Best new AV receiver around $300?

[Ryan G.]

I'm looking to finally replace my Denon AVR-591 after long-suffering through it's audio popping issues (I believe Denon admitted this was caused by an HDMI bug that was fixed in updated firmware, however this unit cannot be updated at home and the service charge to get it updated isn't worth it.) This unit also has some HDMI handshake issues which have been a pain.

For this reason and some bad service experiences from Denon, I would really like to stay away from the brand in the future.

My video/audio source is a HTPC outputting video/audio through HDMI (Geforce GT 730 video card). Not sure if this would impact the receiver at all, but (don't laugh) I'm still running a Pioneer 50" plasma that isn't capable of displaying 1080p, so I'm actually displaying a custom resolution of 1366 x 768. I've set this custom resolution in the HTPC and only ask the receiver to pass-through the video signal. But I would like the flexibility of being able to upgrade to a 4K television at some point in the not-so-distant future.

I'm looking for a short list of the best receivers around the $300 range. I understand that HDCP 2.2 is a big deal in terms of future proofing. For me, the ability to upgrade the unit over the web is also important.

What are some good options in my price range (non-Denon)? Thanks!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Here few options. Notice these are all Refubs. You will not find anything comparable as new items.
Keep in mind AC4L is reputable seller and licensed by manufactures to sell their refubs.
Some of refubs are simply customer return so they might be in fact brand new.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa740bl/yamaha-rx-a740-7.2-network-aventage-av-receiver-wi-fi/airplay-sale-reduced-30/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr636/onkyo-tx-nr636-7.2-atmos-a/v-receiver-hdmi-2.0-wi-fi/bt-sale-reduced-50/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr2113ci/denon-avr-2113ci-7.1ch-networking-receiver-w/airplay-3d-ready/1.html#!specifications

I didn't check for HDCP 2.2 in specs, but given you're running video from htpc I honestly don't think that it's applicable to you.

Nor I checked for f/w updates. 3 solid choices - time for you do start reading manuals

 

[afterlife2]

^^What he said. Yamaha.