As mentioned in another thread, I'm considering using an AVR as a pre/pro, with a separate external amplifier for 7.1 sound. My HT use will probably be 50% movies and 40% gaming, so I just need some extra headroom for the occasional loud passages/effects. I don't want/need to pay a lot extra for subtle differences in sound (*COUGH* tube amps *COUGH*). My media room will probably be around 3500 cu ft, but I don't listen to things THAT loud.
My initial thought is the Yamaha RX-V659 paired with the 7-channel Emotiva LPA-1 (125 WPC in 8 ohms, 225 WPC into 4 ohms). Since the 659 probably has enough power to drive the surrounds (possibly even the center speaker, too), I'm now trying to find a 2-channel or 3-channel amp, since I may not need all the power that the LPA-1 provides. Since the LPA-1 is $500, I'm looking for something that costs less than that; otherwise, I'd just get LPA-1. Any recs? Thanks.
