Thanks for the links.
On the receiver front I'm looking probably at Denon first (1804/2804), then maybe the HK 525....although the Sony STRDA1000ES looks interesting too. What will decide it for me is if I intend to route video (HD cable/component) through my receiver or not.
As for speakers.....sigh.....still much to think about.
Energy Encore
Rocket ELT
NHT SB2/3
Morel (not sure of the model #s)
Ascend CBM 170s (unlikely due to the depth however)
Basically need to keep it at bookshelf/sat size. May end up mounting them up in the corners of the ceiling at this point....
