Nothing would say "Merry Christmas " like an Integra pre/pro and a Emotiva xpa-5 amp...what a combination.

Is there a difference in the actual sound quality between XPA-5 amp and some high-end avr (e.g. marantz 7009)? Or the difference is in the power output only?

I'm just thinking whether workable solution would be some top av receiver (with pre amps) and maybe external amp later when I actually need that power.... but if the sound of separates is somehow better (I don't mean these super expensive separates) I will incline to that probably...

AV receivers verses separates...

Hi Jjanosik,
Yes, there is a difference in the sound quality of separates compared to a receiver. Whether or not that difference would be very audible to you in your room, or whether it would be worth the extra cost to you, who can say?
Better amps bring a little better sound and a lot more "headroom" as has been mentioned. IF you end up with a good pre-processor with a good room correction program in there, it MAY have to take down some of the volume at different frequencies that bump in your room and bring up others. IF you don't have much power then you will lose some of the volume that makes music sound "hoppin". IOW, headroom is a good thing to have. Now or later is up to you and your plan.
Enjoy the music, it gets better (IF you throw enough money at it, ha ha).
God Bless,
Wayne

Thank you very much guys.

Based on that report posted by Anthem, I will probably buy a good receiver with pre-outs and maybe an external amp later.

Integra makes great gear...