Thanks Soprage and Jamie 2112 for your feedback. Unfortunately, given shipping charges, I will have to take the plunge sight unseen.
I am leaning most toward the Ascends, which is aided by their (relatively) cheap shipping vs. $400 charges from other companies.
Your original list is a good one. The only brand I've really heard, for speakers from that list, are Ascends, and I also think they are an excellent value.
At the risk of highjacking my own link, Soprage, do you find that you NEED that Emotiva amplifier for a 5.1 system? I was looking at a yamaha receiver of comparable wattage (650) and was told by apparently informed others that it would be adequate power the system 5.1 without an amp, although I worry if it is enough for the dual 15 epik empire. Your thoughts?
Ascends are typically easier to drive, though the Sierras might enjoy more power according to some. In either case, after the briefest of browsing around, I would opt for something besides the 565. Is it true there are no preouts? I also just read some consumer mini's saying that the power is probably downgraded from past generations, that it feels light, and the power supply looks small.
I think if you get a beefier receiver, you will be just fine. If you go with a less powerful receiver, I recommend having preouts just in case. You can always add a 3ch amp later if you feel the need, as I'm guessing most midlevel receivers will power your surrounds just fine (as you are 80% HT too).
If you've already decided on your speakers, ask in the amps subforum. You pretty much HAVE to choose your speakers before deciding how much power you even need (they can vary so much in impedance, sensitivity, difficulty of phase angles, or whatever else those crazy EE's like to talk about).
