Lots of strong contenders in that price range. I guess it comes down to just how robust feature set you desire from both the video and audio side. The big Denons' offer major bang for the buck especially when you consider they include the Audessy room equilization, offer excellent sound quality and can be purchased at excellent street prices.

If two channel sound quality is high on your list of priorities, I have not heard better than the Arcam AVR 300 and the new AVR 350, at the top of your budget.

RG