65, 70 or 80 watts per channel

[Geoffcin]

Make sure that whatever receiver you choose has outputs to allow you to run separate power amps. It's a common feature but not all receivers have it.

...just in case...

Right now I'm running two seperate amps off my receiver for the front and center channels.

I'm pretty sure nearly all of the HK line allows you to do this.

[kexodusc]

Right now I'm running two seperate amps off my receiver for the front and center channels.

I'm pretty sure nearly all of the HK line allows you to do this.

Yep, my receiver can handle my speakers in my room (which are about 88-90 dB sensitive) but the 3 amps I have connected to the receiver make them sing effortlessly. Even adding one, decent amplifier of 40-60 watts/channel for the front mains takes a tremendous burden off the receivers power supply. Especially if you have 5 or even 7 home theater speakers. Your room is even bigger than mine. To be honest, the difference between a 50 watt receiver and 65 watt receiver isn't much. If the features are more or less equal, that extra money would be better allocated to a decent external power amp. In my case, it improved the sound of the front L/R speakers for stereo playback too. You can find quality, inexpensive power amps on the used market starting as low as $100 or so that'll get you started, how much you want above that is up to you.