New poster here.

If I don't flounder, I might get the Onkyo receiver at ecost in a few minutes for $300. Stupid question: will I be happy with it?

My main priority is music although home theater would be nice. I'm getting an Axiom system also with large front speakers. I've been turned on some Denon's but the deal at ecost looks really good. My total budget for speakers and a receiver is around $2,000.

sorry to be a nag but people here seem to really know their stuff.

Also, ecost says 6 ohms while Crutchfield says 8 ohms for this receiver. Maybe I'll check Onkyo's website.

If what you have now is clearly inferior, and you're willing to upgrade in a couple years, sure! Onkyo's are just fine. If you're not getting the Epic 80 (or M80s), then you should be just fine.

I don't have the money for the M80s so I guess that's not going to be a problem. I have a Sony from 8 years ago so and Advent speakers, yeah, I guess its definitely a major upgrade. I'll probably be getting the M40s or M50s. Its not a large room these will be in (but high ceilings though). : )

I have the 601 pushing the M22/VP100/QS4 combo and I have no complaints at all. Plenty of power for me. I can't say if you'll be happy with it. Depends on what you are looking for. This is my second Onkyo HT receiver though if that's any consolation.

I have the 601 with M22s, VP150, and QS8s and have no problems driving them at all. Audioholics has a review of it driving axiom speakers here

jr