I disagree. I think that separates DO make a difference in a 2 channel application. Not so sure about HT. I say that not from what the others or dealers say, but from my own experience. I switched from Rotel RX-1052 Stereo receiver (100wpc) to RC-1070 preamp and first to RB-1070 power amp (130wpc) and then finnally to RB-1080 (200wpc), and noticed a great improvement. You have to try both (receiver, separates) to believe it, or you can go to some high end audio store to audition.

Axiom M60s, QS4s, VP100 Onkyo TX-SR804 Oppo 970HD Rotel RB-1080/RCD-1072 REL Q150E sub, PS 3