A bunch of us on this board own H/K receivers. I own the AVR520 (predecessor to the 525), and I can say that the peformance of the 520 is outstanding. It powers my Axioms beautifully (no issue about pairing it with the 6-ohm VP150 and QS8's), and the warmth of the H/K receivers blends quite well with the detail of the Axioms. It has a lot of punch for home theater as well.

Marantz are very highly regarded receivers as well, but I would have no hesitation recommending the H/K 525.