If I were going to stay with the receiver route I would either pick up the HK7200 (great value for the money) or the new Denon 3805 which boasts IIX for a better 7.1 surround experience. I just don't feel a receiver can compete with a seperate amp when it comes to driving 5 speakers in a HT experience. Down the road a little ways I'd like to pick up a used Lexicon DC1 or something of the like to replace the Sony.