On the receiver...
I am very happy with my Pioneer Elite 45TX. Its auto-MCACC feature is
no gimmick. Its amp section is very robust according to the third-party measurements. A comparative review article in HiFi News (UK) reports that the 45TX (European equivalent) maintained almost 140W/channel of steady-state power when 5 channels were driven, grossly outperforming its own specs and other receivers compared in the article (I have the entire article in pdf, if you are interested -- can't find the link right now). My 45TX does not have any problems driving my 4-ohm Hales front speakers at very high sound levels.
The 45TX is being replaced now by its successors 53TX and 55TXi, so if you can fine one you likely get it for a bargain price. The new 55TXi, available by the end of July, features the emerging industry standard for digital connection of DVD-A/SACD players (i.Link/IEEE1394) if you are interested in such features.
I suggest that you look at these receivers as well.
