Price Paid:  $255.00 from eBay

Summary:
This is the best receiver I have heard in this price range. I've sold consumer electronics (mid- and high-end) for more than 12 years, and I know that in this price range it's easy for the manufacturer to get a "cookie-cutter" mentality. But not Yamaha. They still use their own DSP chip that is head-and-shoulders better than any competitor (again, in this price range). Discrete amplifiers for each channel keep it clean all around. Great value. This is replacing a terrific Kenwood KRV-9010 I had for 12 years (yep, bought it at my first job, Circuit City!). I feel confident that this Yamaha will serve me as well for at least as long.

Strengths:
Great sound and flexibility. Awesome bang for your buck!

Weaknesses:
Yes, the remote just feels kinda chintzy, but with a little practice, it's fully functional and very universal (although, alas, it doesn't do Tivo!). Mine's endured a few drops already, but it's held up well. Initial setup is a bit tricky, but no worse than any other receiver.

FYI: ALL Dolby Digital systems require a some kind of setup for proper performance - the owner's manual makes the difference there, and Yamaha's was better than many I've read.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood, Harmon Kardon, Denon, NAD, Bang & Olefson, Carver, JVC, Technics, Pioneer, Sony.

Price Paid:  $499.00 from on-line retail

Summary:
The HTR-5450 has a fair sound quality, and a low output. The construction of the cabinet is quite poor. The top "sank" in within the first week of owning the unit.

Strengths:
There are plenty of hook ups for audi and video devices.

Weaknesses:
The romote again gets my vote.

Similar Products Used:
JVC, Pioneer, Marantz

Price Paid:  $180.00 from ebay

Summary:
I had this Yamaha only for a little while only because I couldn't do component video switching on it. I was very impressed by the power but I have to say the sound comes out too warm for me. I also own a Marantz SR-5000 and sound-wise the Marantz sounds better hands down. Maybe it's because this Yamaha objective is not to beat the high end stuff but still I couldn't help feeling I was "stepping down" when I listened to the Yamaha. I also noticed I went through some trouble when trying to sell it. This receiver is too comercial and people see it almost as "one more" (ie. a Kenwood, Pioneer or even worse a Sony). Definitely did not hold its value. The project for the 5450 must have run out of money right when they were designing the remote because it's so thin it makes you feel you are controlling with a butterfinger candy bar.

Strengths:
Powerful, easy to use, plenty of digital inputs. Good for the money if you wait until the next model is out.

Weaknesses:
Bad design on remote, warm sound, value will go to the floor as the new model comes out, no component video switching.

Similar Products Used:
Marantz SR-5000, HK AVRs

Price Paid:  $350.00 from bb

Summary:
very good product. I listened to many recievers in the price range, was trying to decide between this and a Denon, when this one went on sale. Very reliable also, no problems at all despite lots of use often at loud volumes. I am not a huge fan of DSP, but they are usefull sometimes. Like others have mentioned, the remote isn't the greatest, and while this may seem insignificant, it doesn't have a last channel button for the TV (although it does for the cable box) which has been really annoying a few times. My only other real complaint is that I think the small speaker setting cutoff is to high. I prefer having the speakers set to small to let the amp work where it's needed, but 90hz is a little too high for my taste. Not a huge deal, but still. These are just minor complaints about a very good product. This and the HSU VTF2 are the only two things that I bought 4 for overall rating because well, it's a $400 reciever and just is not able to compete with high end recievers. 4 for value, you won't be disappointed if you're looking in the price range, but like I said, not a "giant killer".
my system
Sony Wega 24" flat screen
Yamaha HTR 5450
JBL S 312 fronts
JBL S center
JBL S 26 surrounds
Hsu VTF 2 sub

Strengths:
great sound and value. Lots of features. reliable, everything it claims to be

Weaknesses:
small weaknesses: remote and sub out (see above)

Similar Products Used:
many in many price ranges

Price Paid:  $425.00 from discount magazene

Summary:
This receiver has been a hard receiver to work with. The literature in the manual is less then easy to understand. I have dealt with the same troubles as others, the receiver shutting off and the message to check speaker wires, the top of the receiver has sunk down and does not look very appealing in the entertainment center.

Strengths:
Yamaha as a name.

Weaknesses:
Remote is difficult to use, not even my child likes it? The quality for being a "Yamaha" is not what I expected.

Similar Products Used:
JVC, Pioneer, Marantz