If you were going to use a "separate" power amplifier for the fronts and/ or center, what would you use to drive the amp? A receiver or a pre processor?

What choice?

Why?

What are your key feature trades?

I'm still looking to upgrade and haven't made up my mind.

You can use both a receiver (with preouts) and preamp. For best results go with a preamp. They are supposed to handle one task (processor) only vs. many tasks in the same box from a receiver (processor, amplifier, tuner). Even in price power amp/pre amp combo is cheaper than receiver/pre amp combo.

True that, although... I am thinking about a powerful 2 channel amp for the M80ti fronts and using the receiver for center and surround channels. Good 5 channel amps are pretty expensive and there are some HK and Denon receiver models with good power for the same price as pure processors. I guess it all depends on your buget. Outlaw audio seems like one of the few companies with decent prices on multi channel amps. I would like to go with Parasound or Rotel or Sherbourne when the time to upgrade comes, maybe Axiom depending on what they come up with. Details on the Axiom products are slim right now. Will thay come up with a multi-channel amp or stereo or both??? If I was going to get a new Receiver right now I would go with the HK7300. Testing by Sound&Vision gave it excellent power ratings. Stereo performance at 4Ohms was 290 watts per channel max. I think the official specs are only 110 watts per channel. So many choices, so little dinero.

Therefore my Outlaw monoblocks with my 3805. Very Pleased.

And how do the M80's sound with the Denon compared to the Outlaws? Did you notice and sound quality differences or just the ability to play louder? I have been looking for a used 400-500 watts @ 4 ohm 2 channel amps, from Rotel and Parasound. Still pretty expensive. The Rotel 1090 and Parasound HCA3500 have got the specs, but unfortunately they have a price out of my specs.

I think that Rotel RB-1080 would be great with your M80s. It is rated 200wpc at 8 Ohms, that means around 350wpc at 4 Ohms (correct me if I am wrong). Great power amp. MSRP in USA is 1K but you can look for one used on ebay and audigon, since the Rotel power amps (and power amps in general) do not depreciate vey quickly.

And yes, if you already have a receiver and don't want to go through selling it on your own, it is a wise idea to purchase a 2 channel power amp to power the fronts. Otherwise, if you start something from scratch, and plan to have an outboard power amp, just go for the preamp/amp combo and forget the receiver.

Sent you a PM. I think the 80s sound better with the Monos.

anthem mca30. 3 channel 200 watts per in 8ohms, great sounding not a bad price either. i run two mca30 amps and the avm30 proccesor. great bang for your hard earned money.