I'm sure a unit in the $1000 price range will be more than capable for the following 10 years or so...
Just thought I'd chime in with a comment about that assertion...
I think it is wrong, and here's why. Contrary to popular belief, you can use a HDMI-less receiver and benefit from all the latest and greatest audio bells and whistles if the receiver has (hold on for this): ANALOG multi-channel inputs. With a late model BD player with 8ch out, you can get DTS-HD-Master and Dolby True-HD to work on a system without HDMI, should you desire to do so.
Choosing an upscale player like a Oppo BDP-103/105 with analog outs, allows to get beyond a receiver's digital tech limitations, by bypassing these limitations. Much like we used to hook-up VCR to stereos in a not-so-distant past, you can get your sound even if the image doesn't go through, or is passed through as-is.
I changed my receiver 3 times before I finally learned (by pure coincidence) about this way of doing things, All flagships. Sad waste of money. After learning about the Oppo and the possibility of using Analog to get out of this vicious and expensive circle of upgrades, I got an Oppo BDP-103, and kept my beloved receiver. I will be looking out for a player with analog sound when the next format becomes ubiquitous, and keep my receiver.
Do spend a little time researching this option. Your budget is limited, and I think either an older model or used model with a proven track record and analog inputs, combined with an Oppo, would get you more satisfaction and more format playback capabilities than the "latest&greatest" receiver with a Wally-world class BD player.
The more $$ you have left for the speakers, the better. A decent and proven used flagship with analog inputs and HDMI (1.4a) pass-through can be purchased for around $250 US where I live. Add a Oppo BDP-103, yoour at 750$ spent, this leave you a bit of (much needed) extra headroom for the speakers, which is where I think money is best spent for lower-budget start-up projects.
Just my 2 cents.
