Wow...sounds like you're going to have a really great setup when you're done! I wish I had a room like that.
Sounds like you've got your speaker choices well covered.
As far as separates vs. a flagship receiver, I'd go with the separates. What is your budget for this? Here are a few suggestions in Rotel gear. Rotel is considered one of the best bang for your buck makers of amps and preamps available. I personally have the 1075/1066 5.1 setup and love it. If for no other reason processor technology is changing all the time. If you buy an all-in-one receiver, and want to upgrade to the latest processor technology, you're going to end up having to replace the entire unit. With separates you can keep your amps and just upgrade the processor. There are other reasons as well, but that's a pretty big one.
Rotel RB-1075 (120x5)
Rotel RB-1070 (130x2)
Rotel RSP-1066 (7.1 processor)
This will give you 120/130 watts/ch into 7.1 for $3200 msrp (DON'T pay full msrp!) You can find this very slightly used for <$2500
RB-1095 (200x5)
RB-1080 (200x2)
RSP-1066 (7.1 processor)
The next step up in Rotel separates would give you 200/ch @ $4500 (again, look around and you could find this for closer to $3000)
Finally if you want the TOP of the line Rotel setup...
RB-1090 (380x2)
RB-1095 (200x5)
RSP-1098 processor (new flag ship 7.1 processor)
This set up will set you back $7000 msrp.
If you look on Ebay and Audiogon.com you can find great deals on amps. Most amps are built like tanks and will last for years and years. So you can get a great piece of gear that's only a few months old, and save hundreds of dollars.
Happy shopping! Enjoy your new HT!!!
