I second Robb's idea, tempt him with the F.O. M3's only a few bucks more and well worth it.

As for Receivers I would be thinking refurb I found these at ecost, I know they have some onkyos around that price point as well.

Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70