[LadyDog]

Actually a few questions.  Imagine if I scour the internet I'll find an answer, though feeling a bit lazy.  So thanks in advance for the time.

Looking for 2 home theater receivers.  So thoughts, suggestions, recommendations.

1)  two subs, so need a 5.2 receiver, under $500

2)  5.1 thru 9.2, no real qualifications there...though the receiver must be able to accommodate variable size settings(especially for the rears - looking to run full range speakers w/built in subs for rear speakers)...believe the pioneer elites lock you into 80 for all speakers..., under $1k

Regards,
Jeff

[Atlplasma]

Emotiva makes affordable receivers that review well. The better quality Yamaha gear is also quite good. You might want to check out the reviews for various components at the Secrets of Home Theater website. I think you'll find there are lots of options (at least at 5.1 or 7.1). Putting multiple subs into our system is also fairly straightforward.

[youravhandyman]

Going with Altplasma's recommendation the Yamaha RX-V577 is a 7.2channel receiver with a ton of features if not a ton of power for full retail of $549.  I would bet you could find it for $500 out there.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v577_black_u/?mode=model#selected=514211_514209_514213_

[Phil A]

Don't forget accessories4less.com.  You can get close-outs or authorized factory refurbs with a warranty

[Bob in St. Louis]

Something to think about....if you want your two subs to have different XO points, slopes, etc.... some AVR's won't do that, both outputs are identical. The only advantage to having dual outputs is you don't have to buy an RCA splitter.
Just a heads-up.

[Atlplasma]

There is a refurbished Yamaha RX-A1040 on Amazon for $699. That's about half retail, and it carries a one-year warranty. I have an older model Yamaha, and it is great for home theater. Of course, RMMV. 

Also just noticed that accessories4less.com has the 2040 model (with 9.2) in its bargain basement for about the same price.