...up to $3k USD on separate DSP/controller and amplifier for an M80 7.1 surround setup with EP500 in a 3500 cuft room? Assume that any unused dollars are put toward increased buying options for other components, so that diminishing fidelity returns are weighed fairly, as in the following series:

Outlaw 990/7125 $1900
Outlaw 990/Sherwood A965 $2600
Outlaw 990/7200 $2750
Outlaw 990/2200 (7) $2820

Feel free to suggest other brands and thanks for nuturing a budding addiction.