Need A New AVR, Help Me Out.

So I need to replace my old Nakamichi AV-10 due to a failing remote and lack of HDMI and other current features. I bought a Yamaha RX-V373 thinking that Yamaha was a quality product that would give me great sound. I was mistaken. I am using a set of Defenitive Technology tower speakers along with Def Tech center and rears. The Yamaha sounds thin and weak. Really lacking in depth and impact along with whatever other words that can be used to describe a great sound stage. I know the Yamaha is an entry level unit but, really? So disappointing.

What I need from you guys is some input on a quality replacement for the Nakamichi. I am not really brand loyal type guy. Too many companies are living off or reputation these days in my opinion. This isn't limited to audio companies either. What i need is a receiver that provides great sound first. Number of inputs and wireless connections to iPods and such are secondary considerations

As far as the budget goes, I will spend what I need to but I don't want to buy a top of the line unit just for the sake of buying the top model number. Obviously less money out of pocket is better but I want to be happy when I turn it on. If I can do this with a middle of the line unit I am fine with that. A lot of the features I see on some units are not things I will use anyway.

Thanks for any help here.

Thanks, I have been reading about the Audyssey system. Seems like it is preferred over the Yamaha system by a lot of people. I don't think the disappointing sound is because of room EQ though. I had no such setup on the Nak. and it sounds much better than the V373. I have read that the V373 uses chip amps rather than discreet amps. Perhaps this is why the Yamaha seems lacking. I'm not finding much info on manufactures websites about amps used. Maybe I can just move up to a mid level AVR and get away from the chip amps. Hate to make that assumption though.

That might be an idea. I did pick up the V373 at Best Buy, only because I was returning a monitor that was purchased there. None of the salesmen seemed to know much more than what was printed on the sticker under the unit.

That's pretty much what I told my wife when she asked why I seemed to know more than they did even though I had not researched new receivers as I normally would before buying. I too would rather pay a few dollars more at a brick and mortar store for the personal service I get when I build a relationship with them. Can't do that with internet stores no matter how much you buy.