Pete;
Look for a receiver with the features you want at a price you like. Discontinued HK's can be had for good prices on Ebay (sold by HK with warantees), and discontinued and refurbed Denons can be found at E-cost and Dakmart (authorized Denon resellers).
Though some like the automatic EQ feature of the new Denons, Pioneer Elites, and Yamahas, others, including Alan Lofft, Axiom's resident guru, are of the opinion that this feature can do more harm than good.
Bottom line, if you get one of the higher end Onkyos, Denons, HK's, or Yamahas you cannot really go wrong. And don't believe anybody who tries to tell you that a certain brand of receiver is "bright" or "warm" and makes a better match for your Axioms than another brand.
Oh, and don't forget to post your opinions and pictures after you get your setup is complete.
Mark
