Thanks for replies
Thanks for all the helpful replies and advice so far.
With regards to suggestions of budget receivers, 'budget' in my sense of the term would be in the $500 to $700 range (CDN of course). I see that Future Shop has the Yamaha HTR5890 on right now for $799 ($200 off), so if I was looking to spend 500 to 700, I would definately be looking at this one! But, I won't need to worry about this now, because I will be winning the RX-V2600 from this site!
I guess it's safe to assume that any of the models from this Yamaha line (HTR5840 through 5890) would be a good choice -- based on my needs. I am using Future Shop models as examples because the other HT stores in my area don't have very informative websites, but when I get in the market, I will certainly be checking the models from other stores and researching specs/opinions online (most likely this website/forum).
Funny thing happened this morning. The GF told me that when she turned on the stereo this morning, she could hear some kind of static coming through the speakers before the sound turned on (there is a few second delay between power up and actual sound -- I believe it is a feature of the receiver). I haven't heard anything myself, but I will be paying more attention now.
With regards to the HDTV, thanks Leprkon for the link, but when I do upgrade to the new TV, it will be most likely be around the 48" to 55" size. If I ever manage to get a HT room, I may even consider a good Front Projection setup.
Thanks mtrycrafts for the advice. It may actually be the best advice yet! But, sometimes when someone gets an upgrade 'itch', it is sometimes difficult and expensive to scratch! I think I have my speaker upgrade itch scratched ( I was actually quite happy, until the surrounds in my Mach Ones turned to dust -- and it all spiriled down from there), but I may have to quit these audio forums cold turkey to keep from getting the receiver upgrade itch!