Need multi-channel that's great on 2 channel

I would go the Arcam AVR 600.There will be new models coming out soon and I have seen the AVR 600 go for as little as $2500 second hand.I too only listen to music only in a 5.3 system.I run the 3x Subs with surround (DVD-A SACD),turntable and CD stereo.I have looked long and hard to find a 2 channel AMP for Turntable and stereo CD playback that will integrate the Subs with the front speakers set to small but NO LUCK.Now that my turntable is going HIEnd I have been searching for a AVR for music that is better then the Arcam AVR 600.I am more then happy with the results of the Arcam AVR 600 but looking at my next upgrade.
Stump

Go "hybrid", i have the best of A/V now with the PR-SC5509's great HQV Vida VP (uprezzing those DVDs) and a CP-700 in SSP bypass mode, the stereo balanced A1UDCI (stellar DSD decoder but an inferior BD player, PS3 takes care of that and 3D)directly linked, and couldn't be happier.

The CP-700 make me realize more and more how ignorant i had been thinking an A/V box could do everything for all these years, everything is opening up, I am reauditioning my extensive SACD collection and finding amazing details never heard before in favorite recordings. All of a sudden Roxie's Avalon, Beck's Seachange, and Kraftwerk MCH showpieces take a step back and now I am demonstrating my system to visitors using MoFi and Universal Japan 2 channel remasters.

This weekend got everything hooked up; built the Timbernation racks...the old Arcam Alphas never looked, or sounded so good; good to have them paired up with the Furman Reference 15i, which does make a dfference: I'm getting more detail and more "bottom" to my sound. The whole system sounds better, aided by some Kimber Hero and PBJ interconnects, and 8TC speaker cable. My 2 channel is set, for now; I plan to save up for better amplifiers.

My HT system is also doing well: the Marantz SR7005 sounds great, paired with another Furman conditioner and Mirage Nanosat speakers and sub; long-range: improve the speakers; getting good sound currently from my Marantz UD7006 SACD/BD player.

Thanks again for all your suggestions; keep them coming...
Jeff

CAL MCA 2500 or Theta dreanaught

Get a neutral MCh preamp like the Bel Canto Pre6 and a good MCh amp like the Cary Cinema 5 (I owned this combo at one time) or many other quality amps. I'm not sure that the A/V receivers built for 101 uses can compete with this sort of basic technology built for simply amplifying a signal.