It's come time to replace my old trusty Yamaha HTR-5560 since I've upgraded most of my components to the digital age. I'm looking to spend around $500-$600 on a new AVR and currently have it narrowed down to either the Denon 2310CI or Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH. I have prices on each within $5 of each other that are good until the end of the week. I've listened to many Onkyo setups and I'm not really big on their sound. To me they're more bright and aren't as warm as Yammy, Pioneer, and Denon. If I'm overlooking something that I should definitely go audition recommendations are greatly appreciated.

I've got a good price on the VSX-23TXH as well, but I don't have any other Pioneer components in my home theatre setup so the PQLS features don't add anything for me, nor do the extra inputs and outputs. It will be powering some Infinity P362s, a PC-350, and some JBL E50 bookshelf surrounds. No sub in the mix yet, but will be added soon. Some Definitive Tech's might come into play down the road as well.

Video Upscaling in the AVR doesn't really add anything for me, and I'm not politically bound to Audyssey or MCACC. A Harmony remote will replace either company's stock ones.

With that being said - does anybody have any thoughts on either or something else? This is probably more of a sounding board thread than anything. Thanks in advance!

Also - not sure if this should go here or in the HT forum. I apologize if it's in the wrong place.

Denon AVR-790 if you need the full HDMI or denon AVR-690 (HDMI pass through) if you dont. (it will still do HDMI picture, But the audio is handled with optical cable. Read good reviews on both. I have a Denon AVR 688 running a BIG pair of CVs with no problems. They do have some power.

One of the things I've hated in the past regarding AVR receivers is the extra fluff some of these manufacturers throw in. Yamaha is one of the worst (I still have an RXV in the bedroom.) There's nothing wrong with either of your choices but I tend to lean towards the no frills/all balls camp. Adcom, NAD, Rotel all have really solid offerings in the price range you stated. If I was forced to ditch seperates and go with an AVR, I think I'd look at NAD first these days. I guess it depends on what features you really need.

No frills/all balls here too. Just looked at AVR's here recently to replace my 34lb. Pioneer 1014 THX AVR. My observations were:

1. The $350-500 Yamahas I looked at weighed like 10lbs!!
2. The Denon's were okay, some had pre-outs in my $$ range
3. Didn't look at Onkyo's, none local
4. The new Pioneers have plastic fronts for God's sake!!
5. Not a Sony fan anyhow, and they look boring/cheap
6. Love NAD stuff, but it breaks alot

Ended up going with an HK AVR 154 for $150 on closeout at BB. Because it was $150, does what I need it too, weighed more than most 3x it's price. I have it's predecessor the AVR 146 and it rocks. Was a little worried at only 30wpc but it kicks my Pioneer THX's 110x7 wpc. butt and looks like Sophia Loren to boot. Press 'on' on the Harmony kick back and admire/listen to the sweet glow of electric sex in the AV rack, sweet!!

Very nice! H/K makes great stuff.

Personally, were I buying a new receiver, it probably would be an Onkyo or Integra. "Warm" and Yamaha two words I don't often see paired.