I bought the Yamaha RX-V2500 with 130W per channel, 7.1 and automatic,
graphics based setup. The automatic setup determined that my from t main
speaker was out of phase, and that my two rear surrounds were not correctly
connected. Then it sets about determining the adjustments for your
listening position. It's quite impressive and resulted in a much better
listening experience.

Other receivers may have this feature, but with the GUI interface shown on
your TV during setup, it was very easy. The reviews of the Yamaha are good
as well. I also looked at the Rotel 1067 ($2200) and the Denon 2805 and
3805. Only the Yamaha meets the THX-certification criteria and also was
reasonably priced. With 130W per channel, it was also the most powerful.

The retail price is $1099 US. I paid $1000 at an authorized dealer.
On-line prices are ~$700 with no Yamaha warranty.

Good luck and let us know what you choose.

- Russ in Santa Barbara

"News" wrote in message
...
Hi All,
My knowledge is way out of date on home theater standards, so I'm looking
for a little help.
I'm looking to upgrade from pro-logic to "current" standards, and see 6.1
and 7.1 recievers out there.
As far as I can tell, DVDs are just recently recording in 6.1,
specifically
for DTS-ES for discrete 6.1, and Dolby-EX simulates a 6th channel from the
5.1 rears. Additionally 7.1 receivers seem to be repeating the 6th signal
over a 7th speaker. If so, it looks to me like 7.1 may be overkill for a
small listening area.
Is this correct? I'm just trying to make sure before I spend the money.

I narrowed my search down to the Onkyo brand name, and I've got a chance
to
buy either of these 2 Onkyo receivers, refurbished, with extended
warranties.
The 601 is about the same price as a new 502, which is $55 more than the
refurb 502. (the 601 is also about $100 less than a new TX-SR602).
Apparently I missed a sale on the 602

It seems that the 601 has every feature that the 502 has and most of the
602
features except for Dolby Pro-Logic IIx, whiche the 502 has, where a 5.1
signal is processed to produce a "phantom" 7.1. Any opinions on the value
of
Pro-Logic IIx or comparing these 2 (3) receivers? $55 seems like a decent
premium for 2nd audio source to remote room, composite-to-S-Video
conversion, OSD, and a bit more power

Any help appreciated