I realize this may not be what you are asking, so please take in the spirit given...

If he is a huge music guy, I would rather see you skip the sub (at $800?) and put the diff into the Magnepan MG 12's (about $1200) as oppossed to $600 for the MMG's. If the sub is a must, ignore this part!

I would go for an integrated amp instead of the receiver (if is it for MUSIC only). You didn't say what sources he has or will be getting (CD, 'table, etc)? Look at NAD, Cambridge Audio, Creek, Music Hall, Marantz. These all give great performance for the buck. You need to be careful regarding the power rating as the MG 12's (as well as the MMG's) are lower effeciency (86dB) and are rated at 4 ohms.

I know this may not be what you were asking,  but may be food for thought...

Jerry
Cranky Audio Guy, Inc.