Just went from a denon 2800 to the 2800 with seperate amp for front two speakers to a b&k ref 20($600) with a b&k 3channel($400) amp and bryston 2 channel ($600). Don't see myself ever going the reciever route again. Difference is night and day. With $2000 you have a lot of choices on the used market. Have fun. You can buy and try things, sell if not satisfied and usually get most if not all of your money back.
Steve
Steve