Hi.. it's me again... after researching further, I decided that its probably best to up my budget for the receiver. I am definitely a newbie trying to take all of this in.

Now I'm thinkin' around $500ish with some flexibility, if warranted..

I'm very curious about the Onkyo TX-SR605 and TX-SR674, but not yet sure how much they go for and whether it is worth the extra $$ to go for the 674. By the sounds of it, the main difference is that the 674 converts analog inputs to hdmi so that you only need 1 cable going to your tv. Is this a big bonus and why? (like I said-I'm very new)

By the sounds of it, these Onkyo's are better than the Pioneer VSX-1016TX which everyone keeps mentioning. Is that a correct statement? I'm assuming this because I've heard that the Onkyo brand is better and the fact that both of the Onkyo's do audio over hdmi. Are there any other receivers in the Onkyo 605 price range that can do audio over hdmi?

I've also read a lot of good things about the Yamaha rxv659. So I guess this is in the running although it lacks hdmi..

I didn't want to bother with a new thread but I'm wondering if anyone knows the actual specs for the Denon AVR-1508? I went to purchase the 1507 since it was final clearance and quite cheap but it was gone and the sales rep said the 1508 is replacing the 1507. I went on the Denon website but there was no model 1508. Am I better off getting the 1707 for $450 or the 1508 for $500?
I'm going to the electronics store tomorrow evening to get the receiver, Atom monitors and stands. I'm just thinking if I should buy the 1508 or the cheaper (because it's on sale) 1707.

I'm looking to purchase a home theater system in the next month or so. About mid December.

I have basically decided on the Yamaha RX-V861 Receiver. I can get this for $699 (CAD) or maybe even less. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something better out there.

I want to get the best value for the dollar. I don't plan to get another AVR until this one dies. I would like to get as many features as I can in the price range I'm looking at. Like HDMI 1.3a, Dolby True HD, etc.:D
I would, however, forgo features for a higher quality device/brand that will last for many years.

I don't want to spend much more than $700 but as with the RX-V861, should be able to get a $1000 AVR for $300 less or more than the listed price.
What do people recommend, or would I be totally happy with the Yamaha as my first AVR and just keep it simple and stick with my first decision.:confused:

The other devices I will be getting with this system include:
Panasonic Plasma (720p most likely) TV, Upconverting DVD player, Rogers HDTV, XBox 360 and plans to get either a HD-DVD or Blue Ray Player. If I can work it into the amount I'm going to spend I would get an HD-DVD or Blue Ray player instead of a upconverting DVD player (for my price range, likely NOT a Blue Ray player). In the end I don't want to spend more than $2200 before taxes. Or should I say, my wife won't let me spend more than that.;)

Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

I'm looking to purchase a home theater system in the next month or so. About mid December.

I have basically decided on the Yamaha RX-V861 Receiver. I can get this for $699 (CAD) or maybe even less. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something better out there.

I want to get the best value for the dollar. I don't plan to get another AVR until this one dies. I would like to get as many features as I can in the price range I'm looking at. Like HDMI 1.3a, Dolby True HD, etc.:D
I would, however, forgo features for a higher quality device/brand that will last for many years.

I don't want to spend much more than $700 but as with the RX-V861, should be able to get a $1000 AVR for $300 less or more than the listed price.
What do people recommend, or would I be totally happy with the Yamaha as my first AVR and just keep it simple and stick with my first decision.:confused:

The other devices I will be getting with this system include:
Panasonic Plasma (720p most likely) TV, Upconverting DVD player, Rogers HDTV, XBox 360 and plans to get either a HD-DVD or Blue Ray Player. If I can work it into the amount I'm going to spend I would get an HD-DVD or Blue Ray player instead of a upconverting DVD player (for my price range, likely NOT a Blue Ray player). In the end I don't want to spend more than $2200 before taxes. Or should I say, my wife won't let me spend more than that.;)

Thanks in advance for any advice or input.
tbsingleton; Check out the Onkyo 605...
I was recently in the exact same boat as you and did plenty of research. After shopping around and plenty of haggling, I ended up getting the Onkyo 605 for $565 (CAD), but I don't think the store would do that often since they didnt make much off of the sale. List price is usually around $800 and on avg, you should be able to talk them down to $600-650.

Anyway, this cnet review considers this rcv as bang for your buck in this price range:
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr605-black/4505-6466_7-32430579.html?tag=prod.txt.1
Lost of features for the price. Obviously some things can be improved upon, but fixing those minor issues will cost you double the price.

Dear all,

I would like to get a VOTE for my final decission which one should I go for or any other recommend ? I am looking for one of multichannel receivers must have HDMI switch feature and following catch my eye bcos FS is doing SPECIAL of them.

They are YAMAHA HTR 6060, PIONEER 1017TVX-K & HARMAN KARDON AVR445. I prefer QUALITY first to fit my existing PARADIGM - TITAN V3 ( Front ), ATOM V3 ( Rear ), CC-170 ( Centre ) and PDR-10 in 250-300 sq.ft.

** I must need PRE-OUT for advance hook up with my existing POWER AMP which can switch from my another serious stereo system.

Thanks a lot for any input.

Mic

You should look at the HTR 6090. It's there flagship model and the big box version of the Yamaha RXV1700. From the FS website it's on major discount and only $100 more then the 6060. The new line of Yamaha's are out with hdmi1.3 and they need to get rid of last years models.

unstuck

I suggest the Yamaha 659, has pre-out's at a good price