I would suggest the Harman-Kardon AVR 1700 receiver. It is only $333 at Amazon right now, and should be a big improvement in sound quality compared to the Pioneer.

Those are very nice speakers, and using the Pioneer with them is a sad situation. IMO the Pioneer amplifiers sound like crap.

To really do those speakers justice, and get some excellent sound quality, what you really want is the Cambridge Audio 551R receiver ($1195).

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I would suggest that you get the NAD C326BEE amplifier for your 2-channel system. It is only $549 and sounds very good.

I also recommend the Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable for $449 and the Musical Fidelity V-LPS phono preamp to go with it.

The cheapest TUBE amp I could recommend is the Jolida 202, which is $1150 at Music Direct. I think the overall sound of the NAD will be better, but if you are into tube sound and want their slurred bass and gauzy treble, tubes will give you that at that price. The more powerful Jolida amp is better, for around $2000.

If you want a no-compromise 60-watt tube integrated amp that will give you EXCELLENT sound, the Audio Research VSi60 is what you want, but it will cost you $4495.

The Psb's that you have great choice, I agree with commsysman on his opinion of the Pioneer reciever! Most of the time you get what you pay for, but there are times that you can get much more than you paid for with some research. Best of all you get to listen to all this stuff

For your home theater combo, you may want to check into a pre amp/power combo at Emotiva, I think you can get the 2 for under $1000.

The Cambridge is a great selection, why be scared? order online and audition at home, if you don't like the sound, then return it. speaking from experience, there are great online companies that are a pleasure to deal with, they offer advise, and no hassle returns. some even offer open box items at great reductions. the few eho spring to mind are  MD, AA, Crutch. (I hope That ok to add those adon Bitran)

Great speakers for your future turntable setup: Wharfedale Diamond 10.1's or the 10.2's or Boston Acoustics A26, or go the powered speaker route, IE: Turntable (Rega Planar 3) and Audioengine A5+, the 2 of these would be under $1000, you could even add a sub and a DAC for your computer or Ipod. Just some thoughts.

There is so much to listen too, its a great adventure.

If you have $1195 for the Cambridge Audio 551R receiver, I recommend that you buy it. Audio Advisor has them.

There is nothing to be afraid of; it is simply the best-sounding best performing receiver you can buy for that kind of money. getting and using it is a no-brainer. Hooking up ANY receiver and using it, Marantz or Cambridge or NAD or whatever is exactly the same. Just read the manual.

The comparison between the Cambridge and the Pioneer is like comparing a BMW to a Ford Fiesta. One is high quality and the other is not.

You will be blown away by the improvement in sound quality with the Cambridge receiver; everything will sound much much nicer.