Which AVR to purchase

I agree with Iplaynaked (he plays Canasta). I just replaced my Sony CRT and DVD, Integra 6.1 receiver with a Blue Ray, HDMI, True HD, self calibrating reciever, and compatible components. The improvements in both audio, video, and switching are simply stunning.

I gave up on getting this HT to image like my two channel and resigned to enjoying video/music and music/video's. Spend your money on decent and sensitive speakers and an up to date receiver and player.

Here's another thought, along the lines I mentioned.
You could buy something like a newer Harmon Kardon (Stereo Dave's in Oregon Mod's these, also) AVR 247/347, with DCI Faroudja processing, 1.3a HDMI and Dolby HD and DTS Master, 1080p vid switching, EZset Parametric EQ (tune out the nasty peaks in your room), same 100db sig/noise specs as the Arcam,
multi-channel inputs, and and overall superb sound quality in an otherwise budget receiver line!
Actually, the tonal qualities, clarity, detail, and lack of coloration (even similar warmth range - although the HK is a tick warmer, if better balance I think) of these stellar sounding little Av receivers is superb! I think the best around for mass manufactured AV receivers, personally.
You could then spend a few hundred bucks buying one of these, and add a superior set of amplification with a used mult-channel amp! (which, BTW, will stomp the amps in any receiver with careful selection. Plus less electro-magnetic interference, less noise in the sytsem, better dynamic range, etc). Not to mention, yes, you can get these moded for even more refined sound!
Anyway, it's a consideration to your all-in-one solution, with older technology you're considering.
Personally, I wouldn't consider any of the older receivers, with no current tech EQ, no HDMI 1.3a, no HD codecs, No 1080p vid(???), and limited power, ideally, etc.
Maybe this helps, maybe it doesn't. But it's more info to toss around

You buy an Arcam make sure it was MADE AFTER March 2008, because we are replacing 100% of motherboards for units made before then due to overheating. Have 13 Arcam AVR2XXX-3XXX units in my warehouse waiting new motherboards since Sept. and customers are ticked to say the least.

Buy a used AVR 2XX-3XX and need the motherboard you are looking at $500-$700 in repairs. No Arcam warranty is transferrable, buyer beware.

NAD (we're warranty Authorized NAD, McIntosh, ARCAM, Nagra and Plinius) never seems to overheat, and you get 95% of the sound of Arcam for 1/3 the price and 10X the reliability (over the older Arcam).

Take care