OK...old time board members may remember that my brother was moving out here (LA) and he put me in charge of buying a new HT system for him for the top down...after literally months of researching I've found three good possibliities for him. Thought I'd post a poll (or at least attempt to) an get all your good opinions.

Things to note before you vote:

My brother is a lable whore. If it's pretentious and expensive he likes it. He'll NOT be upgrading...this system will be with him for likely the next decade. He's NEVER had a HT setup. Prior to this he watched tv on a 20" color tv with VHS. He's never owned a DVD player.

Axiom speakers are already decided upon. Depending on the size of his new apartment, he'll be getting a pair of M60ti's or M22ti's. QS4 surrounds and a VP150 center channel.

Through tons of hunting, I've found all of these systems for about the same price. So price between these three choices isn't an issue.

any options for the visual aspect of his HT?

TV, HDTV, projector, RPTV etc.

spiff,
I would choose Rotel out of that combo just for fun, but for a person who is 'label' crazy, the Pioneer Elite series speaks more to the less audio informed folk. Of course it is still a good piece of equipment though. My own brother is the same way about labels and he was bent on the name Pioneer for quite some time until i convinced him that names like Yamaha, Denon and even Parasound make really good solid products.
I guess with Pioneer being a more mainstream brand, found in big box stores, the name gets around more so than Rotel.

I haven't decided which to vote for yet.

I was first going to say Rotel, however, the lack of SACD capability for the player is inexcusable. Rotel needs to get a universal player out!

I say Denon, although the Pioneer products do have the "Elite" wow factor for non-audiophiles. However, the 47Ai has definitely had some issues and bugs that Pioneer never fixed. So tread carefully with that player.

I would recommend getting the Pioneer Elite 55txi instead because it has the digital link for DVD-Audio and SACD. Also, Denon has the 2805 reciever out now.

I voted Rotel...but I think I would have you throw in HK as well.

Also bring him to my place to hear my stuff.

Thanks for the offer Curtis, I may drag his butt over there. I do have that credit with Ascend still.

Believe me I've been bitchin' on the Club Rotel board for quite some time over Rotel's lack of a good universal player.

The 53 can be had for several hundred dollars less than the 55 - and other than the iLink, they're virtually identical.

The 2803 is also available at a much better price than the 2805.

193 views and only 34 votes? Come on everybody! Vote!

How can you expect me to vote when I have no experience with any of the choices. Whadaya wan' me to do, go eenie meenie minee moe?

I'd be willing to bet 75% of the people who vote this November know almost NOTHING about either candidate. My little stereo equipment poll isn't nearly as important.

Try 'rock-paper-scissors'...that's always been my favorite way to decide something.

No Yamaha?

I'd say Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver w/ Denon 2900 dvd player.
Or substitute a Denon 3805 receiver (better than 2803, less likely to want to upgrade as soon).

I've owned a Pioneer Elite receiver. Wouldn't buy another one again.

Rotel now has quality control "issues", so they are eliminated.

OK, I voted. Can I vote more than once?

I think it is pretty safe to conclude that Rotel is going to stay on top with this poll.
Spiff, toss some Krell option in there just for fun and see what happens to the selection leaders.

I guess his brother isn't the only label #%@*^. HEHEHE