Any 5.1 processor with integrated 3 ch amp

Any 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel HT receiver that has pre-outs for (at least) the front L&R or all channels, will work. I've used a similar setup on numerous occassions, letting the HT receiver provide all of the processing and powering the center and surround channels.

You can get a decent HT reciever with pre-outs for as little as about $399 new. I've owned the Pioneer VSX-1015, VSX-1016 and Sony STR-DA4ES and STR-DA5000ES, plus several more expensive ones. I would go with one of the lesser expensive models as long as they had pre-outs and met any of your other needs. I'm currently in the market again and I'm considering the Onkyo 703 or 704.

Enjoy,

TIC

I know of no such option, and it would make little sense to 99% of consumers....I do sympathize with what would be ideal for you, but how could you justify that in a production model?

There actually were a couple of units with processor and 3 channels of amplification that were available several years ago. I can't recall the brand names. However, they were DD5.1 and pro-logic and did not support DTS or pro-logic II. So, for me, I would still buy the modern HT receiver w/pre-outs as it will have much better processing than those older units.

TIC

I know of only 1 such pre-pro, made by AMC and it's a very basic unit with Pro-Logic only. I think your best option would be a HT Receiver as Reubent suggested. However, low-end receivers are very marginal (been there, done that) performers. Depending on budget, you may be happier looking for a used pre/pro and 3 channel amp (somehow making room for the extra amp), or find a used higher end receiver such as a B&K AVR202.