Seems like I saw a refurbed Denon 2105 from an authorized dealer (ecost, maybe?) in that price range. I like my 1804 very much, and have also owned Yamahas in the past. I'd assert that features (video switching, zone 2 capabilities, 7.1 logic, DTS decoding, the functionality of the remote, sub crossover flexibility / bass management) are probably more important than power rankings. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a refurb.

oh yeah, (snicker).

bibere usque ad hilaritatem