What's the difference between Component processor and AVR receiver?

Hello @mcklinjw  In my experience, separate amplifiers in a home theatre set up will always sound better than an AVR.  Mine was a 5 channel Parasound that was a beast.  That being said, a separate Pre / Processor will also sound better in that it does not have heat generating amps inside that hog cooling and space. An AVR is trying to do it all.  2 channel sound from separates will sound better as well, much better. Amps tend to last a long time, while the software of processors is always evolving.  Separate Pre / Pro's are more expensive, as said above, because they are of higher quality.  My parallel but different history to yours is that I became jaded with Denon and felt better with Marantz.  I think all AVR's have a high tendency to fail.

The DSP/processing technology is generally shared among the same line of products (i.e. all Marantz AVR receivers and AV processors will generally have the exact same DSP/firmware and possibly the same DSP boards).

However, the processors will be better because of these reasons:

1. Processors have significantly better power supplies for all DAC and analog sections (the basically equates to sound quality).

2. Processors will generally have balanced XLR outputs (this can be a big jump in sound quality as the XLR analog output boards can sometimes have a lot put into them).

In an AVR receiver, the DAC/analog power supplies are typically compromised or reduced (sometimes even chained off the main amp power supply).  The XLR boards are removed in place of the amplifier boards and speaker connections.

I believe the DSP logic is the same between Denon and Marantz (they are both owned by Harmon and use the same DSP engineering team).   The DSP boards may even be similar.   However the DAC and analog audio boards are completely different between Denon/Marantz (the two products are voiced completely differently).   Yamaha is a completely separate company and do not share anything with Denon/Marantz.

Some manufacturers may use the same chassis/case for both their AV receivers and processors.   Anthem and Arcam are two examples.  The Arcam may preserve the high end analog power supplies, but lose the XLR output boards (the Arcam processors are basically half-empty inside).   I’m not sure on the Anthem because pictures do not show the bottom power supply boards on the receivers.

I'm late to the game here, but why not an Emotiva processor? I have an XMC-1 (bought used) paired with an XPA amp using XLR cables and I'm quite happy with the sound. It doubled as my 2 channel system until just a couple years ago and it sounds great for the money once dialed in.

Well, I am leaning towards getting a separate pre/pro thanks to your responses here. And yes, was also looking at the Emotiva XMC-2+. Just not really looking to spend that much when the other option would be to get an AVR for basically 1/2 to 1/3 of that price. I think its just the thought of spending $4k+ that is keeping me from proceeding. I am sort of a Noob in the world of higher end audio, but I am learning!! Pretty happy with my Martin Logan speakers.

I have also looked at the Anthem and Arcam but am also not convinced that's the way to go due to the negative reviews I have seen on them. And, I know, these are around the same price as Emotiva. Lol

I just need to get over sticker shock and do it. I will prob end up going with the Emotiva. For some reason, leaning towards this. Haven't seen too many bad reviews on the new plus model. Also going to wait until after their event and see if they announce any new products.

Thanks for all of the input! Cheers