Need receiver recommendations

[gaurav]

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Pls recommnend what you think is best for my use - not the best in the world. Also, I would highly appreciate if you provide your suggestions without commenting on other people's suggestions.
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Have been researching the audio piece for my first HT for quite some time. By the time i go though all the posts, all the current models will be obselete.

My room is small (11x13) and i will be watching DVDs only (via front projector).
Edit - I'd like to have a 7.1 setup.

My problem is that i don't know how much i should spend on audio equipment. I can spend upto $5k on receiver and speakers if the expence is warranted. However, if in my setup, a 1k rig will sound almost the same as a $5k rig then i don't want to spend more.

I reallize the best judge would be me myself but i need help compiling a short list of recievers that would be recommended FOR MY USE that i can then research and demo.

I need you to recommend for MY setup -

two receiver models that cost less than $1k
two receiver models that cost between $1k to $3k
two receiver models that cost between $3k to $5k

It will be great if you can recommend matching speakers as well.

Thanks

[milaz001]

Are you looking for a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 setup?

My opinion is that there are diminishing returns in receivers as you go up the price scale. At the moment, you really don't need to spend more than $1000 for what you need, and you will likely be satisfied by spending less.

But it would help to know what your basic feature requirements are, and, specifically, how many speakers you'll be amplifying.

[gaurav]

Originally posted by milaz001
Are you looking for a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 setup?

7.1

[milaz001]

Rather than model #s, how about brands:

<$1000: Harman/Kardon, Denon, Marantz
$1-3000: NAD, Rotel, B&W, consider separates
$3-5000: Separates

I'd concentrate resources on speakers, which in my opinion are far more important than the amplifcation source. You can get an outstanding receiver under $1000 and some very nice speakers for $4000. With changing formats and features, you might consider a receiver under $1000 with preouts so you can add an amp later, and then change receivers without breaking the bank.

[c1courtney]

I figure I'll do a bit of thread jacking instead of starting a new one :D

I'm looling for a receiver in the $999-$1500 range to replace a Denon AVR-3300 w/ HDMI.

Critical Requirements:
7.1
At least 2-HDMI Inputs (1-HDMI Output)
Audio Sync (and not 4 menu layers deep to get to it) I can't stand to watch a movie w/ Lip Sync issues.
If menus are driven by GUI over TV, then must be supported via HDMI & Component Video.

Non-critical:
2-Coax SPDIF inputs
2-toslink inputs
192KHz/24bit Audio Support

FWIW, my speakers are Mirage FRx 7's, FRx-Rears, FRx-Center and S-10 Sub. Decent but not great.