I don't have a particular one in mind right now. I'm inclined to look at Denon, Marantz, NAD, Pioneer. I'd like to pick up something second hand - a receiver that would probably cost around $1k AUD (quite a bit less in USD) ... around the price point of Denon AVR1709
I see. Here in Canada, or USA, the Denon AVR-1709 does not have preouts. In the Denon line, preouts only start to appear with the 28XX (i.e., 2809) series (for the North American market only).
The Marantz line start much earlier (good). Nad & Pioneer, about in the mid line.
From what I learned over time, Denon receivers in general makes great preamps (i.e., the 28XX series and up). Also some Yamaha models (i.e., RX-V2600), but not all models. Some Yamaha models from some years are not up to the task, you have to be digilent & do some research. Marantz receivers seem to be fine, as well Onkyo receivers. NAD should also be fine. As for Pioneer, I believe that you have to be more vigilant. But like I already said before; usually the higher models in any brand should have the requisite preamp section, but not always, there are some exceptions, and it's up to us to find out.
Because a receiver has preouts does not mean necessarely that they are up to their task, right Paul?
A little care and money has to be put in that very important section of a receiver. Nowadays, quality is taking a hard dive, for the sake of more features. Buyer beware.
* Paul, to learn more about the preamp section on certain receivers, there are many reviews that mentioned these aspects from various sources (UltimateAvMag, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, Audioholics, ...). I suggest you check out at Audioholics, there are several reviews on receivers, and usually they do lab tests on the preamp section, where output impedance from the preouts are discussed, as well RMS voltage output gain, damping factor, THD+N, and others. There are even several good articles in these subjects.
[Just remember, not all receivers are created equal. And you can find some fabulous deals on the used market for one with an examplary preamp section, that could be matched with any power amplifiers on the market; and that Paul, it's something to look for.]
Cheers,
Bob