Hello, My name is broken record (what's a record?).
If I had $1,000 for a receiver that would be used about 50/50 HT and Music, and I wanted to stay away from used, I would give a serious listen to the Pioneer Elite VSX-56TXi. It is an awesome receiver (though it only has 2 video component inputs -- This eliminates it from some people's list).
All the bells and whistles, more power than you will need in your room with your ascends. All of the certifications (THX and Air Studios), and FIREWIRE connectivity!
Actually I would get this receiver no matter the balance of HT/Music, unless I was going strictly 2 channel.