best AVR for dual use in HT/music?

UPDATE - the 2-channel sound got a lot thinner once I moved the Denon and the speakers into my living room. Sometimes it sounds like my 685s are floating in the sea of bass created by the VTF-1. I have run the Audessey room correction, which helped, but the sound for music is not quite there yet. I still have the 685s bi-amp'd, but the room is much bigger now, and I am sitting twice as far from the speakers as I was in the office.
One highlight is the internal HD tuner - my wife loves the sound! Just wait until I buy the external 2-channel amp - looking at an HK-870 or a Parasound HCA-1000. Any recommendations on a good used 2-channel amp for this purpose?

The onkyo's are very good on hometheater but no too good on music. I think when it comes done to real multi-channel HT/music, YAMAHAS & DENONS are the best AVR'S by far. However, this is just my opinion. I feel if one matches speakers, wires, and line conditioners correctly, the sound just might surprise ya! For example; if you had an AVR-3808CI DENON receiver and Paradigm speakers and cables from Nordust-Blue-Heaven series or wireworld and a line conditioner by Furman will produce a sound that would be lights-out/amazing! Another example; if your a YAMAHA fan like me, one would want to match gear correctly. First of all, if one had an AVR-YAMAHA RX-Z9 AV receiver, Klipsch spealers, and cables from straight wire and wireworld,MIT, plus a line conditioner from Furman, the sound produce would be astonishing better than anything you ever heard!

If you want high end 2 channel performance get a real 2 channel integrated amp or pre + amp with pass through and use a HT receiver with it.

You must check out the higher end NAD's. I had a Sony ES, Pioneer Elite and now NAD T775 and the NAD blows everything else away. CLEAN, resolving, extended sound, wonderful soundstage and no video circuitry except passing through what you have. No waste of money in video processing (or audio processing, either). You must hear it to believe it. Best receiver I have heard.

I'm with Maineiac if you have the space in your rack. Sink the majority of funds in a good stereo pre and amp and get a decent but cost-effective AVR that you can swap out when formats (or your tastes, budget, etc.) change.