Best Home AV receiver for under $600?

[oldguy00]

Hey all, putting together my first real home theater setup. No massive budget here. Will be sticking with 5.1 setup.
I have my speakers purchased - Klipsch RF 82 towers, RC60 center, SW110 sub, and rb42 (40?) II rear speakers.
Will be using a 55" ST60 Panasonic plasma (beautiful!!).
I tried a Denon E400, and it worked well, but seemed underpowered. I now am trying a slightly lower end Sony 740, lots of power, but am having some trouble setting it up. Trying to play blu rays and it keeps setting itself into muting mode every couple seconds, maddening! Looking for a solution online.
But may try a different receiver. Looking at the HK 2700, Sony 1040, Onkyo TX-NR626, and the Yamaha RXV-675.

Thx!

[Bob Ross]

Of the brands you mentioned, the Onkyo would be my first choice. Integra (the slightly-more-upscale/custom integrator-friendly division of Onkyo) makes a model right around $600 that's super-reliable. Some of the Pioneer Elite models in that price range are also worth checking out.

[Britishbane]

I have a Marantz 4200 just sitting around. It's 5.1, musical enough, and rock solid. You pay shipping, probably wont be cheap as its heavy, and its yours.

[oldguy00]

I have a Marantz 4200 just sitting around. It's 5.1, musical enough, and rock solid. You pay shipping, probably wont be cheap as its heavy, and its yours.

Hey, I appreciate that! But I need one with HDMI inputs/output. Maybe donate it locally? I took all my old stuff to one of the local schools to use.

[Badonkadonk]

try nuforce

[Peter Polack]

Before giving up on the Denon, you should try posting your question on one of the A/V forums. There's likely someone who's seen your problem before and knows the solution.

One question: Are you using the correct version of HDMI cable? Yes; there is a difference. See what the manual of each component recommends.

Also, check Denon's web site tech support. They have FREE telephone tech support.

[sailor]

Look around on audiogon.com for used options. AV receivers depreciate faster than bikes so used ones are a great deal. I have a $3000 B&K that I bought for $300, less fancy features but great sound.

[giordana93]

I would agree with the used route, although hdmi is more recent. Don't know if it is cool on this forum to list an ad, but let's just say that I saw Amazon was running a bonus deal of the day today (wed) for half price on a pioneer rig, right at your price point.