In my experience, you have "mass consumer" products that peak with Denon, and then Rotel gear generally in the $800 - $1,200 range used. Then you move to mid-fi which is B&K and Arcam in the $1,500 to $2,500 range, used. I just moved to B&K from Denon and found the upgrade well worth the cost. I was indifferent between B&K and Arcam and just went with the one that was available on 'Gon.
The really hi end stuff begins above $2,000 and that is beyond my experience.
Whatever you get, you need power so stay away from anything below a mid-range Denon.
