Clean amplification but also clean pre-amplification. Imagine how much better it would all sound with a clean pre-amp. I very much doubt that Denon's pre-amp is clean. I know my Onk's isn't.

I now know I need to pitch my once beloved Onk over my neighbor's roof and buy a pristine pre/pro. The question is, how do I judge "pristine" from spec sheets?

I want to pair a pristine pre/pro with Axiom active speakers.

House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated