Kevin,

First off, Welcome to the Forum!

Now to your question: I have a Sherwood Newcastle R-965 being used in a two story 19' X 18' great room which opens on the first floor to our kitchen / dining area. It will push my M60's, VP150 and QS8's to deafening levels with no distortion from the amp or speakers. My receiver is not exactly what you are interested in but I would not expect the build quality on the R-771 to be any different from that on the R-965...I would highly recommend the Sherwood / Axiom match...

I believe that the setup you are interested in will fill that room size very, very well...especially with the EP-500 in play.

Just my .02.

Good Luck in your decision.

Regards,

WhatFurrer


"Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup..."