Even if the AVR is in the same price category as the Pre Amp it has the cost of features such as its amps, tuner, etc that mitigate any useful comparison based on cost. I would think the AVR would need to cost considerably more for its Pre Amp section to possibly contain the same quality components as a stand alone Pre. Anyways I think any comparison of products based on price is only the very roughest of guides.
Without specifically comparing the two I would be inclined to think that the components of AVR would not be of the same quality and that the other features might contribute noise into the system that would not be present in a separate.
Without specifically comparing the two I would be inclined to think that the components of AVR would not be of the same quality and that the other features might contribute noise into the system that would not be present in a separate.