trying to make up my mind to go with seperates or get another avr

For simplicity, obviously many prefer using a receiver. So long as it has the power both the speaker system and room size demand, all is well. I dare say the vast majority of HT listening/viewing comes through receivers.

But it sounds to me as though budget is not much a of a concern for you so I would clearly side with separates. IMO sound quality is simply better when everything is considered. Also making the investment in amping allows for continuing flexibility in pre/pros as things change. It is true that receivers get the 'latest and greatest' sooner than most pre/pros so many consider swapping out a receiver, even a high end one like the Denon under consideration, more advantageous in the long run. But this is more important to those who like to early adopt whatever the tech. If you're more of a play' em and hold 'em kind of guy, separates is the way to go.

If this is to be for a dedicated HT, I would opt for a 7 channel amp for the 7.1 system. If this is to be a more flexible setup then both a 5 and 2 channel amp makes more sense or even monoblocks if there is room. Of the brands and equipment mentioned, I have a preference for Parasound, especially the Halo line, but it would be hard to go wrong with any of them. The Denon separates, of course, are top notch.

Good Luck with the HT.

Paul

Separates usually are much more expensive do to the rather small numbers sold (compared to AVRs) , independent of their technical quality. AVRs need less space. Interestingly modern AVRs are (normally) much more sophisticated in the features they provide: number of codecs, formats, In- and Outs, setup etc.