Just a thought ...

Decide on how much you want to spend, and then look
at what is offered! Find units that have the features,
ergonomics, price, etc. that you like. Listen in the store as best you can to narrow the field, but you really want to try it out at home with your own system. Buy it from a retailer that offers good return policies (some have 30 day no questions asked returns), bring it home and try it out.
A list of the usual suspects (as of a year or so ago when I bought my Marantz) is below. Note that all of these *claim* to be able to drive 4-ohm loads. Marantz SR-4120, the HK models, and the NAD put out specs at 4-ohms, if that means anything.

Onkyo TX8211: 50 W/ch, 4 inputs, $200
Onkyo TX8511: 100 W/ch, 6 inputs, $300
Integra DTM-5.3: 100 W/ch, 6 inputs, multiroom, $400.
Denon DRA295: 50 W/ch, 5 inputs, pre-outs, no phono, $250
Denon DRA395: 80 W/ch, 6 inputs, multiroom, pre-outs, $350
Denon DRA685: 100 W/ch, 6 inputs, pre-out/main-in, 6 inputs, $500
HK3370, 70 W/ch, 5 inputs, pre/main, sub-outs, $300
HK3470, 100 W/ch, 6 inputs, pre/main, sub-outs, $400
Marantz SR-4120: 60 W/ch, 4 inputs, pre-out, $400
Marantz SR-4320: 80 W/ch, 7 inputs, pre/main, $400
NAD C740: 35 W/ch, ,6? inputs, no phono, pre/main, $550
Yamaha RX396: 50 W/ch, 5 inputs, $300
Yamaha RX496: 75 W/ch, 6 inputs, $350
Yamaha RX596: 80 W/ch, 6 inputs, beefier than 496, $450
Yamaha RX777: 100 W/ch, 7 inputs, pre/main, $600

At the time, the Marantz 4120 was old and the 4320 was new; the 4120 is no longer made. Also, HK seems to come out with slightly different models every year these days by upping the power 5-10 watts each time.

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to say a whole lot.
If it were me, I'd see if the less expensive receivers would do the trick before looking at higher priced options. That leaves more $$$ for CDs! For example, the little $200 Onkyo TX-8211 is a decent unit for very little money. An extra $100 boosts you up to the TX-8511 with 100 watts/channel. If you want pre-amp outputs you'll have to look at Denon, HK, Marantz, NAD and Rotel (all of these but the Denon have pre-out/main-in loops). Some units have multi-room capability (different sources in different rooms, but require separate amps for the second zone): Denon DRA-395 and the Integra DTM-5.3. By the way, the Integra DTM-5.3 is essentially the Onkyo TX-8511 with much better connectors, a different face plate, and the multi-zone capability. If you often listen at low volumes you may like the Yamaha variable loudness control (I just boost the bass and treble a bit, but to each their own). Tuner performance can be quite different for various models, but the only way to know if a tuner is adequate for you is to try it out at home. On paper the Marantz has the worst tuner. But if you needed a spectacular tuner you wouln't be looking at receivers anyway.

I actually bought a B-stock (refurbished) Marantz SR4120 for $250. I was very happy with it, until about Christmas when it crapped out. After bringing it in for warranty service for the 3rd time, Marantz is replacing it with a brand new SR4320. So I can say that Marantz stands behind its products.

Oh, you want to know about sound???? Don't believe anything I would write about that. Listening for yourself is the best way to find what you like.

Cheers.

Jason