Stereo recommendations?

[baseline bum]

I'm in the market for a decent amplifier and/or reciever. I'd prefer an amp separate from the preamp as opposed to buying a 7.1/6.1/5.1 receiver, as I'm most interested in music and not home theater right now. Still, I'd like a system I could eventually incorporate into a home theater if I ever get the inclination to do so. I'm probably looking to spend between $300-$500 on an amp for two channels. I'm not looking to buy any bull like Sony or any other shady company that would rate their amps in terms of peak power instead of rms. I defintely value signal quality over stated power. Anyone have any recommendations for specific amps or places to get what I'm looking for online? In San Antonio terms, I'm definitely looking for something more at home at Bjorn's as opposed to Circuit City.

[leemajors]

from what i remember denon and onkyo are decent brands.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Also: Yamaha, NAD, and Marantz

[leemajors]

http://www.stereophile.com/

my friend used to get this magazine, they have a bunch of equipment reviews on the site.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Something like this?

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ran&1160252454

5 Channel

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ult&1160083635

BTW, audigon is a great site.