Might check out the Denon DRA-800H. It is a 2 ch receiver with HDMI, and lots of other features. I bought it as a hold me over, and IMO it really does not suck!! Read that how you want, but I think it’s pretty nice!! And is only $550. (Cheaper at some places)
Quality home theatre receiver with quality sound?
Friends Parasound amp from 70s is dying. She is a 70+ widow who listens to music from cds or Music Direct 50% of time and has TV and movies on remaining time. She has Gallo 3.1 speakers and appreciates their quality sound. I need to order her a replacement unit and figured a decent midfi AV receiver would do well for her needs at this point given her budget and demands. She is ok up to $1000. I have honestly paid little attention to this category. I was thinking Marantz as I have had success with their gear for similar prices in quality and sound. Looks like all the midfi guys are in this category, e.g. Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc. Anyone have experience from which they can recommend a unit or brand? She doesn't care about surround sound or multichannel or a subwoofer. Bluetooth would be nice as she runs an IPhone and IPad.