With due respect, OP, you might not want to sling the cash around like tissue paper until you have done a bit more research, not just into different products, but into HT in general. Your failure to know the difference between AVR and AV Processors is telling. I recommend the books by Robert Harley on High End Audio and the chapters on HT, perhaps 1-2 hours of reading.
I own two Anthem MX 570 AVRs for my two HT systems. I particularly value their room correction technology. Yamaha AVRs are also worth considering, and are probably better at reproducing speech.
Keep in mind that AVRs have a “pre amp out” feature. That means you can upgrade the power amp section if you wish and use the AVR essentially as a processor. I would start with a basic AVR perhaps in the $1500 range such as Anthem and use that for a while. If the urge to upgrade hits try a separate power amp and then down the road if upgraditis hits again replace the AVR with a processor. Keep in mind that technology here changes fast and you may want to upgrade something every few years. If you overspend before you really know what you like, then it may be difficult to change later, and the resale value isn’t the greatest
