I need a new receiver

[Steve]

I haven't been keeping up with the world of HT for the last couple of years because I haven't been in the market for anything. However, that all changed with a lightning strike a few days ago that took out my TV, AVR, subwoofer, modem, router, garage door opener, printer, charging cradle for my Harmony One, and alarm clock. I won't even know if any of my speakers were blown until I have a new receiver to hook them up to. We've already started the process for an insurance claim and we've been filling out paperwork and gathering whatever receipts and documentation we have. Hopefully we can get all that squared away within the next few days.

Anyway, my receiver was a Pioneer Elite SC-25. It's a bit dated by today's standards, but it was a beast when it came to power output. I haven't had much time to read and shop, but I was able to stop at a local BB with a Magnolia store in it for a few minutes to look at the newer Elite models, and the SC-95 in particular. What little I've read about this new receiver looks good, and given my experience with the brand I would have no problem going with another one. However, when I was in the store the salesmen tried veering me toward the Marantz SR6010. I know Marantz makes a good receiver, but I have no experience with them and I'm not sure how that model would compare with the Elite. On paper it looks like the Elite has a more powerful amp, but paper specs don't always tell the whole story. Does anyone have any tips, info, hints, suggestions, advice on which way to go?

My current speaker setup is still only 5.1. I may add a pair of ceiling speakers at some point for 7.1, but that's probably as far as that will go. I'm open to other suggestions as well. The only other brand of receiver I have experience with is Onkyo, and I would have no problem getting something from them again.

Thanks for any advice I can get.