I need some suggestions on a receiver for a family member. He is buying equipment for his living room. At this time he is not going to have a full surround sound, only 3 speakers and a sub. I have recommended Ascend Acoustics CBM-170s for the mains and center and an HSU or Outlaw sub. I need some suggestions for a receiver in the $500-$700 range. If there is one that is more expensive, but such a stand out for the money, it would considered, I'm sure.
Ascend sells HK receivers on their site as an authorized dealer. They state that they have had very good results from these. I have noticed that, for the money, the wattage per channel is much lower on the HK than say a Yamaha or Denon of equal price. Are you paying for the "HK" on the receiver or would a lower wattage HK sound much better than a comparably price Yamaha or Denon?