Go with the higher end Yamaha Aventage. It is tailored more for an advanced user, but, will let you create any sound signature you want. I use Aventage separates in my multichannel music rig, in combination with some other amps and it runs circles around my cost no object stereo rig.
HT Receivers Compared
Simple Question: Are any really better than the others - Marantz, Yamaha, Arcam, NAD, Rotel, et al in sound quality? They all seem to get 5 star (or close) Performance reviews in Sound and Vision. The local high fi shop even said they're all about the same. What do you guys think? I almost tend to believe them. I bought into the hype a time ago in buying a Anthem receiver that ended up being supremely overrated IMHO.