Not sure if this is the right thread to ask, but I've had three Sierra-1s for 10 years now. They sound great. I've always run them on budget surround sound receivers. My current receiver broke, so I'm looking to upgrade. Budget is ~$1,000. Maybe I'll add a subwoofer, or maybe I'll just a get a new receiver. I only need one digital HDMI or optical input, so receivers with 10 analog/20 digital (etc) doesn't make a difference.

First website I looked at was Onkyo. I am confused:
$499
A-9150 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
2 x 60 W/Ch @ 4 Ohms

$499
TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver
Power Watts/Ch (8 Ohms 20-20kHz, 2 Channels Driven, FTC) 100

$499
TX-RZ730 9.2 - Channel Network A/V Receiver
Power Watts/Ch (8 Ohms 1kHz, 2 Channels Driven, FTC) 100

They all cost the same, but the stereo amp seems way under powered compared to the other two. Since they are all $499 why wouldn't I just get the 9.2 Receiver?

I was recommended by my friend to get Denon 800H or Marantz NR1200, stop using the center speaker, and use the rest of my budget on a good subwoofer.

I listen to about 50/50 music/movies. What do you recommend?