Need Advice - new system

Ctsooner, Thank you for the offer. I live in El Paso, TX. I did some research and the Proacs definitely seem to be awesome speakers. The Supertowers seem rather giant - what are the measurements? Do you have photos or can you point me to your posting for them? I'm not sure they would pass the spousal approval process, but the Studio's probably would. Would you consider splitting them up? I should have qualified my statement regarding the reviews I have read on Emotiva. Most of the reviews I relied on for my "decision" was from consumers. Yes, I did read professional reviews & I do understand how the review process works - I know what you mean about such reviews being tainted. Also, I have done a bit more research and have decided against the Emotiva XSP1 pre amp. From what I understand, for a system that will be split between music listening and home theater, there is really nothing to be gained by going with separate components. Apparently, separates really shine in music only systems; whereas, for movies (home theater) - a system using subs, a center channel and surrounds, an AVR like the Anthem MRX510 (with room correction) would be a better choice. I could then purchase an Emotiva XPA 2 for the mains and an XPA 3 when I am able to afford the center channel and surrounds... What say you? Any reason not to consider the Emotiva amps? I'm afraid the Ayre or the Krell amplifiers are out of my price range. Also I am not sure if there is a way for you to send me an e-mail directly through Audiogon, if not, let me know & I will post my e-mail address for you; although, I'd rather not make it public. Thanks again...

Yes I will split them up. the studios also were just redone and aren't broken in yet, lol. They have zero hours on them. Both are in Teak as that was a cool upgrade. I will take pics and get them to you. I haven't posted yet. I have an NAD integrated that sounded great with the Studios as well as two Onyx integrateds that are vintage and very rare and cheap, lol. I have the heavy target stands for the studios, but the spikes were broken. I'd just get a cheap pair of spikes to put into them and fill em with sand like I had them done.
Customer reviews are great, but look to see what they are used to hearing. Again, Krell isn't always a sweet amp, but they all pack power. How much is the Emotiva stuff going to cost you?
I personally like the best two channel I can afford and I dont' do subs. that's just me though. Get what you can afford, but separates are always best no matter what you listen to. That's not going to be affordable for you though, so you have to go another way. Try a good used separate processor for HT and use it with a great integrated. I believe that would work wouldn't it? I have an inexpensive NAD integrated that you could get and that would be a great sounding two channel system. Plenty of power for even a decent sized room.
I even have a Krell Stealth DAC if you will be doing digital audio or for you Bluray and Cable tv. You can email me directly, but I tried to send this to you, but it has you as a private member and won't let me. I think I can leave my email here. If not, I'll just delete it ctsooner@yahoo.com

Emotiva amps: retail price for XPA-5 (200Wx5) is $999.00, XPA-2 (300Wx2) is $899.00 (both gen 2). Used is considerably cheaper. Your idea to use a separate processor and a great integrated is certainly a good thought, but you are correct - too expensive for me. I understand what you mean by having the best 2-channel you can afford, but the reality is that I will be watching TV and movies through the system as well... One day I will get such a 2 channel system for the bedroom. I currently use a vintage Marantz w/ vintage Snell speakers for the bedroom. I have really just started investigating all of this Hi-Fi stuff and I will need time to digest it all and decide what to do, which I am sure will take quite some time - knowing how I tend research everything to death before pulling the trigger on a major purchase. + I want this will be my last Hi-Fi purchase for many, many years. Right now I am leaning towards the Anthem AVR/Emotiva amp setup I described in my previous post, but I'm sure that will change. I will send you an e-mail shortly...

Cool, got the email. I too use my 2 channel for TV etc... I have never felt that I'm missing anything. So easy to set up too.