New receiver

Denon used to have better quality control at lower price points, IME. But Denon's overall stand-alone sound quality is still a pinch better At all price points, though. What you do get is more amplifier power and features on Onkyo's, dollar per dollar.
If however, I was buying off shelf today at $1000, I'd say I'd probably still have to get the Onkyo. (wow I can't believe I said that! ..I'm disappointed in you Denon!)

For the record, Just stating, that a few years old HK or Yamaha AVR with features needed, add some used Parasound HCA1205a 5 ch power amp - all for $1000 range, used, total - and would most definitely stomp on the sound quality of the $1000 stand-alone AVR, new!!! Yup, pretty much hands down. Just saying... I'd rather have superior sound quality/performance, myself.

$1000 new Denon/ONkyo = 6-7/10 sound quality,all considered
$500 (used) AVR(w EQ)+amp = 8-8.5/10 sound quality

I am quite impressed with the sound from my Onkyo TX-NR809>Krell amp setup for two channel sound.

Mtrot?,
Onkyo receiver WITH KRELL AMPLIFIER!??!!! ABOMINATION!!!
..I sentence thee to 10 years of Audiophile Pergatory!!! :-0 ..nnnnnooooo!!

Do urself n da rest o da audio universe a flavor n D I T C H DA OFFENDING INFIDEL!!!
THOU SHALT NOT HAVE ONKYO N FINE KRELL MATING N BREADING IN SAME HOUSEHOLD! lol!
Get a REAL AVprepro to have little Audiophile equip offspring in da living room, n dis-own dat mass marketed Chinese made bastage!! NOT ACCEPTABLE,MR!! hehe..

@Avgoround

Hey, what can I say? It sounds great to me and I like it!

Thanks for all of the responses. My friend is a very... simple guy and the all in one box is the answer. He also doesn't have anything even remotely elaborate for speakers. Probably going to go denon 4200.