I need something with an A/B speaker set-up since I have a pair of speaker outside that run off of my current reciever that I am looking to replace.
Thanks

The Onkyo HTS790 has an A/B switch and B speaker connections.

Do I need HTMI switching if I can go directly to the back of the plasma?

you don't need hdmi switching, you can give hdmi directly to your plasma

having hdmi switching in your receiver gives you an extra hdmi slot, and it makes it easier to swith between 2 hdmi sources, because you only have to change the source on the receiver instead of both the receiver and the plasma...

ok, thanks.
If I were to go with a stand alone reciever (no HTMI, with A/B speakers) what would you suggest for up to...... lets say $300

Well, the onkyo 503 seems to be pretty popular around these parts.... I think thats the one i'm gonna get...
One of the more experter people may have some more suggestions too!
I've seen it refurbished for $149 + shipping [nexttag]

Harman Kardon AVR 240 would probably be my first choice, probably a few $$ over $300 but close. Other good choices are the Panny XR55 (depending on the speakers used, some say this receiver is a little bright), Pioneer VSX-816 or the Onkyo 503 refurb at $189 is one of the best value receivers for the price.

I was looking into the H/K AVR 240, but I couldn't find anything that said it would run a second zone for outside speakers. And looking at pics of the back of the unit, i don't see where they would go.
Can anyone confirm/deny this?
Thanks

I was looking into the H/K AVR 240, but I couldn't find anything that said it would run a second zone for outside speakers. And looking at pics of the back of the unit, i don't see where they would go.
Can anyone confirm/deny this?
Thanks

my mistake I went to the HK website and read the entire owners manual (crosseyed now). The 240 doesn't have a zone 2, I was thinking it did.

Harman Kardon AVR 240 would probably be my first choice, probably a few $$ over $300 but close. Other good choices are the Panny XR55 (depending on the speakers used, some say this receiver is a little bright), Pioneer VSX-816 or the Onkyo 503 refurb at $189 is one of the best value receivers for the price.

I think I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic XR57 or the Onkyo 573 (I dont think the 503 has an A/B speaker selection). I am leaning towards the panasonic (I like the thin look).

Thanks for confirming jakeman

Also, the onkyo 503 DOES have A/B speaker selection

Here is the pic from onkyo of the back of the receiver, the "B" speakers output is the cheaper 'spring loaded' connections, as opposed to the binding posts of the "A" speakers.
I also checked the manual and agree with jakeman, thats not real easy on the eyes!!

Sham

Thanks Sham. Do you think this is a better choice than the Panasonic?

I am glad I kept researching because now I think I want the 604 due to its ability to listen to different sourses in each zone. This way someone can be watching tv and I can be out on the deck listening to music.

The 590s has it, but the system is plagued with a buzzing problem.

yeah, I've read that here.

Hmmm... I didn't realize the 503 would not play a 2nd source in the backyard... Maybe I "need" the 604 as well! :D

I'm definately glad I'm doing so much research before buying as well. This way I can get what I want and it will *hopefully* keep me from upgrading until at least a little longer!

I can't speak for the panasonic, haven't done my research on it.........yet!

It may have two zones but from what I have read, with the 604 they can be playing two different sources. I am very excited about that (yeah, I know, it doesn't take much to excite me).

The HK's don't do two zones until you get to the 3xx series models (335, 340,etc).

Onkyo 503 has "B" speakers but not a zone 2. It would play the same source as the main speakers.

The 603, 604 and up will give you the Zone 2 option. If you don't need HDMI, the 603 is heavily discounted nowadays.

I don't "need" HDMI, my plasma has two HDMI inputs. So I guess I can run the vidio through the HDMI directly to the back of the plasma, and the audio to the reciever. So, two options... everything through HDMI in the reciever (604) or HDMI through the plasma and audio through the reciever (I can also run audio to the plasma then run it to the reciever with the digital audio out on the plasma, so I guess it is realy three options).
Any suggestions.
Thanks again to everyone for the advise.

onkyo HT-SR800