Marantz SR7005 vs. Comparable Processor + Amp combo

I think it would be hard to find new products in that price range, you'll most likely have to buy used or refurbished.
The Marantz AV7005 can be found used for around $1000 or so.
Onkyo/Integra has some options around that price; a used Integra DHC-80.2 or Onkyo PRSC 5508. Integra also has the DHC-40.2, which retailed for $1200.

Seven-channel amps from Emotiva or Outlaw come up used on Audiogon once in a while, like this: http://app.audiogon.com/listings/out...y-heavy-93-lbs

Accessories4Less has some good deals on refurbs:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...plifier/1.html

Consider the Denon 4311CI (9.2) and forget about the additional amp. Features the better version of Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and can be found brand new on the low end of your budget by "calling" Electronics Expo or AV Science.

What speakers are you driving?

jdsmoothie is right on the money. I doubt you will need any external amp with a 4311 and its an awesome piece of electronics for the money. If you find you do need an external amp(s), however, you can always add them later, like maybe a 2 channel to power the mains or a three channel to power the front three if you get into a 7 or 9 channel system. I can tell you even if you do have external power, its nice to have the internal amps as back-up power or to power the surrounds, rears, wides, etc., as needed.

i read your speaker thread...

to be honest, you are going about this backwards... you'd be much better off (if you need an avr today) to lower your sights on electronics...

spend your money on speakers and subs...

whether it's "enough" or not is up to the buyer...

but that would be it should be spent first...

using your own logic from the other thread... speakers are more immune to technology advances than electronics... and technology in electronics trickles down... the tech that is available in a totl avr today may be available in a midlevel one 2 years from now...

it's up to you what to do... but i'm comfortable with the "speakers/subs" first philosophy... you have stated that you will be acquiring stuff over time... if you were going to go out and buy everything tomorrow in one shot, the answer would be different (although i personally wouldn't spend $2k on electronics and $3k on speakers/subs, that's an individual decision)...

To OP: I agree with nailing down your front three (L/R/C) and sub(s) before worrying about the electronics. If you are buying in phases, by the time you buy the electronics the new models might have something better for cheaper and the "now current" models will likely be cheaper or on closeout. I also think you might be overestimating how much power your new speakers might need to sound both loud and clear. That's why its best to figure out exactly what speakers you are going to have before you try and determine the electronics and whether a separate amp will be required. You might be pleasantly surprised at how little you have to spend on electronics to get a great sounding system.

Exciting! Let us know what you decide on for speakers.