ASAP, the Panny XR series of digital receivers is top on my list for a 2 channel! stereo system with bookshelf speakers. These Pannys are 6 channel HT receivers but folks are raving about them. If you google the XR receivers you'll see that some folks have already modified them and transformed them from great to superb! For the money, I'd give it a shot.

Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.