Looking to buy a receiver

[TheBDB]

I'd like to get a receiver and speakers to go along with my new 50" plasma. I currently have a 6 year old Sony HTIB, but I can afford to get something a little newer/nicer. I'll mainly be using it for tv/movie watching, possibly a gaming system, rarely music. The room is about average size and has wood floors. Here is what I am looking at so far, 4 different Onkyos all with 7.1 or 7.2 capability, prices are from newegg.

Onkyo TX-SR607 $494
Onkyo HT-RC160 $370 (on sale)
Onkyo TX-SR706B $530 (on sale)
Onkyo TX-SR806 $600 (on sale)

About the only difference I can see is the power output. Any ideas what I should do? Are there significant differences, and what should I be looking for to meet my needs?

 

[imported_Mike]

Depends on what speakers you're going to be running with it.

 

[TheBDB]

Originally posted by: Mike
Depends on what speakers you're going to be running with it.

Are you trying to say if i get crappy speakers, it doesn't matter how good my receiver is? Whereas good speakers could tell the difference. I agree. I'm not gonna go cheap on speakers, but I don't think I would spend more than $1000 total for speakers and subwoofer.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

There are some differences, but it might be easier to make a determination based on what your whole budget is for your sound system. It might make sense to get the least expensive receiver if a couple hundred more in your speaker or sub budget would make a bigger difference.

FYI you can select all four of those models on this page and hit compare
http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Receiver

 

[s44]

There's really no reason to get the 607 instead of the RC-160 unless you want those free Polk speakers; the feature set is essentially the same. The 706 is an interesting alternative: no Dynamic Volume (I don't know if you want this, but wives/girlfriends tend to like it) or height channel support, but much more sophisticated Audyssey room correction and pre-outs if you want a beefier amp later. You can also get the 706 refurbed with 1 year factory warranty for $440.