Any mid-priced Receivers Worthwhile???

Sugarbrie,
That sounds intriguing -- how do you control volume to all the channels that way? Do you run the 2-channel preamp outputs (from the HT receiver) into the front high-quality amp and then program the receiver to power the center and surround channels only?

Regarding my last post, I think I would sell one of my 2-channel amps and get a 3-channel model, then use a powered sub. I could use a separate preamp/processor to control it all. I would want decent audio quality from the center speaker and surrounds also...

I would definitely keep ahold of the two channel stuff for the stereo listening and then get a midrange receiver for the HT. I recently did just that. For a while I anguished over getting good HT separates (had narrowed it down to either the Lexicon, the Proceed, or maybe the Bryston along with a Classe CAV-75 bridged to three channels at 150 to drive the rears and center) when I eventually came to the conclusion (and my senses?) and decided that I really only needed that quality of gear for two channel listening. So, I did some listening and a lot of reading and had things narrowed down the Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, and Marantz in the around $800 range. In the end, I got the Marantz (SRS-7000, or something like that). I run the main channels from the preout on the Marantz to the processor loop an my preamp, so the main speakers are always being driven by my main amp. However, the center and surrounds are being driven directly by the Marantz (which puts out 100wpc, if I am not mistaken). The Marantz has a single master volume control for all channels, but allows for individual volume adjustment for each channel up to +/- 10db from the baseline of the master volume control (which I found to be more than enough to equalize all channels, despite the fact that the fronts are seeking 400wpc into an average 4ohm load and the rears are seeing 100wpc into an efficient 8ohms). I have found that this setup works great for me. Even among the brands I considered, each one certainly offers far more expensive models than the one I ended up with. However, I found the $800 range to be the reasonable cutoff point above which it started making more sense to begin considering separates again because, much more than that and I might as well just give it up and get the good stuff. I’ve found the Marantz to be pretty darn ok. Don’t get me wrong, when I am listening to music I it turn it off. But when it’s time for a DVD it sounds great and now I’ve got all of the whistles and bells of proper HT without breaking the bank. What more, if I decide that I want better amplification for any of the other channels, I can always thrown on a new amp, as the Marantz has preouts for all channels. Long post, I know, but, in sum, I’d suggest looking into receivers at around $800. You can spend a lot more with no problem (and you could spend less, too) but, considering the beast that I had chosen, I found this to be the window in which everything I wanted done was getting done right just below the point of diminishing returns.

I am also quite satisfied with my Marantz SR7000, which you should be able to find for around $675 - $700. SR8000 was very similar with better remote (RC2000) for about $200 more. I got a Pronto, so I didn't need the RC2000 (which is an excellent piece). If your budget allows, their new SR-19EX is quite nice. I think the SR7000 and SR-19 give the most bang for the buck in their line.

Also considered Denon and Yamaha in the same price range. Got some very positive references on Outlaw after I had already bought the Marantz. If you like NAD, you should definitely try their new receivers.

You can get excellent HT performance with the simplicity of a receiver in the $1,000 price range.

Good luck!

Mezmo and Bbroussard,

Thank you for the excellent suggestions. It seems like a lot of people are saying good things about the Marantz HT receivers, so I am going to check them outand probably go that route. Thanks for your help! Happy Easter!