Under $400 AV Receiver

[ErnieM]

Which receivers could you recommend under $400 with these conditions?
Drive the HSU Research Enthusiast 2 system, 5.1: (4 HB-1 MK2s, center HC-1 MK-1, Sub: VTF-2 MK 3) in a room 12 by 20. Inputs: Comcast cable, Playstation 3 and occasional iPod and music CD use. Upgrade to BlueRay down the road, but not important now.

I also would like a receiver with a remote easy for my tech-challenged wife to use.

I've heard if I play CDs or the iPod, these signals should bypass the digital stuff that comes from the TV.

 

[lsiberian]

Which receivers could you recommend under $400 with these conditions?
Drive the HSU Research Enthusiast 2 system, 5.1: (4 HB-1 MK2s, center HC-1 MK-1, Sub: VTF-2 MK 3) in a room 12 by 20. Inputs: Comcast cable, Playstation 3 and occasional iPod and music CD use. Upgrade to BlueRay down the road, but not important now.

I also would like a receiver with a remote easy for my tech-challenged wife to use.

I've heard if I play CDs or the iPod, these signals should bypass the digital stuff that comes from the TV.

I suggest this

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5002/Marantz/SR5002-receiver-90w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

or this
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html.

warranty and shipping are extra, but still a great deal.

 

[Highbar]

I would look around, you can probably find a good Yamaha, Onkyo, or maybe even a Pioneer that will fit your budget.

Why do you say Blu-Ray later? You have a PS3, that's one of the best Blu-Ray players that's out there.

 

[ErnieM]

Ps 3

The Playstation 3 belongs to my son, who will most likely be taking it off to college in the fall.

Re your recommendations: which of these are known for the most easy-to-operate remotes?

 

[Mike19]

Hi Ernie.

Re. remotes: I suggest you take your wife down to a Best Buy or something and let her handle the remotes. IMHO, at your budget, Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha and Marantz have equally capable receivers. Becuase of your wife, avoid Denon.
Mike