Has anyone use bel canto s125's with totem forests

I agree, why compromise music listening if it's the main use of the system. Also, some integreted stereo amps have a HT bypass option, but if not, they are still ways around this. Using a larger power amp driven from HT receiver preouts will not even come close to the quality of a nice integrated.

Thanks kiwi. My Concern is twofold. First do you think I can go the integrated route affordably and do you think the integrated is better than a straight preamp/amp combo. Second, does the integrated also run the ht channels or will I need a separate avs for that. Btw The ratio is probably more like 60/40 music to ht. Look forward to your comments. Thanks again.

Honesty and based on my costly experience, i'd plan on keeping your AV system separate from music (stereo) system. For your AV system amplification could be provided cost effectively via new or second hand 5.1/7.1 AVR's. There are some great deals on second hand Denon, Marantz, Cambridge Audio AVR's which do the job of decoding and/or amplifying sounds for the pop corn experience.

The Forests could be combined with an integrated stereo amplifier (i've made a couple of recommendations above but other good options exist too) to make the foundation of a wonderful dedicated stereo system.

Trying to get the best of both worlds in a single system on a lean budget never worked for me.