I get the VIP email offers and haven't seen anything about the Yamaha... I'm looking into getting this amp and a cheaper price would sway me more lol!!!
I signed up for the vip emails too, this may be the same thing as being in the VIP club but I'm not sure. Whilst browsing some low quality AV magazines in the newsagents today I came across the Richer Sounds ad which had the card attached. The ad shows regular prices and special prices for VIP members.
I'm actually planning on using it for stereo music too, although as it has pre-outs I would ultimately aim to use a dedicated stereo amp for powering the front speakers.
All the reports I've read on the forums/reviews etc have stated that stereo performance is very good though (for an AV amp).
I have the Yahama, its a good piece of kit. Easy to set up using the mic, I did a few manual changes though, I suppose it all depends on the shape of your room whether the auto set up is the best choice. Best to have a play 'so to speak'.
You won't buy a better brand new amplifier for the price.
I don't use it for stereo music so can't comment, I use the pre-outs in this respect.
My Yamaha RX-440RDS has served me very well over the years, it's still going, built pretty well and never had any problems with it (reliability is something I regard highly when buying kit) so Yamaha seem like a good choice to continue with as an upgrade.
If I end up with the Yamaha I guess I could use it for music as well as AV until I track down a decent amp on the secondhand market! Looking for Roksan bargains on ebay!