In market for AVR and need suggestions

5.1 or 7.1? HDMI video switching? Room correction?

Since you're fine w/ buying off AG, did you check the Denon receivers currently in the Miscellaneous:Receiver section? And while you're there, maybe consider the Pioneer (it's listed in the header as a 49-txh but the body of the listing describes a new 94). I think places like 6thAve & Vanns run deals on clearing out recent receivers (Yamaha & Onkyo) - 1/2 price on a few, and even less w/ the occasional sale (my son picked up a new Yamaha 861 under 400 shipped...). Practically any of those processors offer plenty of features & capability and if you really need to you could always add an amp.

I would get something with HDMI inputs/outputs to make it more future proof, since that's the way all dvd/blu-ray players are going. Also, many current AVR's in your price range have Audyssey room correction which is nice. I would look at the Onkyo 805, which has all the bells and whistles and, since its at the end of its life cycle, can be found new in the $600-700 range, if not less. The Denon 3808ci is nice, but will be just over your budget new. How much power do you think you need? The two I reference have 130w per channel. If you can use less, then the options are greater within your budget.

I want HDMI. I will only be running 5.1 (center, two mains and two rears). My JM Lab Electras don't need tons of power but would like to have aleast 100wpc at 5.1