Not Sure smart enough to post

If you can get the SC-61 for 700$ from an authorized dealer, I would jump on that deal. If not, you probably don't need something so powerful.

What was wrong with the 1613?

The pioneer 1222k with a amplifier isn't a bad idea either. Would come under the 1k mark if you got a pro amp. That deal will come around on that receiver too.

Presidents day is Monday though. Wait til then first.

Well, power ratings don't mean much, but to be fair, you are comparing a 1k receiver to like a $300 one.

Take a look at the SC-61, SC-1222, Onkyo 717/818, Denon 2113. All good receivers.

you can get a used 4311ci for around 1000 if your patient. I'd do that any day over those 3

The 140W rating was at 1Khz, rather to compare to the 1613 it is rated at 120W so not that much more powerful than the 1613. However, you may be better served simply buying a dual HDMI 1.4 BDP to pass the 3D video to the TV and the HD audio to the 5990.

From what I'm told the SC-61 is the same as the Pioneer VSX-1222 which can be had for $529 shipped from Newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117412

You mean the SC-1222-K. The VSX is a different lower model. The SC-61 has some benefits though over the SC-1222-K. I dunno where they are listed but it's in a recent thread. 12v trigger is the only thing I remember though. There are some weird things with the SC-1222-K. You can't set different cross overs for your front and back speakers which is really weird and I personally hate that.

You haven't said what your main concerns are though. If it's power, I'd get the SC-61 and an external pro amp. If it's features, you gotta say what features you actually need are.

For example, my needs are pre outs and Audssey MutliEQ under 550.
Your needs? I'm not sure you have receivers with a 500 dollar gap inbetween the prices. so you have different price points. We don't know your speakers or your listening levels so we don't know whether you need a LOT of power, or just enough to power the fronts as the first receiver you had is budget (like mine not happy with it at all either).

I think if you gave people more information they could pick you a receiver out more quickly but either way, Presidents day is Monday. Sales are just starting between now and monday including one at the Shop Onkyo Outlet (refurbished) which ahs some decent deals. Pretty much, any recommendations given this weekend will change on Monday when those new rounds of sales go out.