Mike
You might want to check out the Kenwood 6070. List $600, authorized mail order $440. This unit was tested in the November issue of Sound & Vision and put out 92 watts per channel with all 6 channels driven simultaneously. I've had one for a couple months, and at $440 it can't be beat. Sound quality is first rate.
The 6070 is THX select and has 7.1 channel pre-outs for use with separate amplification. I was doubtful if this would be good enough, and I have been very pleasantly surprised that Kenwood can make a THX 6.1 that can do 92 watts into 6 channels simultaneously, and still make money at a $440 delivered price.