stereo amp vs multichannel

[tomm]

i want to integrate a 2 channel setup with my ht setup and i am deciding between a good 2 channel pre-amp or a good 2 channel integrated amp. it must have a ht bypass and i do like the look of the musical fidelity a5 integrated or possible the a5 pre. with the volumes i listen to, i worked out that my amp should have a fair bit of headroom (i know, you can never have too much) but it is a 1075 multichannel amp. if i introduce a dedicated pre amp into the equation would my 2 channel sound as good using my 1075, or would i get a better result out of something similar like an rb1070? i am really torn between the two options because i know for $2500, i will get a better pre amp stage in a dedicated pre as opposed to the integrated but the integrated a5 will give me more power which should provide better bass etc.

anyone have any advice for me? i also plan on getting a rega p3 turntable aswell if this makes any difference.

[miner]

Since you are going to be using a TT a pre with a good phono stage is a must unless you have a seperate pre for the phone. I have a RC-1070 pre and the writeups about the phono stage used in that is very positve. Some have said the phone stage in that $500 pre is worth the cost alone. I don't use a TT so I can't confirm those reports. I will be upgrading to the RC-1090 pre soon (waiting for delivery). I saw a used 1070 on Ebay - should be able to get one for $300.