I agree with 2x6 and Minirock.
I used to run receivers like Rotels flagship RSX1065 receiver and the Pioneer 53TX. Both handled HT and music great. But when I went with external amps through the preouts of the above receivers using Bryston 4B,3B and 2B amps and my current Musical Fidelity A300, my music and HT sounded much better. Without telling my fiancee that I switched out the receiver and put in power amps she noticed a big difference in dynamics and extra information. Many people that have come and demo my system also have mentioned the increase of sound quality at the same level of output. Today I have pulled out the receiver altogether and run the power amps from the sound card of my HTPC which does 7.1 output to my power amp and to the projector.
