Hi,
for modern sound options involving Video, understanding HT Bypass is recommended. I had it wrong, but it was made clear by others in this thread:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/2-wonderful-stereo-lp-s-rescued-by-mono-mode-and-balance
You may not want to go this far now, you mentioned budget, but at least know about it when deciding
1st the AVR needs line level FRONT OUT.
HT Bypass is an INPUT on a 'front' stereo music system’s Preamp, to pass the front L and front R signals at line level, from the AVR, to the ’better’ amp, and let the AVR control the volume along with the center and surround speakers the AVR amplifies.
Thus, music, or video with surround, the better 2 channel equipment drives the front L and front R.
for modern sound options involving Video, understanding HT Bypass is recommended. I had it wrong, but it was made clear by others in this thread:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/2-wonderful-stereo-lp-s-rescued-by-mono-mode-and-balance
You may not want to go this far now, you mentioned budget, but at least know about it when deciding
1st the AVR needs line level FRONT OUT.
HT Bypass is an INPUT on a 'front' stereo music system’s Preamp, to pass the front L and front R signals at line level, from the AVR, to the ’better’ amp, and let the AVR control the volume along with the center and surround speakers the AVR amplifies.
Thus, music, or video with surround, the better 2 channel equipment drives the front L and front R.