New to forums, opinion question

[panteragstk]

Hey guys. Been reading for many, many years, but never thought to join.

I hate to start opinion threads, but I'm having a time making a decision based on what information I have at this time.

I've recently purchased the cheapo Pioneer VSX-521 because my very old receiver's center channel died and I had to have something to replace it. I like it just fine, but it is only 5.1 and has no ethernet or rs232 for me to control it with my computer. That and the fact that the MCACC isn't all that great (I like using my SPL meter much better). The amp in it is OK, but my speakers are so mismatched I wouldn't notice if they were better.

Having said all that, I'm in a position to finally get decent speakers and a good sub so I need a receiver that has the ability to be controlled via HTTP or rs232 bare minimum. Room correction is a major bonus since I've never actually had decent room correction. I sold receivers for years so I'm very familiar with Onkyo and Denon. Pioneer is fine, but I'm not sold on their MCACC at all. I guess that would mean Audyssey is a must. I know the differences between the levels (MultiEQ, XT, XT32, 2eq) so I know I want at least XT. I don't mind buying b-stock from Accessories4less so my price options are quite open.

So, now that you have read all that (hopefully) this will be a temporary (used for a year or less) while I save for what I REALLY want (txnr-5010 or what ever the new higher end denon will be) and this "temporary" receiver will be moved from the theater to living room duty.

So, what do I do? Buy one with the bare minimum to spend money on the speakers, or get one with decent amps (or pre-outs for an outboard amp) and the best room correction I can afford?

I have an idea of what I want, but I'd like opinions for people who actually have experience with the decent receiver with room correction. Is it even worth it? What would you guys do in my situation? All opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Imo - you are placing too much accent on electronics, rather than speakers and recommended process should be getting the speakers and then find compatible amp/avr

that said - besides remote control integration and auto correction, I'd require one more crucial feature - to have full 8ch pre-outs to be able to add external amp later...
DENON AVR-3310CI 7.1-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less

and thou this one has XT, 3310 is a better choice imo
Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less

for a bit more $ you can have best of features:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR3312CI/DENON-AVR-3312CI-7.2-Integrated-Network-A/V-Surround-Receiver/1.html

 

[panteragstk]

You picked the same models I'm deciding between. The reason I'm asking about the receiver is because I've already decided on the speakers so that is already a given. I need the receiver first due to the controlling issues I have right now. Once that is fixed then the sub is next (mine is by far the weakest link) then the front three.

Thanks.