I would try an integrated instead and let your Yamaha be for a second system. Perhaps a Musical Fidelity A3cr integrated (under $1000 used), or a Jolida 302B (under $1000 NEW). I haven't heard it, but nobody has said anything bad about the Audio Refinement Complete ($600 or so used).
The best thing to do would be to see if you can borrow some amps, or take your receiver to a high-end shop and plug its preouts to one of their amps to see if you hear a noticeable difference. Since you want good sound on a budget, I'd still lean toward the integrated, though.
Good luck!
Michael
The best thing to do would be to see if you can borrow some amps, or take your receiver to a high-end shop and plug its preouts to one of their amps to see if you hear a noticeable difference. Since you want good sound on a budget, I'd still lean toward the integrated, though.
Good luck!
Michael