Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Serge, what a room! I think if we were building this out of the basement space, it would be a no brainer. We're thinking main floor in a bungalow, so space will be at a premium.
1KW - your avatar is exactly what I had in my 'mind' - can you please post a full size high rez picture? And interested to know how you access behind your built ins - what's behind it?
Whatever I do, will think through heat for sure...
Besides full built ins, does anyone have pics of beautiful/clean moveable cabinet furniture assuming central placement between the speakers? Kinda like what I have now, but high quality and with better cable management? And casters so it can be accessed for periodic changes and cleaning.
I would think such a really well designed standalone cabinet would serve the purpose, be movable to a new location if required, and probably less expensive even if done 'right' and to a high standard. Just not sure such a thing exists.
Lots of options