$800-1000 home theater receiver


My Arcam AVR300 is going down and I need new receiver. Run a 5.1 system, although the Arcam lets me bi-amp/wire the left and right fronts. Would like HDMI and the new technology. My speakers are about 89db efficient and working with Direct TV HD receiver and Oppo 860 dvd. Plan to get a Blueray player in the near future. Romm is approximately 12x10. Any Suggestions.
ucmgr
"Ucmgr":

Okay...... exactly, what kind of sound do you want?? Are you looking for a richer, fuller sound??? Or are you looking for a crisper and leaner sound???

I like Rich's recommendation of the Onkyo 806 Receiver. I also like the various offerings from Yamaha. You should be able to land a late model RX-V3800 (this year, it's the RX-V3900) for around that price since it is a closeout model.

Also, I would look at and auditon a Marantz SR5003 ($800.00) to see if that's more your cup of tea.

The one I personally like is the Harman Kardon AVR-354. It has HDMI connectivity, the latest decoders, a Faroudja Video Scaler, an i-Pod Dock and 75 Watts Per Channel (high current too) for just $900.00 list. You can get one for around $800.00. And it delivers a clean and spacious sound too (with a deep and tight bass response).

Good Luck and Happy Shopping.....

--Charles--
You could buy the new motherboard for your Arcam and have it installed for less than $800, and that's even if the DSP board is also bad. $500 if just the main board.
Chances are that's all that is wrong with it, plus the new motherboards are heavily updated to fix the overhearing issues that took out your AVR in the first place.