Pioneer HT amps...what one...newbie


hi...ive been wanting to get into HT in the living room and leaving the LINN in a listening room.
my budget is tight in the $500 region(for amp) and ive narrowed the search to 2 Pioneers amps a VSX 1019 AHK & a 9040 TXH
does anybody know what the difference is between these? they are priced similar and both appeal to me!........is there an amp in this price range that beats both of these???
What Speakers Match Well W/ Pioneer gear,i was looking for some small/maybe satts that can handle Music well also and what is a realistic price to spend on speakers when u spend $500 on an amp/?
thanx
julian
joolzriff
I would suggest to add 2 yr older model 92TXH (receiver) to your list, 130Wx7 and allows to bi-amp fronts. You can get it for about $500 used and features + build/sound quality (for 500) for a normal HT sort of application is solid. I am using B&W DM604S3 for fronts and 600S3 for rears. IMO, don't make a short term decision for speakers, so spend a bit more, say 1200-1800 range and plan to keep 'em for a longer period.

Paul
Forget both! $500 might get you a new one of these, look around.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR607&class=Receiver&p=i

If your do, use all seven channels as they were meant to be used. You'll love the effects.