So far I have only compared them with separate amps. All the separate pre-pros/amps in any combination sound better than the receivers. My current pres are a McIntosh c-220 and an Arcam AVP700.

The only receiver that comes close to the separates in performance is a vintage Sansui DB9090 which I bought new in 1978 and has a 125wpc amp inside. It was a huge 60lb flagship stereo receiver which has been going problem free since I bought it in 1978. Sansui was one of the top audio companies of that period and built its reputation on its quality amplifiers.



John