First timer...need a receiver.

[Sylar]

hii guys. This my first time building a high quality AV setup. Currently I have a Sony DAV DZ100. I am trying to choose a receiver.
I found it quite overwhelming with so many choices, with so much technical info that is needed to know & mis-information too. It would be wonderful to get a few suggestions & recommendations.

I don't mind sacrificing power for superior sound quality. Will use it mostly for music & movies. But, I would like the receiver it to have 3D support, HDMI scaling (Analog too), support all possible audio formats & have standby pass-through.
Optionally: 3.55mm Jack, HDMI Audio return channel, Ethernet port, Bluetooth.

After some reading these receivers seemed reasonable (Yet to choose on speakers). Small/Medium sized room (Roughly 12ft x 12 ft).
1. Pioneer VSX-1020-K.
2. Onkyo TX-SR608.
3. Denon AVR-1911.
4. Yamaha RX-V667.

Which among these would be a better choice? Have I gone overboard with my choice as a first timer? Any better choices that I could have?
My budget is around 500$. Where I live it is going to cost me twice that. Wish I was half lucky as some of you guys .

 

[dapack69]

Where do you live?

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Its going to come down to what features each one has that serve you the best.

 

[Kai]

While they are all good choices you should listen to them and buy the one that is most pleasing to your ears, has the features you want/need and fits your budget.

 

[Sylar]

Where do you live?

I live back in India, Bangalore.
Over here Onkyo TX-NR708 costs like 1300$.
Amazon price is 550$ & MSRP is 900$ (Do correct me if i am wrong here).
Importing from amazon costs me like 850$, saving me 450$.

I loose out on warranty & unsure how reliable is the shipping process (Hopefully no damages).

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Its going to come down to what features each one has that serve you the best.

Gud to hear that. I created my post mainly to filter out any not so gr8 choices. It is really helpful when i list a bunch of receivers and someone experienced says 'you should reconsider having X as an option'.

 

[Sylar]

I have also been looking at Onkyo NR708. Feature wise they seem to come on par with 608, with some differences. Price wise there is a big jump. Is there any significant difference in audio/video quality?