[88BlueTSiQuest]

I'm a big fan of Pioneer, if you are looking for the budget receiver, that is.

The new VSX-D1015TX-k is practically an Elite in Pioneer clothing, and quite honestly the best bang for the buck from any manufacturer.

If money were no object I'd broaden my search to include Denon and Sunfire. The Sunfire's are actually 9.1 capable using a software upgrade and an external 2 channel amp, when and if 9.1 ever hits the streets. And the Denon flagship is just flat out impressive looking, being nearly twice as tall as even the largest Elite model.

Me personally, I'm looking into getting a new Pioneer, I want the VSX-9300tx, which is simply a re-badged Elite 56TXi minus the i-link. It's a significant jump in price though compared to the 1015, and available features aren't really different enough to make the average consumer wish to make the jump. The 9300 is basically just giving you better THD % and a stouter power supply over the 1015's specs.

I currently own a Pioneer VSX-D850S, and have been very happy with it's performance, but being an electronics junky, it's time to upgrade.... Plus I want an actual THX certified receiver(1015 and the 9300 are THX certified).