You can certainly look at other brands and do very well.

Alan Lofft usually recommends Denon and HK (HK has an on-line outlet store). Most everybody who has a mid to upper level unit will suggest that model based on their positive expeirence with it (the real beauty of a forum like this).

I am a long time Denon guy, but as long as you are at $500 or more, just about anything will work well. Just pick the features you like and buy something you feel good about.