Getting great stereo sound from multi channel sys.


Here's the background:

I'm thinking about getting the GoldenEar Technology TritonCinema Two Speaker System. I'm primarily interested in maximizing stereo performance (i.e. music) and multi-channel performance (i.e. movies) is a secondary concern.

So here's my question: What's the best amplifier, preamp, and/or A/V receiver configuration for my needs? Here are the alternatives I've thought of:

1. Get two stereo power amps, a stereo preamp with HT bypass, and a surround processor
2. Get an A/V receiver
3. Get a surround processor and a multi-channel power amp

What are the benefits/tradeoffs with each alternative? Are there any other options I haven't considered that might be better? Thanks for your help!
cdxskier
Option 1, and consider the 2 channel preamp as the most important component.
ZD542 nailed it.... Option 1 is strongly preferred if possible. The others are compromises.

There isn't any multi-channel AVR ( or any receiver per se ....) out there that can match the 2 channel audio performance of hi-end quality build separates.
Space and the WAF are what drove me to take the processor and multi-channel amp route... Theta Casablanca III and a 5 channel Theta Intrepid amp. Last year I home demoed an Ayre pre-amp against my Casablanca to see if I was missing anything. IMHO the Theta trumped the Ayre.