I used to own the HK 354 and I never had a single issue with it. Looks like it's time to pull some of your Future Shop strings. I highly doubt HK waste a sales person representing their receivers in a negative light. One bad opinion is worth 1,000 good opinions. Like what was mentioned earlier, if I was in your shoes I would just run your system in 2.1 for now until you can upgrade your center and surrounds. HK was always a pleasure to work with, I would just call them up and see what they recommend, they will probably have you send the unit in bu you might get back an upgraded version.