Price Paid:  $670.00 from Strathroy audio

Summary:
This was my first time puchase for a serious (entry level) home theater A/V Receiver. for the 2 and a1\2 + years I'v owned it , it has not let me me down.
I describe the sound Quality as strong clear but never harsh,(through The Klipsh cinima 6 surround speakers) I'v had my receiver cranked for over 1\2 an hour with no protest from the unit and no distortion in sound (I listen to heavy metal and some house\techno) I recently had the joy of listening to a $50,000+ theater system. Though the quality of sound may not really compare, This little system holds it's own for clarity ant the volume it was designed for.
Now , however, I wish I had the budget to get a unit with HDMI swithching and I wish it had at least 3 optical cable inputs instead of just 2. thew remotes buttons I find are fine, but the small switches for swithching to cable box to TV to DVD are annoying and should be more visable in low light.
The programing setup mic are good but I still had to tweek the center channel and sub woofer to what I feel is great sound for watching movies DSP settings as with most all AVR receivers are useles in my opinion.

Strengths:
Great sound, component switching is good.

Weaknesses:
sucks as a universal remote, no HDMI not enough digital inputs set up mic a little subjective.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha HTR- 5540

Price Paid:  $449.00 from Morris Home Furnishi

Summary:
I purchased a Denon AVR 1706 when I put on a room addition to our home. I wanted a 7.1 surround system for our 25 X 25 room. The Denon has great sound but lacks some of the features you would see on comparably price units from Onkyo, Harman Kardon, or Yamaha, i.e.. HDMI I/O. I liked the unit but about 6 mo. after buying it all of the surround channels failed. It was a real hassle having to ship it off for repair. The repairs were covered under the warranty and they shipped it back for free. So, I thought, maybe a solder joint was weak and failed and they just had to re-solder it. Everything was fine until a week ago when all of the right side channels failed including the subwoofer. Fortunately I have a two year warranty. I just shipped it off again and am waiting for its return. I purchased Denon because it is so highly rated by A/V critics. Did I get a lemon or are Denon products sub-standard?

Strengths:
Great sound (when it works), good looking, easy to use

Weaknesses:
No HDMI, poorly designed remote, poor quality?

Price Paid:  $499.00 from Video Pros AVU

Summary:
After researching receivers for about a year, I had narrowed my choice down to Denon or Yamaha. Both are great products but I preferred the warm and softer sound from the Denon. Although 75 watts x 7 channels seems underpowered, it follows the same philosophy of most high current amplifiers in that its wattage ratings will rival and even exceed other mainstream brand receivers when a full freqency range and multiple channels are used simultaneously.

The Auto Setup feature was a nice touch although I had to fine tweak a couple of settings with my trusty SPL meter (especially for the sub) . I find the sound quality to be very good and can fill my 14' x 16' living room with great music and HT sound. The video switching excellent with no visible degradation of the signal.

The remote is a bit unfriendly but it suffices and can operate 5 other pieces of equipment besides the receiver.

Overall though, a terrific bargain for anyone who wants a great receiver and doesn't want to break the bank.

Strengths:
- Sound Quality
- Video switching
- Good power

Weaknesses:
- Remote is a bit cumbersome

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood and Yamaha Receivers