Some newbie questions about this setup

[newbiemex]

Hello, I plan to get a 3.1 system consisting of 3 B&W HTM61 speakers (the new series). Since I don't have much money, I was planning on getting a decent, relatively cheap receiver and spend more on an amplifier, I've read most guys on a budget do this since the receivers constantly evolve as opposed to amps.

I'm looking at the Yamaha 659 paired with a Rotel 1066 amp. I've also read it's not very recommended to bridge the 1066 to power large speakers, but do you think it will be allright with the HTM61s? Is it worth it to get such amp for those speakers?

Finally, a dumb question for you guys but when I use the amp do all the watts from the receiver go to waste?

Thanks.

[Pookie007]

I think I would combine the receiver and amplifier budget and get a better receiver. There are some companies that make units that don't have all the bells and whistles. They concentrate on audio and video quality instead. NAD is an example. I believe this will produce a better output than a cheap receiver paired with a low priced amp. Don't forget that receiver/amp setup will also require interconnects and a trigger cable between the units (additional cost).

I don't think you will need to worry about the receive becoming outdated. You stated you are running a 3 channel system, so I don't know how much you would benefit from improved surround processing the newer models seem to offer. The only other thing I think you will miss out on is HDMI inputs on the receiver. I have them, but don't use them. I can't justify spending $100 on a cable that does the same thing as the component video cables I already have. You budget won't allow for 1080p, so HDMI shouldn't be a concern.

[Kevin D]

I agree, those you read about using a good amp and a receiver usually start out at a RMB-1075 and go up. You would be compromising a compromise.

I would recommend a RSX-1057, but honestly don't recommend a 3ch setup. You will have a much better experience running a 4 channel (fronts and rears) setup. A 3ch setup basically interferes with a good stereo setup. Even a Yamaha 659, RB-1070, and two speakers would be better.

Kevin D.