Well, dunno what happened but I just turned on the ole Denon 2802 and the FM stereo worked! so, it looks like I'll be holding on to it for a while yet. But, I'll be keeping a jaundiced eye on it from now on and keep an eye on the market, and whatever I pick up here. Believe it or not, I don't know everything. Almost, but not everything.
But, as long as this thing keeps on kickin' I'll be able to use that money for a real subwoofer when we move, as was my initial plan.
thanks for your input. I may need it again, but I hope not. HDMI boards in receivers scare me since it seems most problems stem from them.