There are some terrific receivers from Magnum Dynalab which proves that a receiver can be made to sound good. You could buy a car for the price of that receiver though.

An integrated is a good choice because most have the pre-outs power out so that you can change the integrated to serve as a power amp or a preamp down the road.

For instanc I can connect a power amp to my Sugden and use it as a preamp, or connect a preamp and use the Sugden as a power amp.

Once i have done one of these things then I could trade the Sugden in for the second piece.

Most integrateds especially tubes are quiter than many separates. Unless your speakers are ineficient and insensitive the 20-50 watts will play plenty loud with good dynamics etc.

Most receivers use the poorest of the poorest possible parts and built by accounting departments than those who are tying to create the best sound.