Hey modock,

You should specify what you're looking to spend and if you're adamant at sticking within a budget. Will this budget include speakers? You should also specify what you like and how much music/HT ratio you listen to. Typically, separates will run you more than an a/v receiver. Of course there are some exceptions depending on the receiver and separates you're looking at. With regards to bells and whistles, the latest gears will pretty much have the same features with only slight differences. You just need to make sure that the speakers mate well with whatever component you choose.

Aeromos