AV receivers to stay away from??

Go with a Denon. Of all the receivers out there that I've heard, Denon always sound richer and clearer. You'll get reasonable bass response without sacrificing the top end. Yamaha sound is thin and to the bright side. I haven't heard any of the HK receivers. Also, some owners of the Onkyo TXDS-575 complain about a hissing noise from the speakers. I never heard this but, like I said, some insist they hear it in their systems. Good luck, Dave

Your choices are decent ones (avoid cheap Sony, Pioneer,etc...they're disposable). The Yamahas are built well, but do sound thin. My brother still usues my first Onkyo receiver (purchased in 83). HK is good too (more "bass", less air), but I would probably agree with the above...Denon may have the best sound/feauture combination (or Onkyo, but I'm not sure about the hissing problem).

You will find someone that has had problems with every model if you ask around long enough. The brands you list are all very good. Onkyo's high end line will have "Integra" in the name.

Pisani, all 4 brands you mention have good units that can be had used in your price range. I favor the Denon myself. I owned a Denon 3300 for about a year(went to separates). It was a great unit. I saw one today for $400 at AudioReview.com market place. Just over your budget, but 105 wpc and DD/dts. I not familiar with the new pricing on Denon 1801 and other units. I have listened to the Yamaha, H/K, and Onkyo and once again all are good units. A/B all four in the same system would possible bring one to the top, but I never did such. Denon IMO looked the best and always sounded very musical. Hope this helps......Happy Listening.......LR