OK, for fun and purely hypothetical (maybe). Let's say you've got 3 to 4000 burning a hole in your pocket, slotted for a new receiver. Spousal acceptance a major factor, ruling out separates (space considerations). Also a bonus would be a unit small enough to fit into current rack without major mods (making the Denon 5802 a problem, for example).

Short list includes new Pioneer Elite VSX-49TX ($4200), Kenwood VR-5900 ($3000), B&K AVR 307 ($3500), and Denon 5802.

Pioneer has THX ultra2 and all the goodies, including an auto-calibration feature measuring delays and SPLs! Also has bass management for DVD-audio. B&K has a room customization feature that seems nice; lacks DPL 2. Good reputation company as well. Kenwood just got a nice review from audiorevolution (ecoustics.com).

Any thoughts? If you had that much money (and who doesn't, really? ) which would you like? Anyone who would avoid these on company reputation alone? Or what would your dream receiver be? Out of curiosity, IYHO, would separates give better performance for the same price, and still offer the the HT features?

Remember, any arguments must be awfully persuasive to sway the spousal acceptance vote! (Though the maple finish on the new M60s really won her over!)

Oh boy...what a question!

In terms of separates or receivers, there are trade offs and benefits to each route. Upgrade paths, feature sets, extra cable sets, budget considerations and spousal approval all would be factors.

In terms of the manufacturers listed, you have done your homework. If I had to choose from the list, B&K would be my leaning as a company.

The ultimate would be to buy a quality processor (SIM Audio Moon Attraction) and surround it with high quality amps (Bryston's) and excellent sources (not defined) to drive exceptional speakers (not defined). This is actually the plan I have developed. I am not in a hurry to begin upgrading the current HT setup, as HT occupies a very small portion of my life.

Good question I must admit!

7 nOrh 100 watt monoblock amps ($1730)
excellent preamp/processor - audio video controller(Parasound would be a bit out of budget at MSRP/$3,500) Rotel RSP-976 - $1200, of course you could go bang-for-the-buck smart with a $180 Klipsch 6 channel DD-5.1 preamp ... which would save you an additional $250 because you would only need 6 nOrh Le Amps.

One more to add to the mix. Rotel RSX-1065. It has DPL2 and DTS, 100W x5 continuous, good Rotel power supply, but no THX. Also, I have no idea of the MSRP! But it looks impressive, and has good specs, so I thought it should join the list.