Budget Amp/Prepro + HDMI upconversion?

[crayfellow]

I believe I've been convinced to look at amp separates for the purpose of driving Magnepan L/C/R speakers. I have one issue, though, and that is the fact that I have multiple video signals [not all digital] and only one HDMI cable running to my projector.

Here's the deal.

Speakers:
* Front L/C/R will be either all Magnepan MMG-W's or 2 MMG-W's and one MMG-C.
* Rear surrounds are in-ceiling and perhaps nothing special.
* Subwoofer is either av123 x-sub or Outlaw LFM-2, budget allowing.

Features:
I would like to be able to get the following video sources sent out to my PJ HDMI cable:
* Oppo DVD player: HDMI & S/PDIF
* HTPC: HDMI & S/PDIF
* Wii: Component?

Pretty simple setup, but it looks like the only thing on the market which will get everything to HDMI is an "upconverting" receiver. Right? I had been planning on a $500 budget, something like Onkyo 605, but I guess I'd be willing to approach $1000 for the ideal amp/prepro setup. Ideal would also give me a 2-channel second zone to send dedicated audio out to my pre-wired office.

The Emotiva LPA1 looks like a good option, but I will only have 3 channels of Magnepan so that may be overkill [or maybe not?] I'll only have a 5.1 system. Would a used [obsolete to most but perfectly usable for me] 5-channel power amp be better and cheaper?

What about the Emotiva LPA/LMC combo to run the whole deal [and to just pre-out to the subwoofer]? I like the Zone 2 feature on the LMC. I only have HDMI cable running to the PJ. I want to keep the HTPC and Oppo video signals in the digital domain, obviously. With the LMC I'd still have to mitigate the audio signals from the Oppo and HTPC and I'd have no way with the LMC to get the Wii signal to HDMI - right?

This all seems so terribly complicated but I'm sure with some guidance the solution will be simple. I've been turned off from receivers due to the need for stability at 4 ohms.

*****
I don't mind not getting all the fancy features receivers have, so I suppose that is why separates are attractive to me assuming the price is right - I'll never use XM, I do not need ipod connectivity, etc. I just need a simple 5 channel + subwoofer audio system for movies and music which will drive 3 Magnepans. The only wildcard is my need to deliver all video sources to HDMI and smartly handle the digital audio from same.
*****

BTW I am an electrical engineer so I don't mind jargon.

 

[no. 5]

If you want an external amp, the TX-SR605 won’t work, because does not have pre-outs for all channels. However the Denon AVR-2307 has pre-outs for all channels, and up-converts all inputs to HDMI.

 

[crayfellow]

If you want an external amp, the TX-SR605 won’t work, because does not have pre-outs for all channels. However the Denon AVR-2307 has pre-outs for all channels, and up-converts all inputs to HDMI.

Wow, OK. What about using the AVR-2307 as the pre and power amp on its own [and perhaps upgrading later]? What are the $500-900 midrange receivers which are rated for 4 ohms?

 

[no. 5]

Wow, OK. What about using the AVR-2307 as the pre and power amp on its own [and perhaps upgrading later]? What are the $500-900 midrange receivers which are rated for 4 ohms?

I would recommend using the 2307 as a pre-amp and getting a separate power amp for your front channels, since your fronts are Magnepans.

There are a few receivers in the $500-$900 price range that can do 4 ohms, but for the Magnepans, I really think using an external power amplifier would be best.

Also, if you buy on line the 2307 is around $500.