How is this post in any way constructive or helpful?
The guy was looking for advice, and info, not a debate about something that, quite frankly, is subjective and dependent on variables that aren't the same for everyone. Again, to each their own. Not, to each everyone else's.
+1.
It's a slippery slope. I had a Sony ES STR DA 9000, which had plenty of power, but sounded mediocre compared to high end electronics. Tried some outboard amps, but the preamp out from the receiver (almost any receiver) is moderate at best. In order to get the high end sound, switched to a Classe SSP-300 preamp/processor, with separate power amps. Now THAT upgraded the sound considerably.
So, would recommend to either just stick with the receiver, or look at a separate preamp/processor with dedicated power amps.