I suggest that for most viewers the receiver won't be the weak link. Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo. All solid build and design. Sony if you stay away from the lowest end. The speakers are going to be key to accurate reproduction and chair rumblin...if that is what you want. To be honest many people do not know the difference between a $500 home theater system and a $500 subwoofer. OR they don't have a room large enough to support a big system. Great sound can be experienced from smaller non-Bose systems. If possible, avoid plastic enclosures on the speakers. wood or particle board (aka MDF) with a faux wood finish will sound much better. Listen if you can.