What's the best AV Receiver I can buy for $1000-$1200?

Question

I have an HD DirectTV DVR, Blu-Ray player, XBOX 360, VCR and a Pioneer Plasma HDTV (1080p) and want a new AV receiver with at least 3 HDMI inputs, with good upconversion and good downcoversion as well. Would like iPod comptabible, satellite radio ready and ability for multi-zones. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

As a yamaha owner I may be slightyl biased but the Yamaha - 910W fills all your requirements and more. I love mine and it's been providing great sound, without problem for years.

here is best buy's link to it: (you may be able to find a better price)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8497432&type=product&id=1188561455849

Product Features

* 910W total power: 130W x 7 RMS
* Surround sound decoders include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, Neural Surround and XM HD Surround
* Cinema DSP and Silent Cinema technologies create thrillingly realistic soundscapes; 22 surround sound programs provide extensive compatibility and listening choices
* XM HD powered by Neural Surround
* HDMI 1.3a specification supports with Deep Color (30/36-bit) transmission, 120Hz and 24Hz refresh rates and auto lip-sync compensation
* YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) automatically optimizes receiver output to optimum sound for the room acoustics, checking and adjusting for speaker connections, distances, size, frequency response and sound pressure level
* Night Listening Enhancer offers cinema and music modes, ensuring you won't miss quiet dialog or lose surround spaciousness during low-volume listening; Silent Cinema mode lets you enjoy multichannel audio and video sound through headphones
* Optional Apple iPod universal dock (YDS-10, not included) lets you connect your iPod, iPod mini or iPod nano to the receiver; iPod classic, 3rd-generation iPod nano and iPod touch are compatible with content playback and control only
* Compressed music enhancer utilizes digital signal processing to improve playback of compressed music formats
* Subwoofer crossover offers a choice of 9 subwoofer crossover frequencies; phase switching lets you customize efficiency and performance for the best bass response
* AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets
* Anchor Bay Technology scaler engine independently scales an image horizontally and vertically to further improve picture quality on high-resolution displays (up to 1080i and 720p with HDMI output)
* Multizone capability reproduces separate input sources in up to 3 rooms (zone 2 and 3); power amplifier assignability and speaker terminals allow for independent operation of zone 2 or 3; initial volume setting and maximum volume setting available
* High-performance Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog conversion for front channels; 192kHz/24-bit analog-to-digital conversion for back channels
* Inputs: 4 HDMI, 5 optical digital audio, 3 coaxial digital audio, 6 S-video, 6 composite A/V, 3 audio and 3 component video
* Outputs: 1 HDMI, 2 composite A/V, 1 audio, 2 optical digital audio, 2 S-video, 1 component video monitor, 1 S-video monitor and 1 composite monitor
* 2 + 12V trigger outputs and an RS-232C interface for easy integration with your home theater
* Sleep timer for added convenience
* Dual illuminated preset remotes included; on-screen display for easy navigation

Answer 2

If sound quality for music reproduction is one of your priorities,then the one that has the best audio is the one to buy. The only way is to listen to the ones that have your video requirements with a familiar CD of your choice and pick the one that sounds best to your ears.If music quality is not important then the ones suggested by other posters will do.The greatest compromise in a Receiver is the use of a single power supply for all three sections [Pre-Amp/Processor,Tuner,Power Amps.] The needs of the Power Amps section degrades the Pre-Amp. section. The Pre-Amp. is the heart of the system. Receivers are not good amplifiers for music reproduction.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous comment - but if your budget can stretch to the Yamaha RX-V3800, go fopr it :)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8497423&st=Yamaha+RX-V3800&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1186004297096