Receivers

A few years back in a direct in store comparison the Integra 6.3 bettered the comparable priced Denon and the Arcam edged out the Integra in audio quality IMO. Unfortunately the nice looking Arcam was dated and lacked many features. I went home with the Integra.

I recently upgraded to a Pioneer SC-07 class D which out preforms the Integra by a wide margin in the audio section. Articulate bass, luscious mids and highs, not at all congested at higher listening levels, and without any of the typical class D issues. I'm not sure what benefit it's THX Ultra II rating provides other than a certain wattage, IMO current Codecs and room correction are far more important.

Is there a big difference between Yamaha's YAPO version 2 room equalization scheme and the Audyssey MultiEQ function incorporated into the other receivers?

I have never read a comparison of the two forms of processing.

Whichever receiver you get, make sure it has HDMI inputs that can pass a 1080p signal, version 1.3. I think your first 2 choices do not. I like the idea of the pioneer elite sc07.

Well, I was not sure if you have to buy a receiver with THX certified if you have THX certified speakers as well.

Any of you know much about THX certification? Can you use a THX receiver with non THX speakers or the other way around?

I read somewhere if you have THX certified speakers that you need to purchase THX equiptment such as receiver, processor, dvd player, etc...

I believe you are expecting too much from the THX certification and name, which is supposed to make you believe that the electronics are somehow better for having the logo on the faceplate. Alot of it is media hype. It doesn't neccessarily mean that the amp sections in a A/V Receiver are more robust than anothers, or that ones speakers are better than those without the logo on them. As a sound field, it has been surpassed by Dolby digital and DTS. And they have been surpassed by Dolby digital-HD AND DTS- Master audio from Blu-ray. When you are watching a movie on a disc, you will find that most discs don't even have a THX audio track offered, as the newer ones outclass it.
I have a pioneer elite receiver with THX certification, though I never use that surround field. But if you do want to have it, check out the Pioneer Elite SC07 which is THX ULTRA certified and check out the price you can get if for on Videogon. I think you will be happy.