I like to push Outlaw due to the quality for the cash. I use their RR2150 daily. Best receiver I have yet owned. USB input, powerful amplification, classy look, front panel aux input, and a nice remote. Also great customer service and help.
Here. Check it out.
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.htmlOutlaw also produces amazing surround processors and amplifiers. It is hard to beat their bang for the buck.
Denon was known as really nice gear for years. They switched to overseas manufacturing and sourcing, lost their rep, and became complete crap. However, in recent years they have been trying to overcome these issues with some degree of success. I would not be afraid to at least consider them. I checked out their line of receivers and do not like the fact that they are designed for surround with stereo as an afterthought. I would suggest purchasing a receiver designed for 2.1 not surround.
I strongly suggest a 2 or 2.1 setup.
Get the Outlaw and a cheap pair of speaks. As soon as you can afford decent speaks, pick them up.
A great place to get audio in good shape and at reasonable prices (usually 40 to 60% off) is
www.Audiogon.com I purchase alot of my equipment from there. I also sell gear there on occasion.
I have watched for RR2150 units to sell on Audiogon, but they are gone as soon as they are posted. I have seen maybe five up for sale and I own one of them. I would like another.
Does this help?