That dummy in question is me!
I have an Onkyo 501 which has 6.1 channels. It is pretty good but the next logical step for me is a better receiver, I think.
I have Axiom M22s with a M2 center, some Athena surrounds that I think blend okay with the Axioms, and some cbm 170s in the bedroom (but they are currently replacing the M22s and being used as 2.1 channels - just to compare). Also a Velodyne CT8? 8 inch speaker sub (I forget which one now - but it got good reviews. It ain't a Hsu or an SVS, but it is a pretty good sub from what I have read).
Axiom surrounds would cost about $400. 2 more 170s as surrounds might cost me my marriage since the living room is VERY small. The Athena R1s are a nice small size that she doesn't mind. So a better receiver might kick everything up a few notches.
Questions:
1) What to look for in receivers? Is it really how I hear them? I have read that below about 0.08% thd it doesn' make any difference. And the Onkyo has been measured by an audio magazine as putting out about 48 watts per channel at 0.06% thd (if I remember correctly) which seems more than loud enough in my small room - and the Axioms and the Ascends are both easy to drive (ascends are easier/louder).
2) People seem to like Harmon Kardon, and even more Nad and even more Rotel, I guess. Why? And is it really subjective? How can one receiver be clearly "better" but that "better" cannot be measured? Or can it be measured?
3) So, would a NAD or a HK be a good step up? I could get a stereo receiver for cheaper than a surround one and just hook up the 170s to it in the bedroom. Sure, another sub would be great - but there is no room in that bedroom!
I hope my questions are clear - it is late.