I see your point about the separates. I think the reason that my stuff has lasted so long is that, I only use it on weekends. The home theatre stuff is not even used that often. When just watching TV, I just listen to the TV. Except when baseball is on. With baseball, it just sounds better through the home theatre set up. More crowd noise, etc.
I think that I will go with a receiver. Right now, the Rotel is looking like the best deal for just a stereo receiver. The NAD is much more money, for a comparable power rating, and I have to go across town. The Rotel dealer will order it in, and let me keep for it a while. If I want to, I can return it.
Regarding your last point, I know that there are a lot of cheaper options out there, but I would hate to save some money and then kick myself for not getting the best that I could afford.
