combining amp and receiver for HT

If you get to sit in the sweet spot all the time, I'd continue to run the center in phantom mode, and get a sub. If not, I'd get the center first. RELs are great subs, but if you don't intend to integrate the sub for 2-ch music, you can get more HT bang-for-the-buck (no pun) than the REL. I'd particularly look at SVS products. The company was started by two enthusiasts/addicts, and they offer a lot of value and performance. And if you are handy at all, a sub is not a terribly difficult DIY, and the result can easily compete with anything at 2 or 3 times the cost.

I highly recommend a good center channel. The center channel see's more information then any other channel when running in 5.1. (I've upgraded this speaker 3 times) The sub is also a must have item. Your missing out on the LFE frequency's with out it. I here Rel is great for quality music mixing. I personnaly went with a Velodyne HGS series. Lot of bang. Can be had for 50% off retail at this web-site if you keep your eyes open.

REL makes two kinds of Subs. They both work great with both HT and music. The ST subs (Stratus, Storm, Stadium, etc.) are design primarily for audiophiles for music. The Q subs (Q100E, Q201E) are designed for HT as the primary use. The Q100E has a handy Slam/Depth switch it you want more slam for movies and back to depth for music. REL subs will not shake the house like some subs, they are more accurate. The choice for movies then is do you want an explosion to shack the room or sound more real. I have two systems; the Storm III with my audio setup and the Q100E in the family room for movies.

Joeb,I have the B&W 805's with the matching center channel speaker, and a REL Strata III. I would get the center channel first, then a sub. You need both for great HT sound, but the addition of a center channel speaker makes the bigger difference in my opinion. I got along just fine before getting the sub. Don't cheap out on the center, get the HTM I or II, as they are voice matched, and up to the task of carrying the majority of movie dialogue, after all, when mixing for 5.1 engineers plan on your having a center channel speaker, and gear their mixes with that in mind.

Definately start with a v. good center but add a sub ASAP.