best AVR for dual use in HT/music?

i've never heard much cost-effective difference between the chinese-made mass market avrs--they all sound approximately the same. i do think hk uses better, more robust amps, so it'd be my choice among the candidates you mentioned. however, if music is the priority, and you wanted to go with an avr instead of a 2ch amp, i'd opt for an arcam or b&k, which will sound much better.

HK-I have late model avr 7200 that I use in direct mode with a denon 2900 modwright tube setup with merlin tsm's and velodyne. 2 channel is awesome-harmon kardon has high current and a smooth-full sound.Family likes the surround for movies-use b&w cdm for rears and center.I have had no problems with the HK-it has hundreds of hours on it--does get VERY hot-I put a small fan on it,good luck.

Thanks guys - I will lean my research more toward the HK units. I also like the Onkyo look and value - was not sure about their rep in 2-channel sound. B&K/Arcam looks to be too expensive for me - unless I go the used route. Cambridge Audio also has some AVRs to offer, does anyone use their AVRs for HT and 2-channel?

remo, if you're planning on staying with 2.1, i'd look at the hk 3490, which is a 2ch receiver with a sub out and digital input; you can connect your video components directly to your tv. harman is selling the 3490 on ebay for a mere pittance; since it contains less junk than an avr, it'll likely sound better for you. good luck.

Thanks Loomis. The 3490 does look like a tremendous value, especially considering the digital audio inputs. I was hoping to control the lower frequencies in my B&W 685s, however. A mid-range AVR allows me to control the crossover point of each speaker channel - so I can cut off my B&Ws at +/- 120Hz, and send those low frequencies to my sub.
2-channel setups I have found that can do this include the Parasound 2100 and Emotiva USP-1 preamps. Otherwise I have to buy an external active crossover.