There are a couple of other options that you may want to look at if £2.5k is, understandably, too much (though to say any amp is "best" can only be described as a subjective opinion, not fact)
1) The Harman/Kardon 8500 is supposed to be a damn fine piece of kit, and has Logic7 decoding for analogue
and digital sources. It also has an "EZ-Set" speaker setup routine using a mic. built into the remote. It isn't as thorough as the Pioneer AX10, but it is a damn sight better than nothing.
2)The Rotel RSP-1066 and RMB-1075 power amp should be good. I used to have the amp and it rocked! (haven't heard the 1066, but the 985 predecessor was good). Also, if previous Rotel form is anything to go by, the RSX-1065 receiver should be the above processor and amp in one more affordable box. Go to
here for more info.
3) Marantz 9200 receiver. Comes with a Philips Pronto Neo derived remote which is alright as long as you have kit that it will learn (I briefly had a Philips Neo, and it wouldn't learn Sky Digi, Harman/Kardon receiver or Panasonic video remote codes). The 9200 also has SCART sockets on the back for RGB throughput.
4) There is also the mostly overlooked Yamaha AZ1. A very fine amp indeed, that certainly deserves a listen (as does all of the above) especially if you are more inclined toward Home Cinema rather than music.
Russell