Help Me Decide (1 Viewer)

I have been reading this forum (and others) for over a month now and have gained a wealth of information in my quest to rebuild my HT system. My current system is about 10 years old, so it's time for an upgrade. Some info: I will use the system 75% HT and 25% music (rock mainly). My room size is 19'x 24' with sloping ceilings (8'-6" to 11'-6") I recently added a subwoofer (Velodyne SPL1200 which has added some paint peeling bass)Current components are Yamaha RX-V870 receiver, Sony DVP-C650D dvd player, Speakers: Mirage M490 fronts, Mirage M90i rears, Mirage MCC-R center. New speakers are also on my list and I am leaning towards the B&W 601-602 S3 series. My total budget for new receiver, dvd player and speakers is $4000. As for the receiver I have narrowed it down to 3 models. I have auditioned them all (in 3 stores, 2 with the B&W's)and I am not HT smart enough to notice the differences. I am in the $1200 and under price category.
Pioneer Elite VSX-45TX - This is the front runner. I like the sound, features, ease of use, MCAAC, the remote, the looks. I heard this one with the B&W's. I also looked at the DVD player DV45A, but am troubled by the bad reviews. One dealer (who also sold the Denon 1600) said both were very good and said he has never had any complaints on the 45A. The dealer also recommened the Integra DTR7.3 with alot of bells and whistles, but I really did not like the look. (I know, but I do have to look at it also) Sounded great. Another possibility.
Rotel RXS-1055- I like this one also, except for the remote. I heard this one with the B& W's. I was a bit turned off by the dealers lack of interest in my business.
Denon 3803 - I liked this one also. Heard it with Klipsch. For some reason this dealer seemed more into the Pioneer. I also am interested in the Denon DVD 1600. I realize it is not important to match components but hey...Anyway, I believe any would make decent choice. I read most threads I just was looking for some validation and opinions. I know its down to my ears. Thanks.

I've got the 45tx and find the MCACC to be an outstanding advantage. I'm quite familiar with calibration using test discs and sound meter, and have not been able to get nearly as good a sound in hours of tweaking than the Pioneer can do by itself in 6 minutes. My previous receivers have included a Sony 333ES with the same great eq and setup versatility as the current 4ES, and I could not make it sound nearly as nice as the Pioneer. The remote is a bit intimidating at first but in actual use is very versatile and easy to use. Overall setup and day to day operation of the unit are very easy, and the sound quality is excellent.

The other receivers on your list are also excellent choices, of course, and you won't go wrong with any of them.

I think I am sold on the 45TX. I believe I read you purchased yours online. I was thinking of going that route, in order to save around $300, however I also read about the serial numbers beinbg scratched off and warranty issues. I'm not usre why this worries me, I bought my Yamaha 10 years ago over the phone from an unauthorized dealer, it was new, all numbers intact and never had a problem and it still is going strong. Can anyone recommend a good e-tailer, does etronics.com alter the serial numbers?

I got mine from Etronics and the serial number was not altered. That being said, the warranty still may be a problem as the receipt is not from an authorized Elite dealer.

I paid $840ish plus shipping, vs 1200-1400 from a b&m. Figured even if the wty is no good (haven't needed it in the 5 months I've had the receiver) the 400-600 I saved would more than pay for any needed repairs.

I also have bought a lot of stuff (receivers, camaras, speakers, etc) form etronics, and no a single problem. But once I thought I had a problem with my car stereo, and call them, and they told me I had to call the manufaturer directly, but at the end it wasnt a real problem, but a mistake I made, so I didnt have to call them. But overall it is a gamble etailer, but sometimes the prices are so low that the gamble is worth.

I just ordered a 45TX the other day, great receiver! BTW John, I just sent you a PM...

Today I went to another dealer to hear the Rotel again, I was impressed again. I'll go to the Pioneer dealer tomorrow and be impressed by that one as well...I just wish I could get them both at the same location to see if I really want to spend that extra cash. I will decide this weekend.