echomancer

Well guys, I'd like to thank each and everyone who replied to my question, but alas, I won't be purchasing a new receiver. They guys at the repair shop were idiots. I performed a "memory reset" of my Sony last night and my sub woofer output came back to life, big as ever! As much as I'd like to buy a new receiver, it's still great for Home Theater, and I'm not moving beyond 5.1 for a while. The good news is that I can get back on track for building my stereo integrated Tube Amp to drive some new Klipsch speakers! Thanks again for the input. I really appreciate it!

OK, I also just found out that the HK won't do video upsampling, which is kind of a turn off... I also can't find that the HK will support 1080i HD signals... Will the Yamaha let me create a custom input? By that I mean, can I associate a particular digital input with a video input and have it stay that way forever? What about custom titling of the inputs? And most importantly, is there a mode on the Yamaha where I can listen to a stereo source (CD/DVD player via analog or digital) that will let me listen through my front speakers and my subwoofer only, without applying any of the DSP stuff (Similar to Straight, only I want to hear my sub, because my current speakers have no bass). Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it!

I had a chance to run to the local high end theater dealer in town and have a listen to some receivers. I had a chance to compare the Yamaha (the VX-K1500 I think, they told me that it was more or less the HTR-5790) head to head with the Denon 1905 and 2105 (through Klipsch RB-35s). I prefered the Yamaha. The Denons were warmer, but the Yamaha sounded more "open". I suppose I'll run to Circuit City after work to hear the Harman/Kardon, but they don't carry Yamaha to compare it too. I know both units will sound good. I'm going to go completely on faith with what you guys recommend because you guys have experience, and I know I won't be disapointed either way. Maybe the HK is more attractive because it doesn't have any DSP beyond decoding... Wish I could afford the AVR435 Keep the input coming, and this newbie audiophile appreciates it! What is the DTS96/24 support all about???

Until about three weeks ago, I was running a Sony STR-DE985. The subwoofer pre output stopped functioning and I have been told it will cost a little over $300 to get it fixed. Since this receiver is about three years old, and I only paid $450, I've decided that this is a perfect opportunity to upgrade. I've given myself a budget of $500. I've narrowed my search down to the Harman/Kardon AVR335 and the Yamaha HTR-5790. I am currently running a 3 year old Bo$e 301mkIV based HT system(I was young, don't hurt me) but will be upgrading to a Klipsh RB-35 based HT system. I've searched through some of the archives and people seem to be happy with both. I plan on using the receiver for 70% HT and 30% Music (from satellite radio and my iPod). One ? about the Yamaha: Can I get a true bypass of all processing except for the signal decoding on digital signals (ie: I want to hear exactly what the Dolby Digital/DTS content of a DVD is without additional FX processing). Thanks for the help!