Have you thought of the Matrix Mini-i http://www.matrixelectronics.net/matrix-mini-i-24-192-balanced-dac-headphone-amp-black-p-192.html
Seems like something your looking for - preamp with dac and balanced outputs, so you could save some cash on microphone cables all the way!!!
I have the Genelecs 8040's and they work well with my avr - however since they are pro-equipment they like a higher output than you get from typical hifi or home surround gear - so just turn the gain up on the speakers a bit.
I've thought of getting an extra pair for my kitchen and just taping an Airport Express to the back of one them - and hooking them up with a minijack - xlr pro-cable - then you could use itunes, iphone or ipad as volume control (if you are going to use that anyway). :cheer: