Jair, as you've noticed from the thread above, you've not gotten many specific recommendations other than avoid BOSE like the plague. This is good advice.
Regarding your specific questions, most here are probably not that familiar with specific models that you are interested in as there is definitely an anti-home-theatre bias in this forum. I'm afraid that I am guilty of this bias as well.
While I cannot give specific guidance on individual models, I can identigy some other reputable, high-value brands that you'll want to take a look at. Denon makes good gear and you should also consider HT receivers made by Onkyo and Yamaha, brands I would consider relatively comparable. With respect to receivers, you probably are not going to be able to discern much if any difference between these three brands. Ultimately, your choice should boil down to power (buy all you can afford), features, and price.
Regarding speaker packages, KEF and Mission make some very reasonable, both in terms of cost and musicality, HT speaker packages. Remember that the choice of speakers will influence the final sound of your system more than any other component, so listen to as many competing brands as you possibly can.
Finally, be very skeptical about expensive cables and interconnects. I guarantee that you'll be pressured to buy such novelties. The plain ugly truth is that in a HT setup at the price point you are considering, these trinkets will make no sonic difference whatever, but they'll make a hell of a difference in the profit margin for the retailer that cons you in to buying them. Good luck and caveat emptor.
Regarding your specific questions, most here are probably not that familiar with specific models that you are interested in as there is definitely an anti-home-theatre bias in this forum. I'm afraid that I am guilty of this bias as well.
While I cannot give specific guidance on individual models, I can identigy some other reputable, high-value brands that you'll want to take a look at. Denon makes good gear and you should also consider HT receivers made by Onkyo and Yamaha, brands I would consider relatively comparable. With respect to receivers, you probably are not going to be able to discern much if any difference between these three brands. Ultimately, your choice should boil down to power (buy all you can afford), features, and price.
Regarding speaker packages, KEF and Mission make some very reasonable, both in terms of cost and musicality, HT speaker packages. Remember that the choice of speakers will influence the final sound of your system more than any other component, so listen to as many competing brands as you possibly can.
Finally, be very skeptical about expensive cables and interconnects. I guarantee that you'll be pressured to buy such novelties. The plain ugly truth is that in a HT setup at the price point you are considering, these trinkets will make no sonic difference whatever, but they'll make a hell of a difference in the profit margin for the retailer that cons you in to buying them. Good luck and caveat emptor.