I will have two main viewing rows. One sits apprx 13-14 ft away, and the second row is 20 ft away.
What specifically do I need to use as a set up to drive the Def Tech 7002's that I will be using?
Thanks
Basically with Cow said. You could even use a mch amp, connected to the receiver by way of preouts. You connect any amp to any receiver by way of preouts.
If you end of using an outboard amp for all of your channels, you do not necessarily need a receiver, and could look at pre/pros. However, funny thing is that the pre/pros cost more, evenout with the amp section.
My advice: just use the receiver for now if you want. You can always add the amp later. OTOH, 20 ft, greater than movie theater volumes, I think you will add it pretty quickly. Just don't blow so much on receiver that you have don't money left to add amp if needed, cuz I think you will.
the front row is a good distance to start with acoustically, because that's right about at the de facto rec of 38% room length.
If you do end up using outboard amp for your 5.1, or 7.1 for that matter, and have a receiver acting as pre/pro, you can always use the receiver's amp section to run a second set of side surround (if you wanted to have dedicated side surrounds per row).
Also please budget for room treatments. HT's are desired to be very dead.
minimum rec would be treat first reflections at sidewalls and ceiling perhaps. Corner treatments for bass. Some go to crazier extents, and deaden the entire front wall, but still you want to deal with primary reflections firstly.