Hi everyone,

I would appreciate some help with a setup dilemma...

Here is my equipment: Onkyo 805 (130 wpc) receiver, Monitor Audio Gold Ref. speakers, I listen to music via optical from my pc using foobar2000. All my music is archived as FLAC files.

I would like to get a 2 channel Krell KAV-2250 or similar Bryston, Classe or Sim for music listening. I would also like to keep the Onkyo since it decodes all HD audio codecs.

So what is the best way to do this: use the Onk as a pre/pro, with the new amp powering the fronts and the Onk taking care of the rest or do I bring a preamp into the picture? Since I've never used a preamp before, what's the best way to set this up? Would keeping the Onk in the picure greatly compromise the sound quality of a good amp?

Thank you much!

I do not see why that would be a problem. I am doing that right now. I am using my Denon 3803 as a pre and using a Rotel 1075 as the amp. Once I have the cash, I will be buying a new pre but for now my setup is working fine.

Sure you could use your existing receiver as a pre-amp in the meantime, or permanently if it's good as a preamp for your needs.