I have two of the A1400-8 amps; one driving 7 Axiom speakers and other, in a separate setup, driving two Mcintosh LS360s. You will be very pleased with it. I would not get too hung up about the active (voltage loaded) inputs cooling the op amps. In most driving conditions, the amp runs just warm to touch. I have two thermostatically controlled cooling fans sitting on the amp in the HT room, and this was probably an overkill in retrospect. Marantz AV7005 is receiving good reviews, and it has XLR outs that you can use to connect to the A1400-8. I look forward to reading your thoughts when you have had the chance to put everything together.
