Want to upgrade from older HTiB - Need some help.

[Dark Horse]

I currently have the Onkyo HT-SR800 and would really like to upgrade my system. I've decided to go with separate receiver/speakers, and need some help with figuring things out.

The SR800 doesn't do audio over the HDMI cable, and my Panny BD-35 doesn't have the analog outs. (Yes, I've learned a valuable lesson about doing proper research before buying electronics now. ) I really want to jump into HD audio to match my HD picture experience - and hey, cleaning up some of those extra cables would be nice! Also, my slight hearing loss combined with muddy dialogue from my current system are combining into one monster headache.

I've been debating over what to do first - speakers or receiver. Due to budget constraints, I'll probably have to wait at least 6 months between purchases. I've been leaning towards upgrading speakers first, because receiver technology changes so quickly, but I'm not sure my current receiver could handle the speakers I've been looking at.

I've been considering the PSB Alpha series, which I'll hopefully get to audition in the near future. However, I just noticed that the PSBs are 6 ohm speakers, and it doesn't look like the SR800 receiver is switchable to do less than 8 ohms. Then again, I could be reading that information totally wrong. If I were to hook up 6 ohm speakers to this receiver, would I be smelling burnt circuits in the near future?

If that's the case, would it be worth considering an 8 ohm speaker like the Infinity Primus series or The Speaker Company's TSB line? I'm only looking at bookshelf/center speakers because my living room is relatively small - just like my budget (mains and center ~$400.)

Or, should I consider upgrading to a new receiver now (been eyeing the Onkyo 607 and Pioneer 1019) and do speakers later? I guess I'm trying to figure out which option is going to give me a better increase in sound for the money until I can upgrade the whole thing.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Rick