I would say at this point in the game, the best reason for someone giving you to get a separate amp, would be for future upgrades.. if you buy a quality amp right now, when newer technology comes along, like HDMI, or what ever comes out after that, you can upgrade the processor part only, and then you will be spending money on the part that you need.. keeping the amp that you already bought.. that is the best way that I can see, I have an amp and processor, and I have upgraded the processor.