Getting an Outlaw 5000X Amp to drive my LaScalas mains and Klipsch rear surrounds. Need a receiver or control amp with 5.1 pre outs, sub pre out, two optical inputs,12V trigger to switch on Outlaw, and at least one digital co-ax input with the +/- db ability to manually balance speakers.

The mid range Denon, Onkio and Yamaha receivers I've had before all diminished the dynamic of the LaScalas when I ran a center channel so I always deleted it. Will having a more powerful separate Amp alleviate this issue? Will the dialog portion of 5.1 movies improve with the addition of a center channel/speaker? My ancient hearing suks.

Budget $750. Any Ideas?

Snagged a Marantz 5015 closeout/discontinued from Crutchfield. Retail $1,999, regular $1,499, closeout $999.

Should do the trick.

What do you mean by diminished dynamic? When you say it's an issue only with a center channel added, I'm inclined to believe it's an audio processing settings issue. Most multichannel up processing will send 70%+ of the signal through the center channel, and essentially turn your front stereo into background/effects.

Center channels are good when you have listeners outside of the sweet spot. But could be a downgrade from stereo in the sweet spot.

Problem solved with new receiver. Running center now with TV and DVD. Pure direct for music CD's. Total and easy on screen adjustability with the new Marantz. 284 Page manual was a bit of a challenge to fine tune but I have a handle on it now. Very happy so far with purchase. Working on Outlaw Amp and new Crites crossovers next.