Best reciver for approx. $1000

I wouldn't disagree with your choice. These all have Audyssey EQ...

http://www.audyssey.com/products/index.html

... which will make setting up 3.1 a breeze.

Yep, and nothing else really.

Audyssey will fix any sound level or distance problems. It's an auto-equalizer.

If you hurry, you can get A Denon 3808 from 6ave.com for around $1030 (more than $600 off). You can wing $30 over, right. You will wind up with a receiver with plenty of inputs, Audyssey processing that's automatic and have plenty of power to make the Aperions come alive.

Might be worth looking for a used or refurbed Onkyo 805. The 806, while still VERY good, is almost 14 lbs. less receiver. Onkyo really stepped back from the plate when they made the 806. Or, put another way, they built down to the competition. (Denon, Yamaha, etc.)

Still darn good, but the 805 remains the all-time value king, by a looonngg way!

Onkyo has really terrible customer service, and is very stingy with firmware updates. Denon issues fairly frequent firmware updates and is much easier to deal with. I returned my Onkyo 905 because of endless problems, and narry a one with my 3808.

If you can wait a few months, the new denon xx10 models will be coming out.

You can find the 876 for less than $1,000, and probably the best bang for the buck in this price range.

You'd have to step up to the 4XXX Denon series to get the same quality hardware and same software features as the 876.

WV...LOL, aka Mr. User error/3808

if you do the "name-your-price" at 6ave.com (authorized dealer), you can get the the Pioneer Elite SC-05 for $699 shipped!

How good is this Pioneer Elite SC-05? I'm in the same boat as the OP and if I can get the Pioneer Elite SC-05 for $699 then is it a good deal? I'm running Polk Monitor 60's for left and right and a Monitor CS2 for center. Will this make my ears bleed?

Yamaha RX-V3900. Great GUI, OSD, power and features.

The Pioneer Elite SC-05 retails for $1,800! At $699, it is a very sweet deal, and it is also a very good sounding receiver of high quality.

It will be excellent with your Polk and Monitor speakers.

The SC-05 have a HUGE dynamic range. If you want your brains exploding, this is it.

Check the review of the SC-05 at www.ultimateavmag.com

Cheers,

Bob

The Onkyo TX-SR806 is a great choice for your particular use, and is also available for much more less than your original budget. You can get the 806 for $549 refurb at www.shoponkyo.com
Note that they come and they go fast, then they come back again...

Also the 805 and the 876 are two other excellent choices.
The 805 refurb could be found for $499, and the 876 for $899.
Keep an eye at several places for constant comes and goes.
Places to check are: www.accessories4less.com
www.newegg.com
www.onecall.com
www.sixthavenue.com
www.shoponkyo.com
www.vanns.com
www.jandr.com
www.abt.com

And others too...

Between these three, you can't go wrong, in particular at their present prices.

Cheers,

Bob