AV Receivers in my price range aren't really going to push 80 W in all channels at the same time, so it looks like I may have to hook up an Emotiva XPA-5.
For a movie with 5-channel sound, all channels will not require the same power. The center and rear channels will more likely draw just a few watts, leaving most of the power production capability for the left & right front speakers. And most of the time they also need no more than just a few watts. For music, I use only the left & right front speakers.
It makes sense to buy an AVR that allows
future use as a pre/pro. Make sure it has the needed pre amp out put jacks. But before you run out and drop more cash on an external amp, try the AVR with your speakers. You may be pleasantly surprised.
If you later decide that you absolutely must get an external amp, look for a used 2-channel amp to drive the front left & right speakers, and use the AVR to drive the center and rear channels. There is little or no need to buy an external 5-channel amp. If you are patient, it is still possible to find good quality used 2-channel amps in the 150-200 wpc range for about $1 per watt.
Despite what you may have been led to believe, there are no sound quality differences between using an AVR as a pre/pro or a dedicated pre/pro. No one will come to your door demanding you turn in your audiophile membership card
.