Suggestions on Pre Amp/Amp or Integrated Amp

I’m a new member but have been following these discussions for years in an attempt to stay current on equipment, reviews and suggestions for my home theater. Due to somewhat advanced years and a spouse that doesn’t really like all the effects that a good home theater system can provide I decommissioned my system last summer and replaced it with a Nakamichi soundbar. I have given away my speakers and kept my Oppo and Panasonic region free 4k players but still have my Anthem 8k MRX 740. I’ve never sold anything on the internet before but have started to look at eBay and others. I will price the Anthem aggressively for the right buyer. Let me know if you’re interested.

I forgot to say, IF you might use the 2 channel amp for other 2 channel sources, then you want an Integrated Amp, remote volume control is nice. It will need a way to pass the AVR's front pre-outs to it's amp, bypassing it's preamp section, bypassing it's volume control. HT Bypass, or Pre-In.

I have an Anthem MRX 540 (integrated and rear speakers) and MCA 325 (front speakers).  Total retail is $1,899 and $2,699.  A bit unconventional, but sounds great.

@bucg8torfan 

tighter, punchier bass, clean power, room correction and more watts

Power could be sufficient in a small room if you set your speakers to small, which most do. Given the budget, a B&W 703 S3 (or equivalent brand) on sale or used + a generic class D module (VTV HypexNC252MP) will give you what you want for mixed movie/music.

The 703 will offer a significantly wider and taller sound stage while the amp will give you more power.

If you had said I want a larger, more delicate sound, then your original plan for an integrated amp with the same speakers works. The 703 does it in a natural way while the amp/preamp is more psycho-acoustic. I'm not sure you can find a separate pre/pro + amp for under $5k new.

 I'm not sure you can find a separate pre/pro + amp for under $5k new

why not?