Quote:

...receiver with ample output power and a good THD %... I need at minimum of 100W cont. power with at least 4 channels... expanding the surround sound in the future. So anything up to a 7.1 ...
..quality internal components with a rugged chassis build.
... current (latest and greatest) processing and imaging...THX, Cinema, user EQ's, Dolby technology, etc.
..do NOT need any Video switching or HDMI, or video processing, iPod connectivity, etc. I do like digital audio inputs... .. XM capability also.
...stricly need an audio receiver. ....the video stuff on a receiver when I will NEVER use it.
...multiple audio inputs/outputs.. required.
..listen to XM, and radio.
... will use a receiver for my audio when watching video (DTV)..
...good CLEAN stable power with qualtiy IC's (and components)
Looking to spend no more than $700.00

I have one perfect for you. I'm looking to trade, though, rather than sell. I'm looking for a sports car, fast, with good gas mileage. Needs to have leather, GPS, etc. But no air conditioning, I live in the north and would never use it. I'd rather put my money into more horsepower. No dvd player needed, just car audio, but with Cinema and THX settings. Also need to have 4 doors because I might have kids later. Got one?

(don't mean to be cruel, couldn't resist reflecting your requirements back to you. Suggest you talk in person to a salesperson at a store)

http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyersguides/avreceivers/#whattobuy

(But I still recommend talking to a human in a store)

What it really comes down to these days..is that you are going to get HDMI scaling and switching, at the least...with your list of requirements.

The Marantz 5500(?) is a likely candidate.

Personally, I'd never buy a class D amp for another few years. Let them iron out the bugs. They have a noted problem of clogging up sonically (the sonics become dirty and indistinct) on complex high wattage signal loads.

You buy these puppies for their explosive 'zowie-pop-blammo' when watching guy movies. Let them not fail at their primary task, than you very much.

As well, the surround sound situation, as you might note by taking a simple look..has not really changed since the advent of VHS Dolby surround..then going to 'dolby digital'. We've got DTS, but not on all discs. Now sit down and think about how much time has passed.

Thankfully the formats on discs are pretty darned standard, and show no sign of screwing your over for the next bit of time. After all, it is important to the studios that people be able to HEAR the audio on given disc, so LONG TERM audio format stability is CRITICAL to the video studios.

So..in essence..a 2 year old battle tank of a receiver bought used, off someone, on ebay or the like, is the way to go.

Why not buy a seldom used $2000+ battle tank, coming in at about 80lbs, solid metal faceplate, etc, in box, etc..for $700.... off ebay?

Screw buying new, it's more money for less performance.

They will have features you'll never use. Or even find a disc you can buy that utilizes such.

I should know, I've gone that route all my life.

NO. MORE.

Far too expensive for what ends up being exactly squat.

Your requirements are exactly at the current limit of surround formats that are predominant on Current Blue ray discs, and Current HD-DVD discs.

NOTHING MORE.

They'll never get the mass of disc buyers and renters out there to change their gear every two years. Not a freaking chance. That format you see out there now, on the given HD discs, is the one you'll be using 5 years from now, no matter what pile'o'crap of unrecognizable lettering is plastered all over the faceplate of the given receiver.

Leave the useless shiny baubles to the useless shiny bauble buyers.

I'm not grumpy, old, and staid in my opinons, merely reasonable and observant.