What are your recommendations for a receiver for this system. I know price is everything, but what is the minimum you would get with this. Also I have heard of Onkyo, any reviews on this, specifically the 603.

I'm looking in the $600-700 CDN range or $500-600 US

Any of the main brand receivers in that price range (HK, Denon,Yamaha,Onkyo)will do an excellent job, just look for the features you want and go from there.

Chips, there are a number of receivers that will do just fine with m60s and EP500. The most commonly mentioned brands are Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, and HK but, I've been using an Onkyo TX-DS797 (forerunner to the 703) for more than 4 years and have been very happy with it. The 603 would be just fine.

You can pick up a refurbished 603 for $219, plus shipping, at eCost.com. A new model can be found for $100 to $280 more, depending on the vendor.

Onkyo TX-SR603 Review

I have heard that a recommended receiver for this system would be the Sherwood Newcastle R-671. Any comments on this receiver or brand?

Any decent receiver will drive this system, it is up to your budget, and the bells and whistles you want. Just stay with a reputable brand.

I finally used "search".....only took me a few days to realize that, and I think I have decided on the Sherwood R-671 http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_r671.html

Based on Axioms comments and this board, I feel comfortable with this choice. Thanks all

Chips, you may have already fully considered this, but note that the R-671 is a 6.1 rather than 7.1 receiver. Although you presently have a 5.1 setup in mind, unless you're fairly certain that you won't want to expand to 7.1 you should keep in mind that the 671 has neither the amp channel nor the pre-out for the 7th channel.

Chips,

To echo JohnK comments, you may want to look at the R-965. I have one and it works very, very well. I am using 5.1 of the 7.1 channels that it offers in our great room. I have plans (and wiring) to run the other two channels in its optional Room 2 config and feed two speakers under the back porch for parties in the back yard.

No harm in future proofing...If I ever move and find myself with a bigger room, I have the other two channels available.

Just my .02...

WhatFurrer

In the same price range you may want to consider the Yamaha Rx-v659. It supports 7.1 and has a second powered zone so you could run an additional pair of speakers for outside or on another floor while playing back a different source (ie - DVD in theater room and CD/Radio/XM Radio on the deck outside). I believe if you have a 5.1 setup you can run 3 sets of speakers.

Audioholics review attached:
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaRX-V659p1.php

the R-965 is triple the cost of the 671. What about the R-771, it is about $250 CDN more and 7.1 compatible. I havn't researched receivers that much as their specs are Greek to me. I would imagine that a receiver for $700 CDN is fine....and Yamaha, Denon and Sherwood are recommended by Axiom. I now have to figure which one

I am starting to think I should reconsider the R-671 for at least a R-771. the 965 is just way too expensive for me.

Sure Chips, consider the 771 instead of the 671, but of course there's no good reason not to also consider other makes, such as the Onkyo 604 or Yamaha 659.