I had 3.6; went straight from MMG and skipped 1.6. In my large-ish room (but nothing compared to yours) it took a good amp putting out 600 w into 4 ohms to get them sounding good. A Parasound 1500 HCA (I forget the power but I think it was close to 300 w into 4) was definitely NOT enough and clipped, blew fuses, and made the panels flap on peaks. I also tried 100W tubed monos and while the sound was heavenly, there just wasn't enough of it.
Not to be a wisenheimer, but if you have a 60x32 room why is cost your concern? Last I checked, real estate is still more than $1/acre. Anyway. Not having heard the 1.6 in my room I couldn't make the comparo for you, but I will say you need very good quality and quantity of amplification with 3.6. Now, some have driven them with less (far less?) power but the verdict on quality is pretty much unanimous. In other words, dig deep. Or in yet other words, get the 1.6 if funds are short and you can sacrifice maybe a little on the quality side.
Not to be a wisenheimer, but if you have a 60x32 room why is cost your concern? Last I checked, real estate is still more than $1/acre. Anyway. Not having heard the 1.6 in my room I couldn't make the comparo for you, but I will say you need very good quality and quantity of amplification with 3.6. Now, some have driven them with less (far less?) power but the verdict on quality is pretty much unanimous. In other words, dig deep. Or in yet other words, get the 1.6 if funds are short and you can sacrifice maybe a little on the quality side.