I've received great advice from this forum before and I'm looking forward to more great insight! I'm working on bringing my home stereo into the modern era and I've already used this site to abandon the idea of HTiB (specifically Bose) in favor of selecting my own components. My system will consist of a 5.1 (with the option of upgrading to 7.1 in the future) using a 350W Sony 12in sub (the only decent component of my old system), Fluance AV-HTB speakers, and a yet to be determined blu ray player and receiver. I have a budget of $500-$750 for the receiver and have been looking at the Onkyo brand as well as the Yamaha Rx-v667 and Rx-A700. I do about 60% movies, 30% music and 10% gaming...my primary concern is getting a great amp for home theater (movies) and music playback. I know I want a lot of HDMI ins and one out for my Sony Bravia. I'm not overly concerned with 3D capability and I don't even know what ARC is. I wouldn't mind 7.2, but at this time I only plan to run 5.1...I'd like to have the option to upgrade later if I decide to. I'd like to have the option to add an iPod dock, but it's not crucial that the dock be included in the price of the amp. Mostly I'm confused by the differences in the Rx-v667 v. Rx-a700 and I don't want to rule out any other brand that I should consider (such as Onkyo). I've had sony and kenwood amps back in the 90's and wasn't impressed, so I am avoiding them for the time being. Any advice is appreciated...if I've failed to consider an option please bring it to my attention, I'm very open to suggestions. Thanks!!!
