i have to agree with cpd on there is not fair to compare receiver to seperate. That is why most hi end receiver has out put for amp.
last friday before I order my 990/7125 i went to my local audio to listen to acram 300 and rotel RSX-1067 both of them around 2k. But i saw used B&K ref 50 s2 and amp 5 X 200w for 2k. So i decied to go with it because i have 7 days to return on it. Right the mintue i turned it on i know i made right choice. Even my wife had to impress with my new system. i will keep my B&K.
with the seperate you can hear the clarity and fell the power even with low volume( i don't have a sub) but with the receiver you have to turn kind of louder in order to feel the power or clarit

sorry guys i can't be join outlaw fan.
but i have to say seperate is the way to go. any one out there hope to send 1k or even 2k on receiver and hope it will beat your 10 years old receiver then please don't because it not worth the money.