I love this machine.... 7 channels for home theater, iPod integration, and Harman quality.

You can't go cheap on a receiver. It is basically the Brain and Brawn of your system. SO going with a HK receiver should always be a good choice. With a combination of great wattage and functionality, its a great buy.

I am a Harman Kardon fan. The power amount of amperage ( vs wattage ) that is outputted is always incredible in Harman receivers. Amps are always a cleaner way to determine sound value in comparison to wattage.
I have owned 4 Harman receivers and they have always performed at supreme levels and have sounded rich in the mid, acute in the highs, and rumbly in the lows. I will always take a Harman product over a Sony ES, Onkyo, Denon, and Yamaha.
This receiver will play 7.1, 2 HDMI ins, & 3 optical ins....so it is ready for any of your digital needs.
As a plus, Harman designs really clean and beautiful products.
As the brains and heart of any system.....this is a great place to start. You can always do better and spend more but I don't think you will need to.