Upgrading TV, blu ray, speakers..do I replace my Pioneer 1015 receiver?

[lithnights]

I am finally able to upgrade my very basic HT. I just bought a 54" Plasma, Sony blu ray player, will be getting new surround speakers, new console etc. I have a Pioneer VSX-1015TX receiver which I bought 3 years ago. It has served me fine although I don't use it (thanks to two kids under 3) nearly as much as I had planned. I use it mostly for movies/sports on tv, although do listen to music occasionally. I don't do either one that often, again due to the kids, so I don't need/want to spend an arm and a leg on something I will use once/twice a week.

So my question is..with all my new gear, is it advisable to upgrade my receiver? The 1015 does not have HDMI so I know that would be an upgrade but other than that, what would a replacement receiver get me? I don't want to spend more than $300 or so and I'd want similar sound quality as the 1015. My other reason for upgrading is that most of the TV consoles we're looking at are not very deep and the 18 1/2" deep 1015 may not fit in them. e.g. one of the consoles has interior depth of 18 3/4", the other has 20". Tight fits. I'm hoping newer receivers aren't that deep.

Any suggestions on whether to upgrade and if so, any thoughts? I'd like to stick with Pioneer since it has served me well but am open to ideas.

Thanks!

 

[sholling]

Having owned two I'm not at all a fan of non-elite Pioneers, so yes I'd replace it. Assuming you're in the US you can pick up a factory refurbished Onkyo TX-SR607 for $300. I have both the older VSX-1014 and TX-SR606 and the Onkyo is in my opinion a head and shoulders better receiver. Don't let factory refurbished scare you off either because I bought my 606 from them and it's been great.

 

[lithnights]

I'll take a look at the Onkyo but I guess my overall question is, is it worth it to upgrade my receiver? Seeing that it is only 3 years old and cost me $300, what exactly would I be upgrading if I were to buy a new one for a similar cost?