Quote Originally Posted by 46minaudio
Jon If it were me I would go out and find your speakers first.That way you will know if you need a beefier amp.You may pick speakers that most new receivers can drive.IMO I see nothing wrong with 2ch reproduction with a good 7.1 receiver .I have found no major difference in my RXV 1400 7.1 receiver played in 2ch and a Adcom GFP 750,and Rotel RC 1070.2ch preamps.
Well, I just came back from a business trip. And I had a little time to try out some speakers. Here's what I found:

Paradigm Studio 20's- OK, I guess. Nothing special.
Paradigm Studio 60's- Fuller sound than the 20's. But just dull and not what I'm looking for.
Sonus Farber Domus Grand Pianos- Fine. Can't complain. Clear, but it didn't really grab me.
Linn Katans- VERY nice highs and mids.
Linn Ninkas- SUPER. No real bass. But the mids and high are EXACTLY what I'm looking for.
Linn Ninkas with REL B2 Brittania Subwoofer- AMAZING. This is the sound I am after, Just what I want. Well, the sub was a little boomy at times, but maybe it needed some adjustment. It was a quick add on to the Ninkas.

If I got the Ninkas as main speakers, a pair of Katans for rears, the matching center, and then the REL sub, that's around $$6,500. Or around $4,500 for the Ninkas + sub for just 2 channel music. That's expensive, but probably worth it. I've still got lots of speakers I'd like to try out. But now I know what my upper limit is. No need to spend any more than that.

Those Linns with a good sub... mmmm... that is the magic I'm after.