Frickin' confusing! The old receiver was a low end Sherwood.
Right now there are not a lot of differences I can take advantage of. The variable crossover is the biggest one. The extra power probably doesn't do anything because I am in a relatively small room (unless I start cranking that pipe organ stuff to 120db
). I guess I get a little more headroom as insurance.
I can use one of the 12v triggers to power my sub now so thats nice.
Upscaling might be an improvement if I can figure out a way to send movies through the HTPC unprocessed. I don't think my mobo has that capability though.
Zone two stuff will come in handy when I have $$ for speakers for my bedroom setup. For now the micro-stereo is good enough.
I now have the ability to process HD formats, but no bluray player yet so more future advantages.
I don't have a lot of other sources, so all those connectors for VCRs, DVD players, coffee makers etc. don't do anything for me.
I also now have pre-outs should I ever set up in a really big room (or want to really piss the neighbours off). Depending on how the pre-outs work, I may have another use for them.
Edit: spell checker wants to cha
All in all, this receiver should keep me happy for a very long time.
Edit: The spell checker wants to change bluray to blurry. Funny