A/V Receiver Recommendations Under 800.00

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.

NAD T743, T753, Sony ES DA1000 (not DA2000)

T753 big bang for the buck but Retails for $999. Worth the money for future flex. (main in/pre out, easy to use, drives most speakers well).

find a used arcam avr200 which is a very good sounding unit and unobtrusive with a nice clean front panel

All the above mentined (if you haved to use a receiver, which is a \sonic compromise, yes) receivers, like the Arcam 200, Nak AV10, Yamaha DSPA1/RXV1, Outlaw, etc are good sonic recommendations. Run speakers DEFINITELY as "small" however, and let the sub do the work.
Receivers are dynamically very challenged, and don't deliver current like separates power amps...not to mention most passive speakers are already limited dynamically.
Anyway running your receiver as small will help greatly!
After that, have him look for adding an amp at least in the future for better sound if possible. Then get a good pre/pro latter as well.

I got an Onkyo TXNR 900...full features...good remote, tons of features and built like a tank....mail me if interested Chad