Mind if I ask a couple questions (not counting this one) to start out? What gear (if any) do you have right now? What sort of budget do you have in mind for a new receiver? What other gear (speakers, display, source components, etc.) will you be using with it, getting at the same time, or in the near future? There are receivers from companies like Denon (the 2803 or 1804 would be possible candidates, although I haven't ever heard them), Yamaha, and others that might suit you. There's even the Outlaw 1050 for $499, although it lacks the latest processing modes (DTS ES, Pro Logic II, or true Dolby EX -- although its 6.1 Surround offers a fair imitation of Dolby EX). Your budget and what you want most from it may help narrow things down, and I suspect there are a few ideas rattling around here.

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