Nate- I have had NAD AV int. amp, NAD tuner, NAD tape deck, and NAD CD at various times. Had a few minor problems with tuner 10 years ago. They do source their equipment from different factories around the world, so there is likely to be significant differences between models. Anyways, used NAD gear should be widely available, and has little depreciation after the first purchaser takes the initial hit (except as technology/formats change). With respect to 5.1, I found a significant difference going to DD/DTS from my Pro-logic set up, but some/much of that was probably also associated with going to a DVD. As for speakers, you should be able to find small NHT or Paradigms used for cheap (major step up from the Bose). Also don't forget to save some $ for mid line interconnects and speaker wire. Again, buy at auction or classifieds, but definately worth it.
Recommendations: poor college kid; NAD?
I have always been into music and movies, expescially when it comes to home theatre. That should be the first thing i say: I am looking for this more for Home Theatre than pure music. That said, I was looking online for a receiver, when i ran across a Denon THX Dolby Digital, etc, etc that got my heart pumping. In the computer lab where I work (and where I was veiwing this piece of machinery), a teacher came up and was telling me about the system he has built thus far, and then recommended NAD to me as a high quality, low frills reciever. I checked out their website and found something with THX, but still that looked like an excellent receiver. What I am wondering is if you guys have any advice on a nice receiver that will support what I want to do, which is mainly watch DVDs. I would prefer if it had that "optical digital input," since from what I hear that is the best way to transport the information, but i might be wrong on that too. Any advice you guys have would be great! thanks!