Sorry Newmanoc, I think you may be mistaken unless you have listened to the Sony 7100ES Receiver.
I have a few asian magazines showing multiple owner setups and reviews using a Sony 9000ES receiver. One magazine reports writes an article where they goe to an owner's house using the 9000ES receiver which powers a pair of B&W Signature 800 + Signature HTM + four 704 for surrounds in a Qualia setup (TV & PJ).
Even at this demo Sony HS-60 Projector demo, the Sony 7100ES powers 3 PMC IB2's and the room is huge! Those PMCs are power hungry just like N802s.
http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200509/sony-sa/show/index.htm
I think these new high-end receivers CAN power some of the bigger monsters. However, you may not get the great quality 2 channel you are desiring.
I am a believer that a receiver cant power much as I use separates myself.
But sometimes you just wonder.
However, some flagship models can deliver especially in this day of the new digital amps.
Jwatusi: Your Sony 777 can do ok with your old 603s but with 703 you will need slightly more power and the 703s are a more detailed speaker.
The main differenece between the 7100 and your 777 besides power are the new surround formats. Whether you want/need them is your choice. If you dont, I would just buy an external amplifier like BIGTREE recommends since your 777 receiver has pre-outs.
I have a few asian magazines showing multiple owner setups and reviews using a Sony 9000ES receiver. One magazine reports writes an article where they goe to an owner's house using the 9000ES receiver which powers a pair of B&W Signature 800 + Signature HTM + four 704 for surrounds in a Qualia setup (TV & PJ).
Even at this demo Sony HS-60 Projector demo, the Sony 7100ES powers 3 PMC IB2's and the room is huge! Those PMCs are power hungry just like N802s.
http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200509/sony-sa/show/index.htm
I think these new high-end receivers CAN power some of the bigger monsters. However, you may not get the great quality 2 channel you are desiring.
I am a believer that a receiver cant power much as I use separates myself.
But sometimes you just wonder.
However, some flagship models can deliver especially in this day of the new digital amps.
Jwatusi: Your Sony 777 can do ok with your old 603s but with 703 you will need slightly more power and the 703s are a more detailed speaker.
The main differenece between the 7100 and your 777 besides power are the new surround formats. Whether you want/need them is your choice. If you dont, I would just buy an external amplifier like BIGTREE recommends since your 777 receiver has pre-outs.