My parents are looking at doing a HT setup. They only want tiny satelite speakers, so couldn't get them to go for Axioms. I think I have them convinced to go with the HSU package.

Now we're onto receivers, which is where I'm looking for some advice. They don't have Blu Ray yet, but will be getting a player in the future, so I want to receiver to support all of the new audio formats. Other than that, keeping the cost down is probably the biggest concern. They have a 55" Sony A2000 TV, a DVD player, CD player, maybe a VCR (don't know if it is hooked up still) and that's about it, with a Blu Ray down the road. I doubt the number of hookups available on the receiver will be an issue with their limited number of things they are connecting to it.

I believe the Onkyo SR606 supports all of the new formats, but I want to see from other people what else is out there.

Will the 606 work? ($320 on Amazon) Are there other better/cheaper options that will support the new audio formats? I'm trying to future proof them as much as possible while keeping the cost down as well, as they want to staying under $1000 for everything (including cables), and they won't be upgrading what they get, probably ever, as their current receiver is a stereo one that is about 20 years old.

I think the 606 and Hsu system will work great for your parents. I've been running a similar system for a few years now and have been quite pleased with it.

Jason, the 606 meets your requirements and I think that a bit better buy on it would be the factory refurb on sale now(and likely to be repeated in 2-3 weeks)at ShopOnkyo . With the 10% off plus $10 credit for registering for "Club Onkyo" the net price would be $304 with free shipping. In addition there would be a $15 credit(5%)which might be used on a future purchase.

Another vote for the 606 and the HSU speakers. That's a great combo that I'm sure they'll be happy with.

Denon has a similarly priced setup. I put my mother in one with some small PSBs and even I was pretty impressed. I don't recall which model it was, but it was on the lower end, and I was surprised how good it sounded and how many cutting-edge features it had. I'm a long time Denon fan so take that into consideration.

If you let me know which Denon it is, I'll look at that as well. I have the Onkyo SR600, so the good thing about the Onkyo is I'm familar with it already.

1909 or the 2309, I don't remember which is in the same price range or feature set, but as you are already familiar with Onkyo and you will most likely be the one setting it up and answering questions I would just stick with the Onkyo, I highly doubt anyone would notice a difference.

1909 $600 and SR606 $320 on Amazon. I'll stick with Onkyo

Thanks for the input.

I would too.

The 1909 is $600? Wow!, I just saw the 2309 on sale up here for $650. I would stick with the Onkyo as well.

I think it was the 1900 series. Onkyo is good gear, I have an older Onkyo AVR (semi-retired) and have no complaints.