best AVR for dual use in HT/music?

Great advice and that is probably what I will wind up doing, buying an external amp to power the fronts for 2-channel use. The Onkyo units have assignable surround back amps, so I can bi-amp the front channels.
I like HT receivers because I get the internal DAC and am able to use an Airport Express for all my digital rips. 2-channel amps can be had pretty cheaply, there are several Parasound units here at Agon that would work great. Too bad you have to spend $800 minimum to get multi-channel preouts. Well Yamaha has a unit for $550 that has the preouts, but I think would rather have the Onkyo. Every other day I change my mind, looking at Parasound New Classic 2-channel preamp/amp OR the Onkyo TX-NR807+AE+cables. Leaning toward the Onkyo today!

Found an internet deal on a Denon 3310CI, for $950, so I bit. Almost bought the Onkyo TX-NR807, on sale for $800, but opted for the Denon, I suspect it will be better at 2-channel. Will test in 2.1 channel analog direct mode first, and will post results.

Anyone using Sony ES receivers? How do they compare to Denon,Onkyo and Yamaha? I can get a very good deal on a da2100es and wonder if it's worth it. Thanks

Arcam...avr for audiophiles that happen to like movies as well.

the arcam units are gorgeous. and untouchable for guys like me who have two kids in day care! the B&K units are also a dream of mine - maybe someday. For now tho, the Denon I bought will have to suffice. I crossed over my B&Ws at 80Hz, the sub is getting everything under 90Hz, and I also set the rear channels to bi-amp the B&W fronts. This is the only way I can beat the 2.1 channel sound I get from my 15 year old Yamaha. The difference is huge - clear, detailed music from the Denon that has a ton of depth. I used several older CDs for the testing - ones produced in the 80s before they really knew how to produce CDs that sound good. I like this bi-amping thing. it works! Have not tested the Denon on movies with TrueHD or DTS HD yet, waiting on cables. It will be interesting because I don't have all the speakers yet!