First of all I would put my vote to HK making the most sexy amp out there:)
Other than a old school MC2100...
I don't know the gear all that well but I love music and get you pay more you get more.....
I listen to Heavy music to light rap, I do like my bass but Love the more delicate sounds such as the john butler trio Check out Ocean you will love it cranked...OMG
Anyways I bought a AVR 247 but don't do the 5.1-7.1 thing as most of the stuff I watch is on the DL. But I do listen to music about 16hours a day:)
Would the HK3490 make much of a difference over the AVR247 and would some RB61's be better than my nuance book shelf speakers.
Thanks
sorry for the long rant on a first post..