Deadmau5, with my M60s I did not really notice any performance difference in just adding an offboard power amp, in my case the Emotiva UPA-7. However when I replaced my Denon AVR-3805 receiver with the Emotiva UMC-1 processor it was a huge improvement.

I therefore second the earlier opinion that if you want sound quality go with a simple stereo only receiver setup. I am currently trying to steer a friend in the same direction. There are some nice analog stereo receivers out there that will provide good performance. Home theater receivers are spreading your money across many functions that you may never use.

Dave

M60s, VP150, QS8s(3), SVS PB12-isd, Denon 3805, Emotiva UPA-7