OP-One more thing..(my Columbo...)
I really got as big boost in my HT system when I used the pre-out to a separate 3 way amp (It was an Acurus 200x3) to handle the fronts and center channel. I mean EVERYTHING changed then and there. My setup was a Denon x4500h (still in the system handling TV sources) and the Deftechs: 9080x fronts, CS 9040 and SR 9040s for a 7.2 system. The fronts had 12" woofers but I still used 2 8" subs.
Just consider what you've been seeing posted so far: If you want a great HT system you need high sensitivity speakers and a moderate to high-powered amplification from a outboard amp or heavy duty AVR.
Again, good luck!