Pioneer VSX-D409 - reinstall it in our new house? (We move every 2-3 years)

Jut because you move around a lot doesn't mean you have to give up on the things that bring you joy.

There has been some serious improvements in receivers and dvd/BluRay players over the last several years. And pretty much any decent system can be setup and configured to a variety of rooms. The first thing you need to do is decide on what type of system and it's capabilities you want and then what your budget is. Do you want a 5.1 system or a 7.1? Computer connectivity, iPod, streaming, internet radio, HD radio, etc. Lots to choose from these days.

The biggest problem with htib's is they don't play well with other devices and if one part breaks you most likely will have to replace the entire thing. And the speakers and subwoofer are usually the weak points.

Depending on your budget, consider the Onkyo 9400 receiver/speaker package and a seperate BluRay player. The speakers and sub are a little larger than most other packaged systems but they will also perform better. It's available from Amazon for $795 shipped (U.S.). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VK0IOS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

A small bookshelf/subwoofer system is probably the best bet for you. Let us know what tetailer you have to shop at and will give you an idea of what to look for from them (if they have a good website).

Audioshop and bleeker carry some of the best names in the business. B & W, PSB, Cambridge Audio, Tannoy, Boston, JBL, Mission, Denon, Yamaha, Rotel, what a list! Cstle from Planet of Sound is very entriguing. We don't have that brand down here.

The two things you need to think about are exactly what products you want. The basic system consists of a multi-channel receiver, 5.1 speaker system and a Bluray player. But there are also gaming systems and remote controls that can add to the experience. The other thing to think about is price. What budget would you feel comfortable with. While the Pioneer 409 could still be used in a very basic 5.1 dvd system a nerer receiver has much more to offer. Even though the stores you linked to carry some mighty fine (and very expensive ) brands in your situation I'd stick to the more mainstream brands like Denon, Onkyo, JBL, Boston and Yamaha. They can also perform very well and will give you lots of value for the money. And as I said, a small bookshelf based speaker system with a good subwoofer teamed with a modest receiver and Bluray player could be used in a variety of different homes. The newer receivers have automatic setup and equilizer programs that can taylor the sound to any environment. Your old 409 can't compete with that type of feature. The subwoofer is probably the part that needs to be fitted to the room more than any other piece. If a small sub is placed in a very large room it might not be up to the task. A large sub in a small room might be over-kill. But with proper placement that little issue could be worked around.

So, a firm budget and some kind of idea of what you really want and need is the first thing to do.

The onkyo 9400 I mentioned earlier with a good name brand BluRay player would be a good starting point. A denon receiver and Boston speakers would be another way to go. Even though you have a two hour drive, once you get there you have many excellent choices to choose from.

I have purchased a number of items from The Audioshop in Ottawa (and will be doing so again soon). I consider the service there sufficiently good to go out of my way (I live just outside Montreal, which is not lacking in places to buy quality gear). Marc Hallum runs the shop and has provided me with great service at a fair price going back to 2004. Obviously, they don't carry every available brand, so other places are worth exploring but if you want something that The Audioshop carries, you should be satisfied with the experience.