Shop For Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

I needed a two-channel (stereo) audio device for my sun-room. Unfortunately, these days you have to buy a 5.1 or 7.1 receiver even if you only need a quality stereo amplifier. So, I chose this Pioneer (VSX 819H-K) especially because of its built-in I-pod usb port and the supplied i-pod cable. I don't use the Pioneer for my home theater or to listen to AM/FM radio. I have an older lap top that I have also connected to its aux input terminal, which I use to listen to i-tunes radio stations. I listen to Pandora, Slacker, and Last-FM through my I-pod touch. The receiver drives two Monitor Audio BR5 speakers (which, incidentally, needed a couple of weeks playing to break in - they sounded not very good initially.) The end result is quite satisfactory. I was disappointed to find out that the Pioneer does not allow for bi-wiring or bi-amplifying the BR5s, which can be bi-wired - someone from Pioneer also confirmed this. I can't compare the Pioneer to my Denon DVR-4306 but it cost me less than $300, almost 80% less than the Denon. I would recommend it to someone with similar needs but can't comment on how well it would perform as an A/V receiver that drives your HT system. Get more detail about Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black).