I just finished the speaker purchases for my HT. Room size is about 15x20.
Here's my setup:
Hitachi 65S700 Sony DVD player, unsure of model Onkyo TX sr602 B&W 604S3 fronts B&W CWM 500 surrounds B&W LCR 600 center
I'm curious if and upgrade in receiver will make an honest, distinct difference or if I'd be paying for longevity and status. If so, what should I pair with it?
Some of the new receivers featuring advanced EQ functions can make a difference for HT if your room has less than ideal acoustics. For instance, the new HK 635 bettered my separates setup thanks to the correction of bass peaks I was experiencing in my room. Movies seem to have more sparkle and life to them now than with my original high end setup.
Markus has a point. The Pioneer 1014 has MACC calibration which is supposed to maximize less than stellar speakers as well as less than ideal room accoustics.