2 channel integrated amp versus 5.1 av receiver

[jyobaccio]

First, I appologize if this has been covered a lot, but I could not find a recent post about this and I know receivers have come a long way. My specific question is are there audible advantages to having a 2 channel integrated amplifier versus a good 5.1 a/v receiver? I love music and bought a Cambridge Audio Azure 840A integrated amp and 840C CD player. Unfortunately, I can't watch concert DVD's recorded in 5.1 or stream any music from my computer without additional equipment purchases. I do love music, but am not sure I am the most critical of listeners compared to some. I'm wondering if I should replace my 2.1 channel integrated amp for a high quality a/v reciever.

 

[mike c]

what receivers are you looking at? what budget?

 

[jyobaccio]

I hadn't done that much research on a/v receivers after my hi-fi salesman told me 2.1 was the way to go. I spent $1500 on the integrated amp, so I would want to stay close to that figure or maybe bump it up to $2000.

 

[mike c]

in that case, a 1.5k-2k receiver will not give anything up in sound quality to your integrated amp + give you the 5.1 surround capability + high def capability

look at Denon 3808, 2809
Yamaha 3900 http://store.audioholics.com/product/1967/4/yamaha-rx-v3900-surround-receiver