If money were no object what is the best general
coverage receiver that one could purchase?


Why only one? I'll have one of each!

For pure "close-in" performance - Ten-Tec Orion
http://www.tentec.com/TT565.htm

For the "because I can" factor - Icom IC-7800
http://www.icom.co.jp/world/products...7800/index.htm

For the "good ol' days" - Drake R-4C (Sherwood Modified)
http://www.sherweng.com/table.html
http://www.sherweng.com/presentation.html