[quote user="HDNumpty"]So would I be right in saying then, you can't really have 2 amps (AV/Stereo) sharing the same set of speakers UNLESS your amp is very clever like the 840 and has assignable volume inputs??[/quote] No, you would be wrong with that assumption my friend. Any AV receiver with front left and right pre outs, SHOULD be able to connect to any stereo amplifier via a stereo interconnect. The fixed input is just handy as if you say calibrated your 5.1 with your stereo amp set at 12 o'clock, you would have to remember to keep it at that level when watching movies. The problem I had with my Creek Evo is that the pre and power parts of the integrated amp could not be used seperately. In essence, the my 840 is the pre and my receiver the power for my front two when using my 5.1. I hope that makes sense and even more importantly, I understand it correctly myself!