I'm one of the lucky ones who has a complete system dedicated to music on the lower level of our home, and a separate system for surround sound video on the main level. I've been very happy with my Integra 5.1 multi-zone receiver for many years now, and from what I've been reading, the quality of the Integra (and Onkyo, its parent company) receivers have gotten even better. My Integra works very nicely with my Paradigm apeakers in our TV room. You may want to investigate these two brands. Good Luck, and Happy Listening.
Best Mainstream Receiver for 2 Channel Audio
I'm looking to pick up a receiver to serve double duty for home theater and 2 channel audio. I'm still unsure how much quality I'd lose from a dedicated stereo preamp/amp or integrated but I'm currently looking at the mainstream brands - Sony, Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc. Which make and model do folks here most highly recommend for 2 channel audio quality? Price range would be $1500-$2000.