well, after much research and deliberation, i chose the ONKYO TX-SR701 receiver. i found an authorized online dealer offering a refurbished with 2 year warranty for $439 bucks. should be here on friday..

this thing has plenty of power(100wt), more features than i will probably ever figure out how to use, and plenty of inputs for future expansion of my HT. i had been leaning toward the DENON line, but decided this was just too good of a deal to pass up.

i want to thank all of ya'll that gave me sooo much input. your help and guidance has been more valuable than you can possibly imagine. i know everyone says it, but i will say it also.. the people in this forum are some really great folks. this has been a truly enjoyable experience.

NEXT, are my speakers. hope to order those within a month. still trying to decide if the custom cabinet route is the way to go. my wife said that if she was gonna have to look at these big speakers for the next 20 years, she wants them to blend with the room.. only problem is, that will add about $425 bucks more than the outlet prices. decisions, decisions..

i wait with nervous anticipation til the day i get to order..

bigjohn

Congratulations on the new receiver! Oh, and if the wife says the speakers must match, does that mean you have the OK to spend the extra $$?

jr

The last receiver I owned was an Onkyo and I was quite happy with it. In fact I've owned many, many Onkyo products and have never had problems. Enjoy!

i have the onkyo tx-nr801 and i'm very happy with it.
grab some speakers here and you'll be set.

Congrats BigJohn! I think you'll enjoy your Onkyo, and I KNOW you'll enjoy your Axioms when you get them.

Great choice. I currently have a TX-SR601 and love it. It replaced a TX-SV545 which served me well for 6 years. The only reason it was retired is lack of digital inputs. Enjoy your new toy.

Good choice John! Now, let's get to work on those speakers. The audio muscle MUST be exercised.

Easy Jack, I'm not sure what that last statement will do to you based on your recent dreams!!!! .

I told ya! There was NO sex involved in that dream! (at least not with the speakers)