Harmon Kardon AVR 435 vs. Integra DTR 7.6

[dizedean]

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?

[Dmantis]

Hello,
No current receiver I know of can convert anything to HDMI out. There are many that can upconvert composite and S video to Component out.

As far as receivers go, between those 2, I would go with the Integra. There very well built, have nice features and sound pretty good. I personally perfer them over Harmon Kardon.

But I would suggest a better sounding receiver for B&W speakers if a receiver is what you want. Rotel rsx1067 would be killer or a nice B&K avr507s2. If money is an issue Denon avr3806 or Pioneer Elite vsx74txi.

Good luck with your purchase.

Dan

[hhcan]

I would have to disagree on the Denon and Pioneer if money is the constraint. The HK is a better choice. However, if you have to choose between that and the Integra, I would go for Integra as dmantis said. HK, Denon, and Pioneer don't do thing right in surround mode regardless of 7.1 or 5.1.

[Dmantis]

I would have to disagree on the Denon and Pioneer if money is the constraint. The HK is a better choice. However, if you have to choose between that and the Integra, I would go for Integra as dmantis said. HK, Denon, and Pioneer don't do thing right in surround mode regardless of 7.1 or 5.1.

Remember these are opnions. I don't know what your talking about with Denon and Pioneer Not doing the right thing for surround. I have setup hundreds of Denons and Pioneer Elite receivers and can't figure out what your saying. I also have setup many HK receivers and they worked fine as well. Can you explain?

Dan