Need Advice - new system

The Krell sounds like a good idea, but it's still considerably more expensive than the Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 Pre Amp and an XPA-2 Gen 2 300W x2 or an XPA-5 Gen 2 200W x5, which I have in mind. I know some audiophiles like to bash Emotiva as mid-fi, but the reviews I have been reading state otherwise – their products are very highly regarded and are at a much more reasonable price point than anything even approaching similar quality/features. As far as the Proac Supertowers/Studios are concerned, I like the idea, but I am loathe to purchase speakers i have not heard and I am unlikely to find a dealer that carries the Proacs. I would like your opinions on Emotiva - for those that have experience with them. Should I go the Emotive route, I would save ~ $,1500.00, when compared to the Anthem system I was considering, and have separates! I could then purchase a great separate tuner (FM, AM, HD, XM) and an Oppo BDP-103 and still have a good chunk of change left over to allocate to the Focal speaker system. I was also considering Paradigm speakers or possibly Snell, but Snell is too expensive... I am not adverse to purchasing used components either. I am also not certain if I should get a 5 channel amp or just a 2 channel amp for the mains – I understand that I would need a 5 channel for the speaker suite I have in mind, but I could start with a 2 channel Emotiva for the mains, & when I have additional funds, I could purchase a center channel, sub and surrounds & another Emotiva 3 channel amp. I am also a bit confused regarding 5.1 systems: 2 mains, 2 surrounds, a center channel and a sub = 6 speakers – how does this work on a 5.1 system? Also, when listening to music, does the system automatically revert to 2-channel or would I need a separate “home theater bypass? Also, on the Emotiva pre amp are there controls for treble, bass, balance, etc... Please forgive my ignorance, but I am fairly new to Hi-Fi as my last new system was purchased ~ 20 years ago...

Ctsooner, Thank you for the offer. I live in El Paso, TX. I did some research and the Proacs definitely seem to be awesome speakers. The Supertowers seem rather giant - what are the measurements? Do you have photos or can you point me to your posting for them? I'm not sure they would pass the spousal approval process, but the Studio's probably would. Would you consider splitting them up? I should have qualified my statement regarding the reviews I have read on Emotiva. Most of the reviews I relied on for my "decision" was from consumers. Yes, I did read professional reviews & I do understand how the review process works - I know what you mean about such reviews being tainted. Also, I have done a bit more research and have decided against the Emotiva XSP1 pre amp. From what I understand, for a system that will be split between music listening and home theater, there is really nothing to be gained by going with separate components. Apparently, separates really shine in music only systems; whereas, for movies (home theater) - a system using subs, a center channel and surrounds, an AVR like the Anthem MRX510 (with room correction) would be a better choice. I could then purchase an Emotiva XPA 2 for the mains and an XPA 3 when I am able to afford the center channel and surrounds... What say you? Any reason not to consider the Emotiva amps? I'm afraid the Ayre or the Krell amplifiers are out of my price range. Also I am not sure if there is a way for you to send me an e-mail directly through Audiogon, if not, let me know & I will post my e-mail address for you; although, I'd rather not make it public. Thanks again...

Emotiva amps: retail price for XPA-5 (200Wx5) is $999.00, XPA-2 (300Wx2) is $899.00 (both gen 2). Used is considerably cheaper. Your idea to use a separate processor and a great integrated is certainly a good thought, but you are correct - too expensive for me. I understand what you mean by having the best 2-channel you can afford, but the reality is that I will be watching TV and movies through the system as well... One day I will get such a 2 channel system for the bedroom. I currently use a vintage Marantz w/ vintage Snell speakers for the bedroom. I have really just started investigating all of this Hi-Fi stuff and I will need time to digest it all and decide what to do, which I am sure will take quite some time - knowing how I tend research everything to death before pulling the trigger on a major purchase. + I want this will be my last Hi-Fi purchase for many, many years. Right now I am leaning towards the Anthem AVR/Emotiva amp setup I described in my previous post, but I'm sure that will change. I will send you an e-mail shortly...