I'm running almost the same set up (but with JBL N38's as mains) with a Denon AVR-1804 and am quite happy with it. You can find a refurb online (ecost.com) within your price range.
Don't judge the 235 by the rated 55 watts. It is as powerful as any of the 100 watt receivers I have tried. Trust me, the high current 235 will proide more power than the JBL's can handle.
DorianBryant, just read some reviews on the HK AVR-235.I must say i'm impressed. alot of people claimed it to be as/more powerful of a 100W receiver. how do they get a 55w AVR to out that much power?
I think some of that is that 100 watt ratings are greatly exaggerated. For example, i am currently using a Yamaha RX-V640 rated at 85 watts per channel but puts out about 57. Some of the 100 watt sony receivers are down to 30 watts. The HK puts out a true 57 watts but has high current capability. Also keep in mind the actual volume difference btween 50 and 100 watts is not that great. Others can explain it better but with analog receivers, there is much more than rated power as it equates to true real world power.
The HK 235 is a great receiver. I am looking for an upgrade and would go HK again if I felt it was a good tonal match to the Paradigms i have.
I like Yamaha-I had the HTR-5590 which was very solid. I also had been using the RX-V640 which is solid but still seemed lacking as the Paradigm speakers I have seem to still not produce the sound I am looking for.
Well, my oder for the Pioneer 9100 was cancelled so I went back to a Panny digital. I had used a XR50 when I had JBL's. The XR55 sounds great with the Paradigm speakers. No auto set-up or any of the features I like to play with but it sounds great-very detailed. Power is plenty-as much as the RX-V640...