best AVR for dual use in HT/music?

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.

I should also say that I am planning to eventually expand to a 5.1 system, then 7.1... It's going to be a few years tho.

I would get whichever unit you like to use the most & also one that has the options you like. Then when the time comes buy a descent 2 channel amp, even a $400 Adcom GFA-5500, SQ will go way up!!

I used a old Denon reveived (1993-2009) that I just replaced with a Integra piece. I wanted another Denon but they do not make them w/o a internal amp so I looked elsewhere & purchased a pre/pro, very pleased.

My brother loves HK
My fiance is a yamaha fan

I would get whatever you like the feel/looks/etc of the most & do like I said, buy a small amp

I've owned various Denon AVR's and they have all performed nicely in stereo and surround sound. My latest piece is an Onkyo TS-XR806. I'm very happy with it as a stereo receiver for my LP's, CD's and tapes but its also a very competent H/T surround unit with all the latest CODECS. It's my first Onkyo and I have no serious issues other than I wish I could completely dim out its display (short of using pure direct mode which does) but in any other mode the display dims but not completely.

If I were looking to buy a new receiver I'd have to give a serious look and listen to the ICE powered (class-D) receivers from Pioneer even though they are not inexpensive.