Tundramike from Alaska (go figure),
I would focus your dough and attention on the speakers. You have found some fine receivers but there are cheaper options for your needs. I just mentioned in another post that I got a refurbished Onkyo SR503 for $169 at shoponkyo.com with no taxes or shipping - don't know about AK but if it ships free to you you can't go wrong! This is a 75wpc 7.1 receiver and if you search this forum you will get some positive feedback on it. I have run M22s and M40s on less powerful equipment than this with no problems. There are other great refurb choices at ecost, ebay, HK direct, etc. that could be had for $300 or less and would drive your M3s nicely. Good luck.
