Yamaha HTR-5450...thoughts?  

I picked one up off the shelf at Best Buy last week for the price you quote. Sorry, but can't help you with an online retailers. Personally, I like to keep the option to easily return the unit on a major purchase.

I am quite satisfied with the unit, especially since I was upgrading from a Sony Pro Logic cheapie. I don't think you will find a much better receiver in this price range. The sound is full and rich even at lower volumes. One thing I like is the ability to adjust down the dynamic range so you can watch a DD movie at lower volumes without the effects getting too loud. This promotes domestic harmony because my wife doesn't like the DD crashes and explosions as much as I do. The DSP modes provide different surround effects, which are interesting, although on some of them I wonder why Yamaha gave them names like "Disco" and "Game." It has a front panel AV input which is convenient if you have a camcorder, etc. However, it does lack component video input, so if you need component video in and out, you might check out the HTR-5460. The design and layout of the remote is a little strange and takes some getting used to. It's OK, but I wouldn't want to control my whole system with it. I don't use and have programmed my Sony VL900. It would also be nice if the unit provided some sort of onscreen display, because the amber display of the receiver can be a little hard to see at a distance. These are minor complaints, however. All and all, I am very pleased. If you can grab one for $300, you are definitely getting a deal.