2 Channel newbie advice

[rah0ul]

I recently got a new part time job while at University and thought i'd blow my paycheck on a new 2 speaker Audio system. I'd like to get a high quality setup that i will be able to build upon later down the track, my budget is about $1500 Australian Dollars (75c = $1US). A little leeway higher or lower.

Currently im using a very sad Panasonic MIDI system to which is connected my Technics SL1200 MK2 turntable and PreAmp. I have a fairly extensive collection of Vinyl (Pink Flloyd, Led Zep, Simon and Garfunkel, the Eagles and a lot of newer stuff) along with a big ol' pile of CD's. I am very much into music and have my system running about 20 hours a day. This system would be used primarily for music but would also be connected to my PC's Audigy 2 soundcard via digital S/PDIF for listening to MP3's etc.

Never having ventured into serious home audio I'm a bit lost as to what i should look for. One of the biggest concerns i have is whether or not to buy a Stereo or 5.1 receiver. I only want to output to 2 speakers but i've been told that i'm better of getting a 5.1 rather than a 2 channel receiver as this restricts my upgrade path should i want to build a home theatre setup later on and the price difference is negligable.

To start of with im looking at a system comprised of an Onkyo DV-SP502 DVD player, Onkyo TX-8211 Stereo Receiver and 2 Jamo 100w speakers (not sure of model). The shop assistant said i could swap the 2 channel receiver for a 5.1 Yamaha or similar and still maintain the $1400 price tag for the lot.

any advice/recommendations.