The Onkyo 905 can now be had for around £850 brand new. This was a £1400 amp. Pig ugly like you say, but 2 HDMi outputs and good reviews etc.
The Pioneer VSX LX70 can be had for £800. I managed to get the last box from a well known forum retailer for little over £600. Amazing sound, setup, and drop dead gorgeous.
Folk are selling off the Yamahas plenty. IMO they simply havn't been anywhere near as popular this year. My 2p
Shop, haggle, and then haggle some more I'd say.