I’ve got the speakers I want identified, and probably the 2-channel power amp as well. However, I am trying to determine whether (or how much) I benefit from also getting the relatively costly pre-amp and streamer unit (costs as much as the power amp), versus putting the power amp behind my existing $500 Yamaha AVR with a $200 Nvidia Shield for the streaming. Obviously my old home theater amp can’t power the speakers on its own, so I know I have to do the speakers and the power amp together to get anywhere initially, but I’m then questioning why I can’t use what I already have for the ‘control’ and source aspect. Essentially, I’m struggling to conceptualize the value of the pre-amp & streamer unit over the existing AVR and Nvidia. Am I nuts or is that logical?
Get the speakers. See how they sound with your Yamaha, then go from there. Only change one thing at a time. And only change something if you know it will improve your setup. Don’t chase maybes or the new hot thing.