I’m trying to decide what to get for receiver/pre/amp/etc. to build my stereo system around. I’ve been reading a lot of info over at avsforum.com where people have been using regular AV receivers as pres and then adding these “professional” amplifiers. Like the Crown XLS 402 at a mere $250 for something like 270 Watts for 2 channels. The folks there say adding these pro amps improve the sound incredibly. Quite a lot of really glowing testimonials. More power, makes sense. The idea of getting a cheap ($500) AV receiver as a pre and then adding cheap amps ($250) as needed is appealing. But how does it sound versus a fancier real amp setup?

I am wondering how a $250 pro amp might compare to, say, an audiophile/stereo/regular amp costing about 10 times as much (e.g., Aragon, Bryston, etc.). I have not been able to find anyone who has done a real test comparing the two types. Maybe I’d expect the more expensive amps to sound a little better, but by a lot or a little, or not really much at all?

Heck, I’m almost tempted to just buy a $250 amp and bring it around to some stereo shops to do some comparisons. If it’s junk, I’m not out much and could use it for my rear surround speakers that don’t get used much. (I’m mostly into 2 channel music.)

Any thoughts out there on the different types of amps? Thanks.