[Lyndon]

Guys,
I could use some feedback on this.
 I need help on what will help me coordinate my "confusion" in the best way.

I want to buy a new AVR, but I need some real connectivity for these items:

New HTPC build with HDMI out
Pioneer SACD/DvD-A player need extra IC's because of that...
Toshiba HD player
Blu-Ray player
CD Jukebox
Phono (have separate phono preamp)

Squeezebox Touch (still in the wrapped box :O( )
Western Digital Media Player Live
Working on flashing a Buffalo into a wireless client bridge for
Netflix and Pandora streaming (yeah, I'm still working on that...)

Looking at these entry level receivers: Not placed in any preferred order
Denon (it is ALL about how well Audyssey treats your room and the volume down for commercials) 1610, 1910 No pre-outs.
Pioneer 1120: good reviews, pre-outs, wimpy amp section. Wish they had put the ICE amps modules in this one. Some people think that there will be some offerings of the 1120 packaged with the bluetooth for $500 this BF.
Yamaha RX-V667
Best connections of the lot, and supposedly a good discrete amp section. Nobody seems impressed with their sound treatment software.
Dark Horse: Harmon Kardon 3600 But a lot of people are complaining about handshake issues with the HDMI set ups.
What do you guys think? Best one to help coordinate the HTPC, Western Digital Live, and streaming?
Thanks,
Lyndon

[Lyndon]

Bump!
Am I asking a question that no one in their home theater environment
has not encountered? Am I wording it wrong?
I placed this question at the AVS Forum as well, and get no information.
If you know of a forum that would have better answers for me, please show me a link or send a PM.
Thanks,
Lyndon

[cujobob]

Pioneer receivers with the chipamps are outstanding! If it suits your needs, I think they're hard to beat for the price.

[Lyndon]

Thanks, cujobob
I have heard that, but I think I read two reviews that liked the amps in the Yamaha. Something about the drawing power of the amp section.
Of course, that theory goes out the door on digital amps, like ICE.
cnet
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/yamaha-rx-v667/4505-6466_7-34137032.html
audioholics
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v667
the RX-V667 contains all discrete amplifier output stages instead of the lower cost and lower performing op-amp stages found on the RX-V665 and lower 05 series models.
Also, what receiver has HDMI pass through?  I think this was abandoned on the lower level receivers and it sounds like a good thing to have.

[Donald]

Nice thing about Yama is you can add a separate amp(s) at a later date if you so desire.

[Lyndon]

Donald,
I thought the Pioneer has the pre-outs as well.
Not being able to get the Best Buy guy to hook up the Yamaha for a demonstrationo of its
GUI, I went ahead last night and ordered the Pioneer VSX-1120.
I hope it will play nice with my other toys: HTPC loaded up with FLAC, Squeezebox Touch,
Western Digital Media Player Live, and various dvd and cd players.
 

[Donald]

I do not think so. If that is important to you, you might want to double check. You might be able to access picture of back on Pioneer's website.

[Donald]

Good to go. Checked website and has pre-outs. Enjoy the receiver. Give us a review after dialing in.