Re-read the last line of my post. Perhaps I was a bit unclear, but I really thought you already knew the H/K 3490 IS a two channel "stereo only" receiver, and quite a nice one at that.
I understand the HK 3490 is stereo, I initially bought it for the reason because i thought it would be used mainly for music. I kind of blindly purchased the HK for that reason thinking that is all I want, but now I want more. And in a year it should be obtainable.
You have said most surround systems will give a stereo option more power then the full 5 or 7 (whatever you are running), which is basically now what I am looking for. After thinking about living etc, it seems more logical to have an all around system for myself rather then a living room (HK 3490) and a HT room. Because I came to realize that is going to be about 10 years away from achieving that dream.
I should do some more research on watts and power driving the speakers, its not like I am trying to drive a frat party but sometimes I like to listen to some loud music, obviously for that I would want stereo power, where as for movies I want more. Hope this makes a little bit more sense of my confusion.
At this point I am trying to decide to return my 3490 and get something else. Or keeping it for years down the road because I really like what I have now, I just want some surround sound when enjoying movies.