Yeah, Graeme; wrong assumption again. The 661 should power M80s to very high levels, since the M80s are slightly higher than average in sensitivity and require less power than many smaller speakers. Whether it would be adequate for the sound levels and dynamic range of the material that you play can only be determined by trying, not assuming.
As to a new receiver, however, the $3200 U.S. that you're willing to spend strikes me as being too high, and I'd think that about half of that would do the job. I'd mention for consideration the Onkyo 876, Denon 3808(with Dynamic EQ upgrade)and possibly the Sherwood Newcastle 972, if it ever does come out(now delayed yet again to end of January)and if the Trinnov implementation meets expectations.
