I run a basic 5.1 system, but I do want a powerful AVR because I want to use the internal amp for the center and surround channels(tower speakers). I don't do any gaming. My content is cable TV and Blu-ray movies from my Oppo 203 UHD player via HDMI. My TV is a Sony 75" 900E. I use a Krell power amp for the front L/R channels, via an Anthem STR preamp's home theater bypass feature. I just do manual speaker calibration.
It seems that the new Denon AVRs measure the best in terms of SINAD, but I don't know if the difference in distortion is audibly significant.
I like the way the Denon let you turn off the front L/R channel internal amplifiers when using a separate amp, but, again, I don't know if that is something on which to choose an AVR.
I like that the Yamaha has XLR pre-outs, which would allow me to run XLR to my pre-amp's home theater bypass input. Again, I don't know if running XLR over such a short distance is an advantage over a rca connection.
I like that the Yamaha seems to have good voltage output from the front L/R pre-outs, since my power amp's input sensitivity is 2.71 Vrms. I note that in some of the reviews of Denon AVRs, the output level above which distortion rises is only around 1.4 volt. How does the Yamaha A6 compare in that regard?
Thanks much for any input.