Use the Vince Maskeeper research method,
if you're serious. 
Go to the Receivers area on this forum and do a search for for "$700".
You'll come across threads that are similar in nature to your question. By reading those threads you'll now have a handful of products in the price range to check on.
It might has some basic pros/cons of each in the course of the initial discussion, jot that down next to the brands you're considering.
Then going back to the search and plugging in these products one at a time (
and try variations, for example: Pioneer VSX-D711, VSX-D711, Pioneer VSXD711, VSXD711, D711) you will find discussions on each product you search on.
These posts you'll find are usually posts from current owners talking about what they like/dislike or posts from people who are shopping like you-- and often you will find them comparing these receiver to other products in the same price range. If you come across a new product mentioned in your range, add it to your list and do a search on it.
Add to your notes the issues raised in the comparisons- any pros/cons you come across for each product.
The you can check those choices here to get better info on features, etc:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=107960
By the time you're done, it might take and hour or three, you will have a nice list of every product in your price range, and probably a good list of features and pros/cons for each-- and probably some links on where to buy and where to get the best price. You will have compiled your own research, and will very confident in your decision! You should end up with a very clear picture of what's of there, and what's the best deal.
Leave the search on the FASTEST setting, as this will yield only recent posts (you can change it to slower if you don't find many returns on your first search)-- and you should have plenty of info if you take the time to read everything that comes back and actually take notes.
Repeat this process in Speakers area, you'll be surprised how effective it can be.
I've done this using this forum several times- and once I narrow it down to 2-3 choices- then i might start searching the web for reviews to make the final decision-- but I can usually get a much better idea from the people who use the product everyday than i can from a reviewer who's site/mag is supported by ads from the manufacturer.
But start with the Vince technique of research listed above, I'll be you'll be surprised what you'll find with a little homework!
-Vince
