Suggestions on Pre Amp/Amp or Integrated Amp

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?

IF it was me, I would

1. pick an integrated amp with pre-in or ht bypass

2. use it with the existing Marantz (unless you really don't like it)

because, that will work with the existing Marantz for Video 5.1, and sets you up for separate and better power for the front L & R, better for them, and lessens the load on the Marantz, or any future AVR.

and, is ready for other 2 channel sources, like streaming, cd, even vinyl if you have the room for it and inclination

keep in mind, this is what you would/should do even if you buy a new AVR (with front pre-out)

Primare SPA25 will do the trick for a bit more money.  Anthem or Marantz would be my other two considerations in this price range.  Stay away from emotiva.  I had 300 wpc emotiva amp and it's sound was easily bested by a 30 yr old NAD class AB amp.  The sound from the primare is very, very good where she, you should be satisfied.  You can always add a class AB to the marantz or anthem down the line for the front channels if you become dissatisfied.  I ended up replacing the emotive with a pair of van alstine monos.