if you are more comfortable with the XPA-2's power, then add an Emotiva USP-1 2 channel amp with By Pass along with the XPA-2. You now have stereo separates that will get the job done now and under your budget. And they will be ready to start building a multi channel system around when you get to it.

Just make sure the AVR you eventually get has pre-outs and adequate power for the center (very important) and surrounds (not as important).

Good luck on your journey to build a system.

You're welcome and it was very nice to assist. You are wise to start thinking of a quality 2 channel rig now for the best possible stereo reproduction and building the multi-channel HT system around this solid base afterwards. Good luck and be sure to post some pics of your system in the virtual systems section when you are done. Enjoy the process and especially the music!