Receiver

I'm still using my Onkyo 805. Bulletproof. Handles every codec except the newest like Atmos. When I upgrade if ever I'm sticking with Onkyo. Make sure you can drive at least 100 W/ch all channels driven. Check out audioholics for recent reviews. I use outboard amps to take the load off the AVR. Then you can use it for processing when money allows. Look into Emotiva as well.

I did some research about a year ago, and Yamaha seemed to be a nice combination of good sound quality, reliability, and ease of use. Wasn't top notch in features (although not bad either), but if it has enough for your needs that's a non issue. Of course a lot changes in a year so fwiw, but worth putting on your list I'd think. Best of luck.

I just got a Denon AVR X3100. It is extremely capable...good sound....fabulous picture pass through from HDMI inputs, highly recommended. Has tons of bells and whistles...get Pandora, Spotify, et al.