I really wanted to stay with new units, not refurb's. Also wanted to stay with local retailers, since I've had issues with international shipping (I'm in Canada) and electronics being tossed around in shipping.....
I think the 717 will suit me fine for what I need, though I agree, losing the MultiEQ XT was a big loss. It'll take a lot of tweaking by a person a lot smarter with this stuff than me to make up for it
Amazing overall what features become necessary (or at least highly wanted) over time. My last HT Receiver purchase required no where near this much research
