for another 600$ you can get the epic 60 500. that will give you larger left and right speakers, as well as a larger center channel. I would recommend taking the cash out of your electronics budget to fund the increase in the speaker cost. I completely agree with getting a good midrange receiver, and investing in an outboard amp, i would use the receiver to power your surrounds, and then get a nice 3 channel amp for the L/R/C. Then if you want to go to a full pre-pro system, you just need a processor, and a small 2 channel amp for the surrounds.
What is the volume of the room? that plays a big part in what speakers would be correct for your space.
