I personally like having an external amp driving the speakers. I use a receiver for the pre/pro. Dedicated pre/pro's cost a fortune.
I wouldn't change a thing in my system with the budget I had to work with.
Also, ATI makes a great amp. I actually had the pleasure to set one up. Very nice
Now a lot of people say that some amps are "WARM" or "DELICATE", I say their full of sh*t. This only applies to tube amps. True silicon amps shouldn't alter the sound, period. (Unless there made by some crappy third world manufactures that makes tires and amps). Keep in mind that this statement only applies to reputable external amps.
I had to get that off my chest, it's been pissing me off for a while now.
Tom
