I was in search for a A/V receiver with HDMI and my previous experiences with a Denon receiver makes me a Denon enthusiast .
I listened to a lot of receivers, HK, Onkyo, Marantz, and even the more expensive 1708.
I didn't saw a reason to buy the more expensive 1708 this receiver just sounds good.
Of course its not the most expensive receiver, but still it stands, there are loads of settings but i prefer the effect "direct".
Most of the time i listen music, and since i've bought a pair of Infinity Overture 1's(Before that I had Wharfedale Valdus 500) I only started loving this receiver more and more.
But you won't buy a 7.1 surround receiver only for listening music, you would simply buy a good stereo amplifier for that, with movies and games the sound is excellent and there are a lot of settings to tweak your sound included audyssey.
there's only 1 con, there isn't an pre-out, so you cant use another amplifier, but you can't expect to much from €200.