AVR vs Integrated amps for 2 channel playback general consensus?

That's awesome! The Parasound Halo integrated is a real nice piece as well at quite a bit more than $250.

 

I'm sure many would disagree but that's been my continued experience pairing the two with a variety of speakers. However, I definitely prefer the Halo for Maggie duty.

 

That really surprises me. If I knew a place to find that unit for $250 I would buy it instantly and to an AB comparison myself just to see. The dynamics of this 110 watt amp are MUCH better than the 85 watt amp I've been using. I would think wattage and dynamics go hand in hand... perhaps not? What else could account for the difference in dynamics?

 

I'm curious as to what integrated you went with? I've got the equivalent Canadian consumer model of the V1800. I just got new speakers and it sounds pretty good, but I feel I can get more out of the speakers. How would you describe the difference between the V1800 and what you are getting now?