Davey..I am about the same place you are on deciding on a receiver purchase. The forum guys here have been extremely helpful and understanding of a non-sudiophile's question...although I've always understood the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked...I've looked at the Pioneer 45tx, 53tx and 55tx and compared it to the new Yamaha RX-V1400 at Sushi's suggestion...on paper I'm more impressed with the features of the Yamaha than anything in my price range including the H/K, Denon, Okyno, etc.
