Guess what?!...the more your read, the more confusing it gets! It takes years to know what's what for making "special audio/video" happen. Still, there are often better choices than others, depending.
Really, I like the Denon or HK at this price. I also don't think there's going to be a big difference sonically in critical terms. Either are going to work fine. If you want to get into better sound, you need to go separates really. And for the money, Outlaw is offering the best deal there.
Another thing, STRONGLY CONSIDER running any and all of the speakers above as "small" on your receiver, and let the powered sub handle the bass! Not only is any receiver power limited, but passive home audio speakers need all the dynamic help they can get! Do as THX recommends, run em as "small", and you're dynamic range will jump way up! Just blend everything, place speakers/seats correctly for best sound, and deal with acoustical considerations(read, read). Also, if you sit close, have high ceilings, or ceilings that have treatment(non-flat surfaced), you can use typical designs with good effect. If you sit back further, have relatively low ceilings in relation to how far back you sit, and have no treated ceilings, you should consider D'appolito, THX, Horn loaded, or planner designs! Otherwise, you'll hear too much room interaction, and won't get great sound. Good luck
Really, I like the Denon or HK at this price. I also don't think there's going to be a big difference sonically in critical terms. Either are going to work fine. If you want to get into better sound, you need to go separates really. And for the money, Outlaw is offering the best deal there.
Another thing, STRONGLY CONSIDER running any and all of the speakers above as "small" on your receiver, and let the powered sub handle the bass! Not only is any receiver power limited, but passive home audio speakers need all the dynamic help they can get! Do as THX recommends, run em as "small", and you're dynamic range will jump way up! Just blend everything, place speakers/seats correctly for best sound, and deal with acoustical considerations(read, read). Also, if you sit close, have high ceilings, or ceilings that have treatment(non-flat surfaced), you can use typical designs with good effect. If you sit back further, have relatively low ceilings in relation to how far back you sit, and have no treated ceilings, you should consider D'appolito, THX, Horn loaded, or planner designs! Otherwise, you'll hear too much room interaction, and won't get great sound. Good luck