I'm just starting research for an A/V receiver to plug into the HT system listed below. Hopefully, some more experienced enthusiasts can help me with some suggestions.

I’m spec’ing a home theater for my neighbor. He’s starting from scratch. I’m hoping for a few recommendations for an A/V receiver. Usage will be 98% movies and sports / 2%music.

Here’s what we have so far:
Samsung HL-S5087W (2x 1080p HDMI)
Oppo Digital OPDV971H DVD (HDMI to TV)
Time Warner Digital Cable SA8300HD-DVR (HDMI to TV)
Speakers: Paradigm Recommended System #1
CC170 Center Channel
Atom Fronts
ADP170 Surrounds
PDR-8 Sub
Home Theater Master MX-500 Programmable Learning Remote
Premium cables from monoprice

Receiver Options (I’d like to give a few options)
Price $200-500
RMS power 30-80 watt range x5 speakers
At least 3 digital audio inputs
Subwoofer line out
Don’t really need HDMI switching. I’ll setup macros on the remote for changing sources
Will run S-Video from the receiver for OSD on the TV for setup only

My limited experience would have a Sony STR-(whateverthelatestmodelis) as the bare minimum. I’d like to get some recommendations for suitable Denon A/V receivers, as well as any other brand.

I run an HK AVR-210 with Paradigm Monitor 3/CC-350/ADP-170/PS-1200. The sound is great, but I'm hesitant to recommend the HK brand, due to quality issues that I’ve had. Maybe my experiences are not typical...

Thanks in advance

For a receiver, how about the Pioneer 1016? I had the 1015 for a bit of time, and it was very nice! No slouch, and the Auto Equalizer results were pretty decent.

-T

T-Bone, that looks like a good recommendation. THX certified and 1080p HDMI switching for around 425 bucks. On your 1015, is the auto EQ used to match sound pressure levels with pink noise, or is it an actual EQ function across the frequency range?

I got and love the Harman Kardon avr-635. The sound is awesome, very natural and the auto setup (ezs uet/eq) does a terrific job. You should be able to get the 435 (same with less power) within your budget.

T-Bone, that looks like a good recommendation. THX certified and 1080p HDMI switching for around 425 bucks. On your 1015, is the auto EQ used to match sound pressure levels with pink noise, or is it an actual EQ function across the frequency range?

The 1015, like the 1016. will use pink noise and a bunch of other sounds to set the SPL levels, and adjust the EQ band for each speaker... I believe it's a 5-Band Equalizer per speaker on the 1015.

-T

I run an HK AVR-210 with Paradigm Monitor 3/CC-350/ADP-170/PS-1200. The sound is great, but I'm hesitant to recommend the HK brand, due to quality issues that I’ve had. Maybe my experiences are not typical...
Thanks in advance

My AVR 210 crapped out on me too. I'm waiting for the repair bill now, maybe I'll be updating to something newer.

Grab the $169 Onkyo TX-SR504 from Amazon.