The Axiom speakers are very efficient and require minimal wattage to play very loud, so most likely external amps are not required. Any reputable brand receiver will have no problems driving those speakers, even the Sherwood Newcastle.
So are you sending it back for a replacement, or to get your money back? Any receiver in the $300-900 range will have no issues, as long as you get one that has the features you want. I just upgraded to a Denon 3808, since my 2805 did not have HDMI hookups. Both can drive my 80's, 150, qs8's, etc in my 8,000 cubic ft room to insane levels with no distortion.
No reason to fork out 2grand, I would use that money for bigger Axiom speakers.
