Captain, I understand your frustrations. Between poorly-written manuals, codec changes and a zillion settings, most AVRs have become something that you need to sit down and study. I've been thinking for a long time that if someone adds some simple products to their line until the day comes when these units are intelligent to REALLY auto-setup, they would sell well.
It's a bit above your price range, but I think I have a good solution for you: Outlaw Audio just came out with a simpler
processor that can be combined with an
outboard amp for a combo price of $1100.
I haven't used, nor heard this combo, but the processor is getting some good press (it just came out, though, so you won't find a ton of reviews yet).
