Larry, another welcome. Yes, a better sub should probably be your first consideration, and the three in the $200-$300 range that you're mentioned are all highly-regarded and you wouldn't go wrong with any of them. Possibly let price or even appearance be the determining factor.

As to a receiver, I agree with Mary's comments. Onkyo included quite a fine unit in the package and the features are only slightly dated. Unless there's some key feature that you're looking for, it appears to meet your requirements already and there doesn't appear to be a compelling reason to replace it.

Your comment about surround being "irritating" (assumedly on music)is puzzling and might indicate that the level calibration wasn't correct(in addition to the surround speakers not being the greatest). Using DPLII to process two-channel music sources and send the ambience to the surrounds where it belongs should significantly benefit your listening. Of course, using better surrounds, such as Axiom QS4s, would increase the effect and might be a better candidate for the second item to be bought, rather than another receiver.



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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.