Budget Power Amp and Subwoofer Suggestions

I think the BluRay audio requirement is going to add cost. If you need BR audio, I think you will want a HD receiver. (In most cases, a preamp and separate amps will cost more than a receiver.) However, if 5.1 will be sufficient, then I think you should be able to come in well under your budget. From what I've read about your speakers, you will need a solid amp section in your receiver.

There is a NAD T755 for sale on Audiogon right now for just less than $500. It has HDMI but isn't an HD receiver. It outputs 5 X 80 WPC in surround or 2 X 110 WPC in stereo. It also comes with the Audyssey set up feature which is rather handy. I'm not associated with the seller at all; I just own and use an identical receiver. I think it should meet your needs.

Also, I received an email from SVS this morning. Two of their sub models are on sale right now for $599 each, the SB12-NSD and the PB12-NSD. I think the price/performance combination on these subs is hard to beat.

I have read a lot of debate between the Parasound and Emotiva. Do you know anything about the reliability of the Parasound over the long term? I plan on keeping my amp and speakers for a very long time (pre-amp, source, and projector will get swapped out with upgrades in technology). I'm a little hesitant to pay $500 more for a used Parasound when I can get a five year warranty on the Emotiva.

Patrick, let me throw another choice out there. Adcom 5006/6006. Six channel amp. A very strong 50w per ch. I own the 2-ch. version, the 5002, and I think it's an awesome bipolar amp. I prefer this over my MOSFET Rotel RB-951. Hard to find but it could cost you a song...