I had a few issues with my old H/K receiver, but I honestly believe they've resolved those shut-off features, as you don't sear near as many complaints as you did a few years back (1999/2000). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend H/K.

You don't need to match speaker watts to amplifier watts. Watt ratings on speakers is almost meaningless. Pay more attention to the Ohms. If the speakers you're looking at are 6 or 8 ohms, you're in the clear. If it's 4 ohms, you'll need a beefy power supply...H/K's typically don't have much problem driving 4 ohm loads, so you're okay there too. Chances are you're speakers will be rated 8 ohms nominal...that's relatively easy to power.