Depends on what you need

If you do not need 3 Component inputs and only a few more bells and whistles, then you really don't need the 2500

. I have a 2500 only because I needed the 3 component inputs. The 2500 has an additional 10 watts per channel which really is not a huge deal. For most intents and purposes you will never push the system that hard anyway.
As far as retailers go I bought mine through a Tweeter company, called Sound Advice, bought a whole system, speakers, sub, and receiver. Got the 2500 for $900.00 with warranty. I can not really comment on internet retailers. My personal opinion is get the warranty. I have had no problem with mine but I like having the peace of mind knowing if I do, it will be taken care of.
For the money you can not go wrong with either. Just make sure you know what your future plans are. It is most times better to have too much than not enough, be it power or inputs. Bear in mind everything is going high-def, so whereas it may not be an issue now, will it be in the future?
