I am running a Outlaw 950 pre/pro with a B&K 200.7 s2 amp. After listening to a local setup with a 950 and adcom amps I was sold on separates.
Why? Sound quality, separation, center stage, and sound stage depth. It is so clear compared to my Denon AVR-3300 (105x5) their is no comparison. I hear things in the background of the music that simply were not there before with the 2 previous Denon AVR's I owned. Expecially in Jazz recordings. Don't get me wrong, I was pretty happy with the sound from the Denon, and was a little worried I wouldn't hear the money difference. It only took about 2 minutes with the separates, and I had no regret. My old Klipsch speakers NEVER sounded this good before. Everything is so alive now.
I figure processing changes every few years or so and I can change out the pre/pro and keep the amp for many years to come. I am only running 5 channel currently, but figured I might as well go with a 7 channel amp for future upgrades.
I think you will hear the same comment from people here after actually making the change to good quality separates.
Enjoy!
John