d4v3pum4:
Pioneer VSX-1018, Onkyo 706, Yamaha 763 spring to mind. The basic way to do it is hook the stereo amp up (spare input/Video) to the front preout, set the stereo amp at 12 o'clock (ideally 0db) as this is a memorable position for returning the volume after listening to CD's and calibrate the amp around that. You do have to remember to turn the stereo amp down as 12 o'clock will be loud and could damage both your hearing and your speakers. I have used this setup for years now, first with a DSP-E800 and now with my present amp. I tried the AVR with music and it wasn't up to much although I'm warming to 5ch stereo with my new Focal speakers.
The front speakers remain connected to the stereo amp as that is what drives them. The AVR drives the rest. When watching a movie, both amps are on. When listening to music, the AVR can be off. I use a Squeezebox 3 connected to my AVR in pure direct mode as this allows me to use the sub too for music (I know stereo purists would scoff at this setup) as it works for me.
If you get one of these http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=CAMB-AZUR-840A-BLK as your stereo amp, you won't need to worry about damaging your hearing as you can fix the input and the volume never changes. This is perfect in the AV situation you want - it's the same amp I have, cannot be touched at this price range (the v2 was £999 for a while last week) and will match perfectly with your Mezzos.