Not necessarily the case Sptrout. As always, it comes down to the users listening habits and expectations for their system. Now if the OP expects to reach theater reference levels with headroom to spare in this room, then a beefy amp would be a must. But if he listens at normal to moderate levels---then an AVR like the Denon 2308ci I suggested would be more than sufficient providing it is connected to efficient speakers like Klipsch (for example) which often run in the 8ohm, 98-100db sensitivity range. Where large rooms are the most difficult are on the subwoofer category….the larger the space you have the more and more important it becomes to have a sub that can fill the space appropriately. But even this has some sway when it comes down to the users needs as well. There are too many variables to pin down any specifics...but given stated price range the 2308ci is hard to beat...
Still waiting to hear back from the OP on the specifics that he requires for listening habits and expectations though…So we can more accurately help out…
