Thanks for all of the great input!! I am leaning toward the external amp as well right now. The only issue is the WAF and saving more money for the bigger amp. Now, I am looking at the 7200,7500 or 7700 depending on how little patience I have to save more money and what is available in B stock when I am ready to buy. Any thing to know about these amps or should I just buy one, hook it up and rock out!! If I time it right perhaps I can get a combo deal on one of the amps and the 978!!

Going this route makes more sense in the long run as I do want to upgrade speakers down the road.

thanks again!!