Choosing to upgrade AV Receiver to Pre/Pro

[ronsound]

Recently went down the road of:

Using my Yamaha V663 as a Pre for L & R and using my Quasimodo (Analog 2ch amp) to drive the Speakers. Enjoying Better Dynamics and cleaner HT.

Looking at going down the road of Pre -> analog amps on each channel of HT. Next part of the journey will be driving the CENTRE channel with another Quasmodo amp as example.

Do I invest in a dedicated AV pre (e.g. Emotiva).

What suggestions for Brand, models. etc. (<$1000)

2nd hand OK.

Need ALL new HD Audio codec via HDMI (but NO 4K or 3D needed)

[L J T]

I recently bought the entry level NAD receiver for use with all external amps like you are planning to do. It is very stripped back and does exactly what I need it to do, no networking as my BD does this. The pre outs are fed into Emotiva amps and the result is better than what I anticipated for entry level.