Quote Originally Posted by Jim Clark
Well, you asked for opinions...

Those are some pretty fancy in-ceiling speakers. Without going into detail as to my impressions of them, I think people are leading you to more expensive receivers than necessary to get the most out of these speakers. Honestly I'd seriously consider one of the digital amp receiver products from either Panasonic or Kenwood. Since these are carried by stores with liberal return policies you wouldn't be risking anything. I'd pretty much bet that in a blind listening test that you wouldn't be able to discern any difference in SQ and perhaps even prefer the all digital designs. These typically sell for about 250.00 and both brands garner some impressive reviews. I usually don't jump on the band wagon for either of these companies but for your situation I think it may be an excellent choice.

FWIW, I wouldn't buy an HK product on a dare. Too many QC issues, not that I've experienced them first hand. I've read way too many posts at AVS forums of owners with issues to have any faith in the products they offer. This is fairly typical of HK over the past several years. You may end up being one of the lucky ones though.

Good luck,
jc
That's why I started with the idea of how long he'd own the product for. If it's for now, then something more entry level will suffice with those speakers, but if he wishes to hold onto a receiver for a long time, intending to perhaps upgrade speakers in the future, then a model higher up the price chain should be considered.