Thanks for all the replies!

I live in Calgary. I've only been to two dealers so far. One carries Rotel&NAD receivers, and Paradigm, B&W and Thiel ($$$$$$$). The other carries NAD, Marantz, Krell receivers and JM Labs, Totem, KEF, and Definitive Tech speakers.

I've narrowed it down to the NAD 763 and the Rotel 1056, based on reviews, features, and the fact that more of an emphasis is put on music ability than useless features by both. I pretty much always have music on, so that will be my main use. I figure that whatever system can pump out decent music, will handle home theatre just fine. There may be some argument to that, but most people would agree that it doesn't go the other way around. A good HT setup may not lend well to music.

I have yet to do a full listening test, which is paramount to any sounds system. Having said that, I did do a brief (2hour!) session comparing the def tech mythos line and the Totems Sttafs, using only a Marantz receiver. The Totems won.

I'm looking for feedback on the B&W and Paradigm lines because they have speakers in the same price range, so like any good consumer, I have to shop around.

I don't know where to get Dynaudio's or Energy speakers around here, so those are out. But thanks for the info on the Paradigm's and B&W's. I will definitely give them a listen to complete my research.