I want to change from 2 channel to HT but what....


I have a very good Karan KAi180 integrated amp, a diy cd player and Merlin VSM-m speakers. I would like to sell the Karan and purchase a used or new HT receiver or separates. I want to spend around $2500.00 (the used price of my Karan). I am looking at, in this order, B&K 507, Sunfire receiver or separates like the Lexicon MC-1 with a good amp. I have also read some good info on Yamaha, Denon and a new Samsung digital receiver. I have also read that Sony has a digital amp in a receiver as well. The Samsung is out of my price. My plans for the near future is to buy a new Panasonic 50" plasma. I would like the hdmi switching, 7.1 and THX Ultra. I don't think the B&K 507 or the Sunfire has these. I am not realy keen on Sony, Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo or Samsung etc. receivers for the only reason that I would not buy one for a 2 channel set-up, but I am willing to consider everything. I do want at least 170wpc, THX Ultra, DTS, DD, 7.1 and a good video switch hopefully with HDMI. I do believe a good receiver can sound as good as separates. Mybe not in my $2500.00 price range. My Karan integrated was an upgrade from $7500 Melos separates.
stereo
Na...you must do separates for good sound. I've worked in this for 15 years, 6 audio stores, and hundreds of installs. Do yourself a favor and do separates. Receivers powersupplies must delegate power to all the switching, processing, lights, dials, preamp/output section, as well as the amplification section....not to mention crosstalk and interference between components and such. Separates are much more efficient, and the amps can deliver better cleaner current most every time. I've never heard any receiver that can do what good separates can do. And I've sold the Denon 5803, Yamaha RXV1,Marantz SR18/14,and B&K receivers,etc., retail. Separates stomps these overall, especially in dynamics, detail retreival, overall resolve, soundstage, you name it.
What separates can you recommend for under $3000.00? Tweeter has a demo B&K 507 for $1630.00. For the price I am very tempted. I was thinking for separates a Lexicon MC-1 (used $1200.00) and a Sunfire amp (used $1500.00?).
What about Anthem? You should be able to get a used AVM-20 and an amp for $3000.