Rock, I certainly didn't suggest that you consider a "high-end" receiver. A modestly-priced receiver, perhaps as little as $200-$300 if available factory refurbished, maybe $100-$200 more if new, furnishes all the quality amplification that our ears need. The linked article is another example of high-end nonsense which throws out myths which fail when put to blind listening tests.
My own listening is almost entirely classical, and as I indicated above, your biggest improvement after getting an HT receiver would be to listen to all music in surround mode, preferably with side-surround speakers such as the QS8s. Contrary to the rants in the linked article, it's listening to music only with front speakers which is "lacking" in realism.
