Best combination of HT and sound

Peachtree comments from others here: good but not great sound

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/peachtree-nova-300-good-reviews-any-members-own-peachtree-yea...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/peachtree-nova-300-good-reviews-any-members-own-peachtree-yea...

I found that Yamaha Receivers, several have front preout

for the front Speakers, I have a few functional comments.

efficient to reduce power needs, helps keep components and their heat smaller, more placement options, remote beams placement, and saves money.

mine vintage DBX Soundfield 100, none for sale now it seems, were designed to provide full range and to project a wide center image so 3 people on a couch get very good imaging. just read about them so you keep it in mind when considering options.

http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/dbx-soundfield-100-135.html

One way, conventional box front facing drivers (my music system speakers) is to have the ability to easily change the toe-in. Think about methods to do that. Felt or plastic slip sheets; 3 wheels if speakers are heavy enough, ...

as you will be listening to:

2 channel, you alone, normal toe-in, speakers directed at the center spot. Or, you and a friend listening to 2 channel, or 2 or 3 viewing, or, like Donna and I, always at each end of the sofa, our own coffee warmers, phone chargers, coasters, ... You change the toe-in aim left speaker at right end of sofa; aim right speaker at left end. works.

also: low bass: mains full range, so the bass is there for 2 channel or when using AVR, and if you alter the toe-in, everything is similarly directed.

I added 1 sub for video only, sub out of AVR, just for Dinosaur Stomps, Black Halk Down, Movie Domino Soundtrack (whew!).

If you go with smaller mains and a pair of self-powered subs, you want those subs on for all modes, 2 channel only and video. I recommend a stereo pair, front facing, no ports, adjacent to the mains to help keep directionality of bass as created by both the fundamentals and their overtones, i.e. 40, 80, 160, 320 ... Two subs: if you can return them, try a smaller pair, perhaps 8", depends on room size, mains driver sizes, just to say, don't over-do it, a bit smaller helps buying 2 easier.

My 7.4.4 system based around a Marantz 8805.  Focal 1000 series IW speakers.  The 8805 has a button "Pure Direct"(?) which shuts down all video processors within the unit for the cleanest two channel output.  Couldn't believe the difference it made the first time I tried it.  That said, there is another feature in the 8805 that up mixes two channel to surround sound, there is a couple of options but DTS is the best one.  I use this exclusively for phonograph play.  Maybe not for those who want only to hear the two stereo channels, but I prefer it and you might want to demo for yourself.

I’m using an Marantz 8805 as well and have gotten many hours of 2/channel play from it, like the post above Pure direct is indeed a feature that works quite well. It does have the ability lacking on most pre’s to playback native dsd via HDMI , It’s also very transparent with external dac’s Im now using An Gustard dac A18 , I’m a fan of Akm dac’s and the 8805 using the 2/ch xlr inputs I can easily discern differences. There are days I want to add a 2/ch preamp but am hard press to do so!

What do you suggest as a 2-channel amp to drive my fronts for music.

Do NOT just get an amp — at the very least get a stereo integrated amp (something like Hegel would be a great choice).  The preamp section of AVRs is garbage and it will severely denigrate 2-channel performance, so just replacing the amp won’t get it done.  I’d also recommend getting a separate phono preamp — they don’t take up much space and a dedicated phono pre will likely be significantly better than those included in preamps and get you more MC flexibility.  The takeaway — preamps are critical components to achieving better sound, so ignore/minimize them at your peril. 

For speakers, look at SVS as their speakers are very good for the $ and they offer an excellent center speaker that’s better than most at their price level.  They also offer an excellent extended and truly risk-free trial period (including all shipping!) and outstanding customer service.  FWIW, and best of luck.