Which Speaker System ?

ARC did make a multichannel preamp, but I believe it is long gone. The remaining reasonably available high-end preamp is the Parasound Halo P7 with 2 7.1 inputs.

A lot of high end 2-channel preamps have "bypass" mode though, which let's you use an external source as the volume for movie watching, and returns to normal operatoin for music.  With something like an Oppo with built in volume and analog outputs that's an easy integration.

Personally I use the P7 for everything. It comes well reviewed. Certainly a step up from the P5. :)

Shameless plug for something I currently have for sale but if you need to run two subs and your preamp only has output for one, then a JL Audio CR-1 crossover (along with a few others) is what you need. If you don’t have your subs already, I do highly recommend JL Audio subs. I have had and still own 2 Rel subs and an M&K sub but the JL Audio subs are better (F112v2). With the crossover, you don't have to limit your preamp search to only those with two subwoofer outputs, any preamp with one subwoofer output will work, which is the majority of them out there.

Another question.  I am considering running 'phantom' mode for the center and elimininating the Center speaker.  Have you tried this?

There are those that say if you have good left/rights and a good quality receiver with an excellent 'phantom' mode that you don't miss the center speaker.

Phantom center is great for the one who sits in the center line with the video screen , not so good for everyone else.

Bill

Makes sense