Now that I have narrowed the expensive units down, I just found another contender. I think my choice is between:
1) Pioneer VSX-1015 $499
2) Yamaha RXV-659 $650

The pioneer has more power and THX select certification, yet is quite a bit cheaper again. Since I keep downselling myself (after up selling on the speakers ) I am starting to worry that the Pioneer is too cheap to do my theater justice. But I can't really say why...

bflat