Yep, that's the problem in a nutshell. When you start cranking the 'ol volume control up your power requirements go up VERY fast.
Here's my dream product -- an "on demand" 1400-8, same idea as HP and others were promoting a year or two ago in the IT world. Start with a midrange receiver and an inexpensive 1400-8 with only two channels enabled. As your power requirements and/or budget permits, call Axiom with a credit card and have additional channels switched on.
Failing that, an 800-3 would still be mighty nice.