Integra DTR 7.6 vs Harmon Kardon AVR 435

[dizedean]

I am in the process of buying a new home theater system. I have decided on a Pioneer Elite Pro 930 HD as my TV. I am going to use B&W 600 series S3 speakers. I need to decide on a reciever. I have been touted on 2 different products.
The B&W salesperson is pushing an Integra DTR 7.6 versus a good friend who is singing the praises of Harmon Kardon AVR 435.
The HK is less money and seems to be coming down in price (I m not against saving money).
I have read that the DTR 7.6 does not convert composite, S-video or component video to HDMI. Which is inconvenient at best.
I have also heard the HK AVR 435 does not function properly in surround sound unless you are operating in 7.1 ( I am planning to get started in 5.1).
I am a novice and am not sure which of these issues is really important.
I do listen to alot of 2 channel audio also. Can anyone help me straighten out my confusion?

[Bob Jackson]

dizedean, I have no personal knowledge of the Integra. I have a HK AVR 525 7.1. I am puzzled by the automatic surround mode choice made by the unit sometimes. I removed the two front channel speakers, and am using the side surrounds as the front/mains. Still using the center. Since this was done, I can no longer switch from the dozen or so surround modes, it picks them for me depending on the source input. Don't know if this is due to "loosing" a couple speakers, or a 'button push' at some point that day when I was playing around?? I've also never found a way to get 2 channel, it always includes the center.
Other than doing too much thinking for you, it is a fantastic machine. Good quality sound. Highly recommend HK!


Bob