I am just thrilled by a discovery I just made that will allow me to buy the new Model 976! I used to do Separates all the time, but I moved and just thought it'd be easier if I went back to a receiver. I forgot I had an old 5 channel Parasound 5125 amp. I just found it, and now will be going back to separates with the model 976. I could not be more thrilled! I have no need or care for Atmos or DTS-X so this is perfect. I have for speakers Definitive Technology Studio monitor 65 mains and center, that's not a typo yes I have a studio monitor for a center channel and it sounds great. I have SM 55 surrounds and an SVS PB-1000.