Good low end receiver to get (Sony, Yamaha, etc)

[markw]

I am in the market for a low end audio/video surround sound receiver. The situation I'm in is I have a mid range Yamaha receiver in the basement family room that's hooked up to the surround sound system home theater. There are many times though I have family over that can't go down to the basement and wants to watch in the living room on the main floor. I currently have a television and a Samsung DVD player. I have a couple low to mid range Polk Speakers not being used I will use with this system.
I want something where I can use it like a lower end home theater so that I can still run the video and audio through the receiver to listen to the DVD's through the speakers as well as CD's being played in the DVD player. I don't see myself adding any additional components except upgrading the TV to a HD TV in the future. I obviously want digital audio in (optical, component) connections as well as component video in (two connections for a HD satellite receiver and DVD player) as well as the connection to the TV. I don't need the best sound for this room but I do want surround sound in case I upgrade to surround sound speakers in the future.
One model I'm looking for is the Yamaha RX-V440 as well as the Sony STRDE695 and possibly the STRDE595. Is there a big difference? When I bought it seems I was told Sony is easier to use but Yamaha slightly better quality and sound. Are there other brands I should look at? Like I said I don't need the best sound and ease of use is important since the wife will use this a lot and I want good quality.

[Keith]

You may wish to go with a 5.1 setup instead of a 6.1 for the best sound for the money. Fewer amps = less money and fewer speakers.

Check out the Pioneer VSX 812k (6.1 surround) and the 712K (5.1 surround sound). See how they compare to the Sony 695 and 595 which are 6.1 and 5.1, respectively.

I know nothing about the relative merits of low end units but you may be able to look at audioreview.com. I do know that Pioneer makes some very able mid to high end receivers.

An easy upgrade to any system is to add a powered sub.

[zaggie]

Take a look at Kenwood. Lower end, lower prices, but good quality and reliability. I have three different Kenwood receivers in my home. Never a problem with any of them.

[kevinw]

I Like the Sony's you mentioned because of componenet switching. If that is not need and money is an issue I like Kenwood also...Kenwood has A/B switching if you need to run an extra set of speakers for music outside.

[spaceman_spiff]

Older model Yamahas are on clearance at Tweeter. I picked up RX-V2300 for $545. You might get the 730 or the 630 for a steal. Unless you really want the newer models.