I use the Pioneer Elite 94 as a pre. It allows me to have HT, and drive a zone 2 with channels 6 & 7. Feeds a Rotel 1095 and sounds pretty good. My next purchase will be a preamp with a HT bypass to improve the 2 channel sound, and keep all the functionality.
Who is using their receiver as a preamp only?
Just curious about experience. I'm considering the Antique Sound Lab Wave monoblocks to power the ZU Omens I'm about to order. I would eventually go with a Tube integrated (cayin 50 T, etc) and I would have to purchase a separate DAC for the Cable box and Apple TV2. I currently have a Pioneer Elite A/V receiver.