Harmon Kardon receivers have enjoyed a good reputation for a long time. I haven't seen this particular receiver, but I've no doubt it will serve you well.

I have an Onkyo in that price range that has also had good reviews in Sound and Vision magazine. But in reading magazines like this, you probably can't go wrong with any receiever in this price range...

It's impossible to answer that question without more information. You mentioned 'surround sound speakers', 5.1, 6.1, 7.1? Speaker size/impedance? What other components will be connected to the receiver? Do you need/want HDMI switching? Dolby TrueHD/DTS HD Master Audio decoding?

Personally -- this may just be me -- I don't like others purchasing things for me that I am expected to enjoy unless I have approved the purchase or have return privileges. (The Spouse bought me a birthday dinner a restaurant recently. She handed me the menu and asked me to make the selection.)