[klh]

I have a plasma in the family room but we have nothing to play music other than the TV. I'd like to have a 2.1 setup in that room that can handle signals from CDs, BDs, DVDs, SAT, etc. Having a USB port for file sharing is probably a good idea... and HDMI switching would be ideal. A good AM/FM tuner is a must. Any recommendations? Mid-fi would be plenty good for this room.

BTW... I'm thinking about getting the Oppo BD player for the HT which would mean the PS3 would go to the family room (which would obviously source CDs, BDs and DVDs).

[mcgsxr]

I am using a Panny receiver (SAXR-15) in my main floor 2.1 HT.

I would recommend a more current one of those, if they match up with all your req's.

The USB might be the harder part to nail down.

[markC]

NAD has always been good to me in the past. I don't really know about their current offerings, but I'd recommend that it's worth a look.
As a side note, I am currently using a 24 year old NAD amplifier for my A/V set up. I bought it used 21 years ago and all I've done to it is replace the power supply caps and a transformer. That was 15 years ago.

[JLM]

You'll probably need to look at an A/V receiver to get HDMI, even though you're only looking at a 2.1 setup.  My $150 Sony 6.1 receiver (didn't have HDMI) has a good tuner (better in the basement than my Rotel stereo A/V receiver that is upstairs, both using the throw away FM antenna).  Back when I bought the Sony, one with HDMI was $50 more.  Sound quality is just OK.

I've had good luck with NAD, very good sound, but not "overbuilt" in terms of build quality.  I've only done extended home audition of the Panny, again very good sound, but the build quality is suspect.

Another good sound quality receiver, much better built than any of the above, but more money is Harmon Kardon.

The Oppo BD is stupid good for the money, but probably overkill for the described system.

[klh]

Thanks guys. I'm leaning towards HK... I saw the 254 on Amazon for a pretty good deal. I'm also considering the Pioneer 919 but I've read their power output is more grossly over rated than most receivers. The OPPO BD player would definitely be excess of the family room... but it would be ideal for the HT (JVC RS1 projector, PS3 dual 18" infinite baffle sub, etc.).

[Wayner]

Outlaw Audio is having a sale on it's RR2150 receiver, just what you are looking for for $499 until close to the end of the month. Go visit their website. It's got 100 watts RMS per channel, center output, plus tone controls, bass slope and a very good FM section. It also has a USB port (B style) input and a MM phono input.

I own it and it is a great piece, well built.

(Added): Sale is thru midnight, August 21st! Better hurry!

Wayner