There's not much to separates. A preamp-processor looks and functions mostly like a receiver, but instead of having speaker outputs, it has pre outs, which many receivers also have. Each channel that isn't a sub goes to the power amp, then it has speaker outputs. Most of the time they all...
Brady,
I'd like to encourage you to change your priorities on a couple things. If you want to do an above average HT, then give it a little more priority. For instance, why use in wall surround speakers, which eliminates 98% of your speaker options, when some small wall mounted shelves allow...