Decent speakers for mid-level AVR

@soix I completely agree. Most new speakers present a difficult amplifier load unless you are looking at something like Klipsch or Devore Fidelity. I would not recommend using a mid-grade AVR for most high fidelity speakers.

For my TV system in the living room I bought an Anthem AVR that can handle difficult speaker loads because I wanted to use KEF R3 Meta speakers that dip to about 3 ohms. It sounds very good but the Anthem was quite a bit more expensive than a similar wattage Onkyo or Denon. BTW, the SVS speakers I heard were being powered by an Anthem AVR.

Well, given the suggestions for an external amplifier, I am going to pull the trigger on the B&K EX 4420 available locally.  yes, it is old, but it was recently entirely rebuilt and people say that it sounds excellent, almost tube like, and it pushes out 200w @ 8ohms.  So for $350, seems like a no brainer for me anyways. 

I like the look of those SVS ultra evolution pinnacles.  I REALLY like the ascend evolution but I simply can't afford $4k in speakers right now.  I am going to audition the Focal aria 948 on saturday.  He is selling the pari for $1,600.  Seems like a pretty good deal to me. ? 

Perhaps I should just buy $1`k in lottery tickets?  LOL 

Avr have come along way .dennon avr 1 is great sounds good as i have 1 150 wpc.no I did not go with trinov ? Spelling and choose to go with marantz 16 channel  av 10  with amp 10 class d tuned by marantz. Then put 7 channel mcintosh  amp on that with amp 10 in 400 wpc for the rest. Alot of versatility with no amp in main avr and can update separate. It sounds fantastic especially with pink floyd in surround. Put soma fossi amps on your anymore and get some tektons.

Onkyo

@pdxmonkeyboy Good luck with your audition of the 948's.  I really am a fan of the Focal sound and paid $2,400 for my 926's (gently used of course) so $1,600 for the 948's from my perspective is a steal.  Give us a full report afterwards including how they might fit in with your amp you purchased.