Denon 2311 or 2112

If you don't care about networking then 1712 should fit the bill well.

I would go with the 2112 for the MultEQ XT. The 1712 also has XT and is a bit cheaper freeing up funds for speakers.

I wouldn't buy a refurbished receiver and 10:1, those are from accessories4less.

You can pretty much get a AVR-2112ci for $430 from everywhere or even less.

These are higher end receivers than the none IC models.

If you have the extra funds, the AVR-2312ci can be had everywhere for $600 and much less if you power shop.

IMO, the AVR-2312ci, AVR-3312ci, and AVR-4311ci are Denons best models opposed to the limited **13 series coming out. They all have nearly the same connections and number of connections. The AVR-2312ci lacking the composite video input for Bluray player and a phono input that the other 2 have. I also have to buy a new Technolink TC-772 phono preamp for my turntable. This preamp also has an additional input so the turntable doesn't take the last free analog audio input. Plus it has level control and USB PCM output to a PC for wave or MP3 recording of albums or any analog audio device connected to it.

The AVR-2112ci is nice also but it lacks in connections so bad, it doesn't have the connections or connection numbers to fit my equipment without "1" digital audio (mixed coax and Optical)input switch box, 1 AV input switch box (analog component, S-Video, composite video, analog audio inputs), and 2 audio switch boxes(as 1 audio recorder input switcher and 1 A/V recorder input switcher). It's not a fully functional switching AV receiver with it's limited switching capabilities.

Just think of what equipment you'll have in the future and if you'll ever want to record from them. You can only record in the analog domain right now without frustration. Many like to record their video games and cable (satellite) TV shows for archiving, and you can't archive record with an HDMI connection or a DVR (most). Just something to think about when putting this kind of money down.

Even with the AVR-2312ci, I need an audio switch/monitor loop box for recording analog audio to my H/K CD Recorder.

There's no reason to stay away from a refurb providing it can be had for considerably less than buying new due to the reduced warranty period. Also, AC4L is a very reputible refurb reseller having been around for over 10 years and often spoken of very highly in this forum. Check with your credit card provider and they may even add an additional year to the warranty (AMEX will do this for sure and some MC/VISA providers will as well). Whether you choose the 2311CI or 2112CI depends on whether one offers a specific feature the other does not. You can check features at the first few posts of each Owner's thread. If you really don't need networking (ie. provides ability to control the AVR from anywhere you have access to your home WiFi), as suggested consider the 1712 over the 2112CI.

I've been VERY disappointed in the Audyssey Multi EQ XT in my receiver. This is a very finicky system that will only operate correctly with certain 'ideal' setups. It will not work correctly in my system with speaker levels off significantly, along with incorrect frequency response reports resulting in incorrect crossover settings.

Sound quality was very bad. I had to turn the multi EQ function off, which is a pain since its not global, but for each input.

So no, I wouldn't consider it at all because there's a real chance that it will not work in your system, as mine.

BTW, I don't do refurbished. You save little in buying someone elses troubles that hopefully was repaired right. In my experiences, you have a 50/50 chance it was repaired (refurbished) correctly. A used, repaired product for only a few bucks less. I have had better luck with a used product that has never needed to be repaired, and then the cosr savings are usually very substantial.

By finicky, you mean Audyssey may not produce good results when the operator refuses how to use the tool correctly.

For the vast majority of Audyssey (or any other EQ product) users who follow the guides available here, it works very well.

I really enjoy reading this same opinion on nearly every Denon thread... even ones that don't even contemplate the XX13 series... such as this one.
/sarcasm

Note, OP, your needs, which you wisely took great care to detail, are not the same as this poster's needs.

+1

There are always going to be a small percentage of folks that don't like Audyssey (regardless of whether it's user error or not). I would say that based on posts in all the Denon threads over the past 5 years (mostly discussing issues with their setups), that < 1% of users indicated a dislike for what Audyssey did for their setup.

Let's see, its a users error when the system requires you to position the speakers in a different area so that the system will work. The point of having a sound correction system is so that you get good sound where your speakers are placed. It's a failed system when you have to move your speakers to accommodate the system.

Maybe I should put sound treatment on the walls and ceiling to make it work correctly also. By the time all the accommodations are made, you won't need a correction system.

Maybe you should buy another receiver if you are so dissatisfied with your Denon. Why keep complaining when you can simply replace it?

I know if I hated my receiver I wouldn't keep it....

I never said I hated my receiver. In fact I've raved about its great sound quality (without Audyssey) and the fact that its one if the remaining receivers that's still a receiver by definition, with a full AM/FM tuner and full analog/digital audio and video switching. Only Yamaha and TX-NR*09 (and earlier) receivers compare.

I'm not some young punk that believes the newest is the latest and greatest, I know better.