anthem statement p5 for home theater

Ok, just pulled the trigger and purchased a used anthem statement p5!

figured i would see what all the fuss is about using a separate amp.

although i do not have a dedicated pre for this amp, i am going to be using my pioneer elite 92txh with its pre outs for now.
any tips or tricks i should know about?

i got 5, straight wire encore 2s Xlrs with the purchase. i know i can't use them yet, but i want to know how good are they? they are about 7 feet long, when i get my amp placed and a pre... should i shorten them if i can? or does length not matter with xlr's?

my speakers are 804S fronts, htm4S center and cdm 1 SE rears

Any advise on any of this would be appreciated
Bill