Reply to Steve81
Steve81 - I agree with your comments, but it still does have Front Pre-Outs. One could use that for a higher output or dedicated Stereo listening or just add more power to the front speakers. It would have been good if they added one for the center channel too. That said, my NR1501 has the ability to shut down the amps that are not in use. By default, you cannot shut down the front (L+R), but everything else can be disabled. So in my 5.1 set, I have shut down the Surround back left and rights. If used as 3.1, then all Surrounds can be disabled, allowing full amp power to be available to the speakers. Good stuff.