Looking to upgrade A/V receiver after 12 years (1 Viewer)

[djyamix]

Hello everyone,

I'm Kyle (djyamix) and new to the forum. So, I finally took the plunge to HDTV when my 12 year old 35" Mitsubishi went away like the dinosaurs. I haven't been following A/V trends closely until recently, as I'm re-engergized with my recent HDTV purchase.

My current A/V receiver (Denon) is as old as my former TV. It doesn't support HDMI or any other recent acronyms now being favored in the modern A/V receivers.

My question to the gurus that frequent this forum is what would you recommend for the following scenario?

Home Theater scope:

12' x 23' family room
Blu-ray player
PS2
Wii
Netflix via Roku
(considering connecting old VHS/DVD combo for kids use)
music stream for iPod
Needs WAF (Wife Approved Factor--i.e. ease of use)

I have a budget of ~$1200 (+/-). Value & longevity of receiver is important as I do not upgrade frequently.

Since I have several lower resolution devices (PS2, Wii, VHS/DVD combo), is it worthwhile to look for a receive that can upconvert w/ video processing?

Any recommendations to look at and compare would be appreciated before I head out to the store to "kick the tires".

TIA!

 

[gene c]

For $1200 I'd go to Best Buy and look in the Magnolia HiFi area at Denon and Pioneer Elite. Also Fry's for the Onkyo 876/906. Others to consider are Marantz and Yamaha.
Almost any receiver you get for that budget should have very good video capabilities. The Onkyo 906 looks real good on paper, but I haven't gotten my hands on one yet and some have voiced dis-pleasure with some other Onkyo models video up-conversion abilities. But the 906 seems to have a lot to offer in that area.

Better deals can usually be had on-line, though.

Also, what speakers are you using or planning on getting?

 

[djyamix]

Thanks for your recommendations. I have some older Inifinity tower, surrounds and powered sub. Down the road, I'd like to upgrade the speakers. I thought the Martin Logan were interesting at the Magnolia store. But definitely something I'll have to save up for. Any recommendations on speakers that listen too?

 

[orestes]

I just bought a Denon 3808CI at 6ave.com for less than $1100, no tax, and free shipping. You will need to use a coupon.

Coupon Code good through 1/31/09: AFLDEN1098
Sixth Avenue Coupons


I hope this helps.

 

[djyamix]

Wow! Great price! Was it the price that sold you on the Denon? Have you purchased from 6ave before? I'm always leery on high $ purchases online, especially for electronics.