I hope you are getting the picture here. There are a lot of fine electronics out there, but realistically, the speakers (and the room) will dominate the quality of the sound you hear. $3000 is a lot to spend on a receiver unless you just have plenty of money, or you must have all of the latest and greatest features (which it sounds like you don't care much about).
So, find your speakers first, don't short change that process as it is the most important one in getting good sound.
Once you determine your speakers, then there is a slight chance they will need something beyond a standard 80-130WPC receiver to properly drive them. If so that will be easy enough to handle.
Either way, since you seem to have an ample budget, I would recommend finding a good solid amplifier which will last you
decades.
As you have experienced, receivers and pre-processors go obsolete quickly! Unless you are identifying specific features offered by the latest generation of receivers (or pre-pros), I would recommend you buy 1-3 year old receivers with pre-outs which you can find new at great savings. Really, all the receiver has to do is offer the minimum feature set you need and be reliable. It is, by nature, the "disposable" component of your system, and not the best place to sink too much money.
Any major brand will cover you for a receiver. I think Marantz represents a good value for a predominantly music system, but you'd probably be better off with other brands for a video oriented system.
Work with us component by component and we'll narrow it down so you won't make a bad choice (we can't always determine your best choice, but we can give you a "can't lose" pool to choose from).
