I hold to the truth that you cannot build an audio signal. You have to start with the best signal you can and maintain that signal the best you can throughout your system until it reaches your ears. So if you degrade your signal with a poor preamp a good power amp will not restore it. You may want to also consider integrated amps that have the pre & power sections in one box. You can't use your receiver as preamp unless you have preamp outputs. Speaker selection switch means nothing. It is a good stepping stone to use your receiver as preamp until you can afford a good preamp. That preamp will be essential though for good sound. In the same manner, you don't want to spend money on new amplification if you have a entry level cd player or other sources. You MUST have a good signal to begin with. Of course you want a balanced system but to illistrate what I am saying, I'd prefer your receiver with a $1k cd player verses an entry level cd player and $1k integrated amp. Others will debate this but they cannot change the fact that an amp will not create or restore what isn't there in the first place.