A/V Receiver Recommendations Under 800.00

I have always thought receivers offer the best bang for the buck in audio. I also thing a late model "used" receiver takes that premise a big step further.---Know what features you want;do the homework and buy from a seller with great feedback.---Some buy the latest because of new features.---Know what the unit you decide on,sells for; new and used.

With A/V receivers, the feaures are some times as imortant as the sound, I don't think you can go too wrong with an Onkyo, HK or Denon unit. You have to make sure the model you pick has the correct amount digital, analog, S-video, RGB, DVI, or HDMI ins and outs that you will need to feed it.

For example make sure its compatible with the cable box or satelite, DVR, VCR etc. you will be using. Also check what kind of input the TV you will be using it with will accept. Its nice to have your A/V receiver be able to transcode/upscale a compsite (usually VCR) signal to s-video. Anything in that price range should do that.

Also, keep an eye on the near future which will have HD-DVD with 1080p output. I'd hate to sync too much money right now on something that may be obsolete by next year. Look to make sure it can switch a high band-width video signal.

I used to own the Nakamichi AV10. Prior to purchasing it, I compared it with the comparitively priced Denon and Onkyo models. Hands down the Nakamichi sounded better. I have never heard the Outlaw AV amps, but others have said it's a very good sounding AV amp.

Bottom line, audition before you buy.

Two Yamaha models to consider the DSP-A1 and RX-V1 both have the same amps and are under your price range. The RX-V1 just has more features. Both have inputs for adding a multi-channel SACD/DVDA player. The sound is powerful and very good for movies DD and DTS. I have a seperate two channel system consisting of ARC gear and when listening to SACD, I perfer the Yamaha in multi-channel. It might be consider old technology but it sure does it's thing. I have my two HD receivers connected directly to the HDTV because video switching can only be done through the S-video. Other than this the Yamaha's are excellent A/V Receivers.