Depends on what kind of music you like. If you like to rock the house loud, the ASL isn't a top choice. If you like jazz, crooners and female vocals, new age, etc., it'd be very difficult to do better than the ASL.
I have a few other systems, with more expensive solid state receivers, an Onkyo 797THX and a 6 channel Sony STRDB 1070. The latter drives 4 Michaura M55s (same as the 2 driven by the ASL) with a Merak MC6H center and a 15" Dahlquist sub, the Onkyo a pair of M60 like Michaura M665s, another pair of M55s, a pair of Mission 77ds back surrounds, another Merak MC6H center and a pair of subs, a Klipsch LF10 and Velodyne CHT100.
For sweet sounding music, and accuracy, the ASL holds its own against the Onkyo system, even though the Onkyo is sourced with what was originally a $2000 MSRP Toshiba SD9200 DVD Audio player. When it comes to imaging and soundstage, none of my solid state systems can hold a candle to the ASL Ah! Njoeb Tjoeb, 8" Velodyne combo.
If you're interested in solid state you may want to consider the Outlaw 1050 at $499. If you want a steal in a sweet sounding receiver, try to find a Technics SADX 940-1050. These can be found steeply discounted and are unbelievably sweet sounding for a powerful 5 channel solid state. (which can be used for 2 channel no problem!) From my experiences, I'd stay away from Harman Kardon products, the last good one I had was an AVR 20, which in my opinion is just not in the same league as the others mentioned.
