while i'll say that denon makes decent products,HK are slightly overpriced,under rated on power,but have high current output,and can drive difficult speakers easier than sony or yamaha(although nothing wrong with yamaha or sony when you get to their higher end receivers)

your best bet,and i'm really surprised you fellow outlaws haven't recommended it,is keep an eye on ebay and pick up a used 1050,they have pretty much held their value,so expect to pay $4-5 hundred plus shipping.

they are awesome for entry level 5.1 theater(6.1)
have awesome 2 channel sound for music,and have pre-outs for all channels for system growth down the road,you can't go wrong.with this forum you can get all the support you would ever need.