When I bought, I really thought I would go for an onkyo it was always a good brand. But I read enough about hdmi problems and poor customer service I just couldn't bring myself to buy one.
In the end I bought a Denon 3311 ,which has been really good though they were plagued with network issues, I got lucky and they had an update by the time I bought mine. As suggested get as much audyssey as you can afford, if that sort of thing is important to you. I have a decent room and the difference is negligible with or without audyssey. If I were buying mainstream again I would not hesitate to buy another Denon though I have always been a pioneer guy for 30 yrs, I could be persuaded to go that route . I also have a upper level Yamaha RX-A1000 which is totally reliable and works and sounds great . I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them, just more about features and appearance. Have a look around at some different recievers and then come back and we will all critique them for ya.
Richard
