Noob, need help please

The center channel speaker carries the dialog. Movies are largely dialog. It's the most important speaker in the system. Just because it's possible to do without one doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Whoever recommended that you get an amp and preamp didn't take your budget into consideration. For a first system on a budget a receiver is the way to go. You can get a good receiver and center channel for 1K, even in the UK. (I've found that equipment prices in the UK tend to be the same as in the US. They're just in pounds rather than dollars.<g>)

I've tried most of the brands of reasonably priced HT receivers and favor Denon. You will want a receiver that supports ARC connection between the TV and the receiver, but most receivers nowadays have it. It makes playing TV sound on the receiver easier.

Read the linked articles so you have some idea of what's going on. There's a lot to learn, but it's worth it. Best of luck!

laher,

The speakers you have, (and that series), are pretty efficient.  You wouldn't need alot of power to drive them.  However... to get decent dynamics you would probably want something rated at 100 watts minimum.

The main question then would be... how many speakers total, do you plan on having by the time you build the system.  5? , 7?, 11?  How many subs?

Don't just buy what you think you need now.  Plan for future expansion.

Also... you need to pay close attention to the watts per channel specs.  Back in "the day"... it used to be that a HTR rated at 100 wpc, delivered that to all channels. Nowadays... that 100 watt rating is only for 2 channels driven in "stereo" mode... and the rest may only be 50 watts or less when/if using surround sound... depending if its 5 or 7 channel.

Ultimately... you may want to check out used equipment from a few years back... as long as you don't need Wi-Fi and a bunch if other "trinket" gimmick features.  You may be able to find a solid performing used HTR and separate 5/7 channel amp for around/close your total $$$ amount budget.  It all depends on what features you are looking for... and which ones are absolutes.

Some that come to mind:

Higher end Onkyo stuff, which includes Integra.

Sony ES series
Nad
Yamaha
Marantz
B&K
Adcom

All of the above mentioned also make some pretty good multi channel amps too.

As far as brand "house sound" ... it can vary, and depends on what you prefer.  Most of the above metioned brands have a neutral to warm sound... with the B&K being the warmest of the bunch.

Which is why my old B&K Amp has been my solid choice after trying a Nelson Pass Adcom (to ‘cold’ with my Yamaha AV receiver). The B&K, using my AV receiver as a pre/pass-thru, warmed everything up, sounds sweet as can be, and improved the soundstage by a lot. It was like ‘night and day’. 
Would I prefer a separate pre and dedicated 2-channel system? Absolutely, but my current set-up (eventually purchasing a separate DAC, phono stage, and the Ifi mini tube2 between the amp and receiver) really does sound pretty darn good when running In two channel mode. I can listen for hours without a hint of listening fatigue, and it sounds warm, detailed, and full with my 2CE Sigs. And I still have the option to switch to HT where, for me, the quality of the sound isn’t as critical. In fact I don’t even over analyze it in HT, only my 2 channel sound. It’s amazing how much difference a good sounding separate amp can make to a mediocre AV receiver, and you can do all of it quite reasonably in cost.

Not spending a fortune was important to me at this time, so think the compromise was well worth it vs the money spent.

Yeah...  the Yammy stuff does lean to the cool side, so I could see it getting a bit analytical with the Adcom amp.  I can see where the B&K amp would pair nicely with the Yamaha.

You bought the wrong speakers. If you don't know what a receiver does, research it online. You have a lot to learn that no one can teach you on a forum like this. It's important to do your homework in order to make an educated decision on equipment you will enjoy to use. Good luck.