under $500 used which a/v receiver or processor

Good question. First IMO, you're not going to get much in the way of performance, power, and sound fidelity for a brand new a-v receiver under $500.00. That's just the way it is. You get what you pay for as the old saying goes. Second, NAD and Rotel don't even offer A-V receivers for under $500.00. Marantz just has one under $500.00, their SR3001. Denon offers two under $500.00. I don't know enough about B&K but I believe they're a more expensive line like Rotel. So to answer your question and just my humble opinion, I would go out on a limb and state that true audiophiles will probably consider Rotel to be more accpetable to them than the others in your list That's just an opinion. Rotel build quality and resale value are solid for starters. The audio reproduction out of Rotel products is simply outstanding !! Are you in the market for something under $500.00? If so, e-mail me directly.

im looking for a a/v receiver or processor in the used market. not really considering new equipment due to budget constraints. ive seen some b&k, nad, rotel, marantz and integras in this price range which had the original price well over $1000 originally. i have a b&k 2 channel amp 2 psb stratus minis, 2 paradigm atoms, and a hsu vtf 2 sub. looking for a 5.1 receiver or processor that has dolby digital, dts and dolby prologic capabilities. planning to run a 4.1 setup with phantom center. not really thinking about upgrading to 6 or 7 channels in the future; considering the small size of my room. thanks for the input, i also like rotel sound i own a 2 channel integrated that runs my totem mites and they do sound neutral and transparent. i just want to get peoples opinion regarding the best bang for the buck at the used market at this price range.
thank you

I think that the pre/pro route may be over your budget , for a decent one anyway . You may have better luck in the A/V receiver market .
You should be able to get a nice 5.1 , without HDMI , A/V receiver in the used market for $500 . If you want HDMI , Onkyo's entry level unit (605 ?) can be had within your budget , online new .

Good luck .

I second the Onkyo 605 for $399 at Amazon. In addition to HDMI connections it decodes the advanced audio formats (Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio). If you have, or plan on having a HD display, blu-ray, etc. in the future, you'll regret not having these features.