Integra 7.8, overkill?

[Romulus]

Howdy!

I am leaning over the edge of the home theater cliff and about to jump.. I've just got to make a few final decisions to make sure I'm buying what I want.

I recently auditioned the new B&W 600 series speakers and really like the 684s, so I've decided on those along with the matching center and 685s as surrounds.

For a while I've been set on the Yammy 661 receiver b/c of budget constraints and good reviews its gotten. However, the dealer I auditioned the speakers at was really pushing their new Integra receivers. I have been going to this particular store every few months for the past 1.5 years trying to decide on a sytem and they are never pushy with expensive gear, however, I'm wondering if the owner is telling them to try and sell the Integra's since they are the latest and greatest on the market.

I am trying to keep a lid on the cost of my system but am willing to spend enough so I don't cut myself short. For a basic 5.1 HT/music system, is the 7.8 overkill? It seems it has many nice features, but I can't imagine using them right now. Is the power it offers over the $500 range of receivers THAT noticeable for my application?

FWIW, they are selling it for 1300 (list), but a yearly store sale is next weekend so I should be able to get it for around 10% off that.

Thoughts?

 

[adk highlander]

Integra products seem to be well respected and offer a wide variety of features for a custom installer. If you are looking to save money look at the Onkyo model (875?) that is the clone of the Integra. You will see a couple of feature changes in the zone 2/3 controls and possible less 12v triggers and IR controls. If these features do not interest you than I would look at the 875 and save a few hundred dollars.

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver upgrade

If you are going to spend an extra $800, consider investing it in better speakers or a sub for an audio upgrade or BluRay or HD-DVD for a video upgrade. I think your B&W 6 series will sound just as good with the $500 receiver unless you have a huge room and like to play movies at refrence levels.