Frankly, if all you want is stronger amplification, you might want to check out the amplifiers sold at Parts Express. I have no affiliation with them; they're just a reliable soure of inexpensive amps. Radio Shack might be another source, though there will be fewer choices and you may have to go on-line rather than find it in stock at the store.

If you want to replace in kind, however, you might cruise craigslist for a used receiver. There are new stereo receivers out there, but you'll spend at least $100 for features you've stated you don't use.

Denon, Harmon Kardon, Yamaha and Marantz all make good home theater receivers. Can you describe your needs in a little more detail?

why not look at one of Bose's black box solutions for the acoustimass speakers?

How much do you want to spend?

thanks for the help, I ended up with a Yamaha v-367 the price was right, (175) and it does the job, I know it's not their top of the line model, but it sounds good to me, and i dont expect it to do much... any input?

Yamaha sells some really good stuff. Enjoy!