One of my final choices before going with my current set-up (Outlaw 990/7125) was the Arcam AVR 300 (before they upgraded to the 350). You are right - it is a "giant-killer" in terms of bang for the buck. Kind of like Axioms!

I can't really advise you much, but am curious to hear how this turns out...

Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.