Starting from scratch ..need advice from you

the two sets of front speakers would be WEIRD ... SOUNDS like you are trying for a theater type set-up.

vintage tube amps with some Klipschorns or big Altec's would be my choice

I would probably stay 2 channel BUT you could probably use Klipsch Heritage line speakers for center/surround duty

Denon, I am not familiar with the Plinius Hiato, but I have heard the RI-100. It obviously has similar power on paper to the Plinius. Build quality is very good as with all Vitus products. I would describe the sound as powerful, smooth and on the dark side of neutral. The Vitus would be a good match with something like YG, Marten Bird or a classic Infinity such as the IRS Sigma.

There are a lot of good integrated amps in that price range however incl: Gryphon Diablo 300, Simaudio Moon Evo 700i, Pass Labs INT-250 & Vac Sigma 160i SE. Or on the low side of that price range, there are also the Modwright KWI-200 & new Unison Unico 150.

If you can integrate two sets of speakers there is a plus side....music can come across much more dynamic with less strain at louder volumes. The issues is, "if you can integrate them"! Problems arise with phase cancelation, which causes colorations and issues with effecting the soundstage width and depth. However, when done well, it can be of great benefit.

There are many multi-driver/ cabinet systems and running two main pairs can be seen as sort of a quasi-multi cabinet system.

However, that being said you might be better served to run a pair of subs with your speakers, which will increase your frequency response and soundstage, which subs tend to do.

A 40 year old amp could be perfect, if it has be gone over by a tech. and out of spec components replaced. It might give you the sound you want and be the right right eye candy, too.

I'm not that oriented with what works with Focal speakers but, so other should chime in with their recommendations.

Ok Guys,
I picked up a MC2100 from a friend, I plan on using it for my rears. I am looking for suggestions powering the front three channels, and a good A/V processor. I really like what I have read regarding the Mcintosh equipment although it is pricey. I have listened to Mcintosh in the past and really liked the sound. I was also considering an Emotiva processor. I think for right now I am going to focus on amps, processor etc and see what my choices sound like on the Focal 836V's and some B&W surrounds.
I am not set on vintage as earlier stated, great separation and sound is key to me.
Should I be looking for balanced equipment for the rest of the equipment? In the Mcintosh line, what amp or amps for the fronts and what A/V Processor would you guys suggest? Remember I am looking for pre owned equipment if I am to use Mcintosh at a decent cost...to me devent is between 800-2500 per component

OK, After making some decisions, here is a new spin on my original question.
Hi all,
I am new to the forum, I have been reading for some time but just now joined. There is no real audio retailers within 60 miles of me so I wanted to get some advice on here.
I have a current set up in my living room (Onkyo TX-NR905, Focal 836V, Focal Center, B&W sides and rears)
I havent been really happy with it, and the Onkyo is getting ready to be repaired a 3rd time.
The sound is not very dynamic, mids and highs aren't very pronounced and the separation leaves something to do desired for sure!
I heard the 836V's at a shop in Atlanta being powered by a Mcintosh amp, I was very pleased in that scenario.
I have since decided to dedicate another room for audio and some video use. I am going to pick up some towers and a center for the first room I mentioned (it is mainly used by the family for TV, Movies) and move the Focal towers and center to the new room. The new room from from to back isn't wide enough to run rear surrounds unless I run wall mount or in wall speakers in which they would be right behind the seating area, I could run sides which I intend. I also have been fortunate enough to land a MC2100 amp in which I was going to drive the side speakers with, I was thinking of picking up a nice set of larger B&W book shelf speakers and put them on stands.

Now the first part where I am needing help is a A/V Processor, I would mind looking for a used Mcintosh, or looking at the Emotiva XMC-1, I cannot seem to find a guide online that tells info on Mcintosh products to where I could make a list of products to look for that have the features I want. I am basically wondering if I need to run balanced between the processor and amp/amps (which I know it cannot be done with the MC2100 but would be possible for the fronts if that is a feature I need to look for) I would be running a CD player, Blue ray. I would like capability to plug in a phone or streaming media device as well.

With the above being stated, I will also need a 3 channel amp, or a two channel and mono, or 3 mono's to run the front three channels, just as previously stated I looked at some of the new Emotiva stuff but should I stick with searching for used Mcintosh, if so what do I need to be looking for?

I would like to be able to listen to SAT radio, Pandora etc, I am really into music of all sorts and currently I have about 2500-3500 CD's but I need to step into the newer technology, I know very little about MP3, Flac etc but I understand its the way to go, I know years ago when Napster came out I had a lot of music on my PC but its all gone now and I need to start from scratch, so what is the best device to look for? Where does one acquire the music/files in HQ?

As you can tell I need HELP...

Thank so much!