Integrateds vs Emotiva XPA-2 + $600 AVR as preamp

Just a little confused. Are you building a 2 channel only system or multi channel because you mention using an AVR as a pre-amp. I would recommend against using the AVR as the 2 channel pre-amp sections in most AVR's are simply an after thought and not of the best quality.

If quality 2 channel reproduction is what you are after, then I would lean toward a nice intergrated to drive those Dyns (nice speakers by the way). The ones you mentioned will work. With a $1500 budget, I would also add the NAD 375BEE and Creek Evolution 2 to your list.

Finally if your asking about an AVR as a pre-amp because you already have one and want to add a Emotiva power amp for the Dyns, I have another suggestion to consider. Get the Emotiva power amp for your L/R mains but consider a 2 channel pre-amp with home theater bypass function. I use a Parasound 2100 pre-amp with this feature in my combination HT system and 2 Channel rig and it works great. I believe Emotiva has a pre-amp with this feature too. Also, many integrateds have it so you can use the integrated (pre and power)for your 2 channel listening but only the integrateds power amp section for HT listening allowing your AVR to do all the precessing and control. I think the Marantz PM 8004, Musical Fidelity M3i and Creek Evolution 2 all have it.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

What you've stated, Paraneer, is exactly what I want to do. I would like a higher quality 2-channel system for music, and then a home theater setup for movies with friends and family.

I am using a stereo receiver right now, and am looking to upgrade. The reason I ask for opinions regarding this is because I am looking to spend $500 or so on an AVR, and then the amplification for the mains from the XPR-2. But as is the case, I wonder that using the Emotiva stereo pre-amp might be better first, and wait to buy an AVR later to drive my center and surrounds once I have additional funding. It seems that that may be the best option. Thanks for your input!

Also, the reason I am looking for seperates instead of just using the integrated amp with home theater bypass (PM8004, M3i, etc) is due to the power ratings. I would like as much headroom as possible, which I believe the XPA-2 can provide at a lower cost than most of those integrateds. My only concern is that I can't make a great judgement of how those will drive my speakers, since no manufacturer provides a rating of current.

And the last thing is money.
XPA-2 $800
AVR - $500-600
Pre-amp - $400+
Integrated amplifier $800-1500
My question is does it sound $400-$1000 better with the complete separates. The most appealing idea is the Emo preamp+XPA-2 and wait for the AVR when I'm ready to expand.