Simple questions about integrated amps

[JonW]

First, typical intergrated amps don't have DACs, (digital-to-analog converters), built-in but A/V receivers do. So connect the stereo analog "outs" on the CD/DVD player to the integrated and the digital, (coaxial or optical), "out" to the receiver. This will work just fine. Note that you will be using the CD/DVD player's DAC for stereo but the receiver's DAC for HT.

Second, if you're receive has stereo "Tape Out" jacks, you can connect these to the integrated amp (via any line input jacks). The Tape Out circuitry is usually minimal within the receiver, that is, the signal from the source, (CD player or whatever), is passed to the Tape Outs with little or no processing. The amp must provide the volume control hence a power amp won't do with this sort of connection.

Yep, you'll need an integrate in both cases in order to control the volume to your stereo speakers.

The receiver's volume control will work to control the HT volume but not the stereo volume.

OK, so if I have the CD plugged into both the receiver and amp, that amp has to be an integrated amp- so it has the plugs for this. I think I've got it now. And it would be nice to have a remote volume control on the integrated amp for stereo listening (I know they do exist for some).

Another question about this setup: When using the receiver for movies, I could also have the pre outs of the receiver go to the integrated amp. So I am using the integrated amp for both movies and music, correct?