Receiver Suggestions

Mac2.0

I would like some help in making my next decision, as it is a very important one. I have my speakers, all I need now is to select the receiver that will run them. I want to make the best selection possible and any help I could get would be greatly appreciated.
I have the following speakers:
Center: Polk Audio CSi5
Fronts: Polk Audio Monitor 60
Surrounds: Polk Audio FXi3
Sub: Polk Audio PSW505
I would like to keep the budget of the receiver under $1000.
This system would primarily be used for viewing DVDs and TV, with time-to-time music listening.
I have been looking primarily at the Denon & Onkyo lines. I have also looked at Yamaha (but I've heard horror stories about their customer service). I am open to just about any reputable receiver manufacturer though. I would like to go ahead and get a 7.1 system (for when I do add speakers in the future).
I have been reading articles about Bass Management (http://www.polkaudio.com/education/article.php?id=19), and I would like to make the hook-up as easy as possible. So I would like to avoid some of the hook-up hastles based on the speakers I have with the receiver I should get in order to make that happen.
Thank you for your help,
-Mac2.0:)

Holydoc

Mac,

For your current system, I would look for something that has at least 90watts per channel all channels driven. This will ensure that you can push what you currently own without too much strain on the speakers. However a receiver with specs that high can get expensive. An alternative approach would be to settle for a receiver that may not be that powerful but has pre-outs so that you can add an amplifier in the future.

Some things to look for in a system includes:
Pre-outs - to allow you to hook an external amp in the future. This will allow you to grow more easily in the future without having to replace your receiver
Rated for 7.1 - because that is your goal
Lots and Lots of hook-ups in the back - Worse thing to find out later is that you do not have enough hookups for all your components
Some connections in the front if you wish to hook up a game, IPOD, or friends portable.
Ability to Adjust Individual Speaker Level - This is a must to make sure that your system is calibrated correctly for your environment.

Make sure it supports - Dolby Pro-Logic II and DTS-ES to allow you to take full advantage of your rear speakers

If you have very young children, intelligence volume control that resets it to a preset volume when you turn it on.

Also if you plan on becoming an audiophile with music in the future, I would suggest that it has a Pure Audio or Direct Audio setting so that only the front speakers will playback your treasures.

Finally if you plan on also running your video equipment through your receiver (e.g., the VCR, DVR, DVD, XBOX, IPOD, etc.) then make sure it has the ability to convert from one type of signal to another. That prevents you from having to switch your TV from one setting to another every time you switch components.

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The above ideas are just items I found very useful when hunting for a receiver. Once you narrow down the playing field to the ones that meet your criteria, the next step is to test drive those babies. Do not be afraid to take them home and hear how they sound. How they sound is the most important aspect of a home theatre.

Pablo

I have a Denon 3603 myself that says it runs 110w/ch, and I think it sounds pretty damn good. I also use it mostly for movies. This should be enough to power for what you are looking for (although I may add another amp for my fronts to really crank the tunes). The new ones run about $1200, but you can get an older refurb for well under $1000 (check the denon site for authorized e-tailers for refurbs). Denon states that they will not honor warrenties from unathorized dealers, so if you want their warrenty, make sure you go to an authorized dealer. Good luck, and enjoy the your new system.

BullShifter

Look into a Harman Kardon. You can get a great deal on ebay - harmanaudio.com if you don't mind a refurb.