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BH, since you asked "Where would my $1,000 best serve me", I'll respond that my view is that you'd be best-served by using perhaps half of it for a receiver whose features meet your needs and using the rest of the money for CDs, DVDs etc. which will make a real difference. Don't be overly concerned about maximum power that you'll likely never use. Don't be concerned at all about "SQ"; as properly controlled blind listening tests have indicated, if the frequency response is flat from 20-20KHZ and the noise and distortion levels are inaudibly low(common these days in even quite modestly-priced equipment), the amplification is audibly transparent and no differences are discernible.



Its just that I like to have the occasional party and never wanted to worry about having enough power for it...also the fact these are going to be 4 ohm speakers made me want to purchase something that was built with real "Beefy" components. Since you mentioned spending $500, what would you get at that price point? Looking around I probably would go with a Denon.

As for CDs and DVDs, no worries there. A date with the wife most of the time consists of a nice dinner and going to a media store near here and choosing a DVD or two. We have been doing this for quite some time and have a nice little collection. I would say I have at least 10 DVDs we have never eve watched LOL.