rook,

I hate to do this to you with everything you have on your mind, but you might also consider the Denon 2900.

if you placed it between the 2910 and 3910, it would be about 80% of the way to the 3910. Because of the 2910/3910 intro, the 2900 has been discontinued. Normally $1000, but you might find them for $5-600 if you are lucky. Do a search on 2900 in the forum - it's great box at that price.