[tonyvdb]

John is correct, The Onkyo line is the best bang for buck. The Onkyo TX SR876 is a great choice. The 906 is better however they sell for about $1400.
I garentee that you wont find a better receiver than the 876 for $888 new.
You get a receiver that will drive all channels at the rated output and it has the best video upconversion available in a receiver the Raon HQV chip.

 

[tonyvdb]

Ive heard roomers that its a bit finicky to get it working but as I dont have that particular model I cant say for sure.

 

[tonyvdb]

Receiver replacement or any other piece of electronics depends on how much you spend on it. A $200 receiver is a disposable item just like most DVD players these days however spending $1500 on a receiver that will last is a whole different ball game the same goes for speakers. If you only spend $200 on a pair you'll find your self replacing them every so often because you will likely not be happy with them for long. Spending $2000 on 2 speakers and you'll find that you will keep them for a long time.

 

[tonyvdb]

resale value has little to do with it. I never buy something expecting to get anything for resale down the road I just enjoy it now. Receivers made between 1995 and 2002 had very little changes in features to them, HDMI and BluRay changed everything I dont see any other big changes coming down the line for another 5 to 8 years in receiver features that would make me want to upgrade what I have. I still use my Yamaha receiver now as my two channel system from 1999 that used to be my main unit till I upgraded to the Onkyo 805. But yes my main speakers are still the same ones I bought back in 1992.

 

[tonyvdb]

Hi Seth, You could go with the 807 as well the only thing you really loose out on is the video processing considering your not going to use the amp section to power your mains the 806/807 is a good quality receiver it just does not have the beefy power supply or the Raon HQV video processor that the the 876 has.

 

[tonyvdb]

Dont worry about it, the Onlyo 876 and the other gear wont draw enough to trip a breaker unless you really push it. The 876 will draw less but given your also using an external amp that really doesn't change much as the external amp will draw probably more.

 

[tonyvdb]

Nothing wrong with Pioneer, They build a solid receiver. Several members have Pioneer and like them.