What's the minimum features I should look for in a 7.x receiver

[DesiPower]

Interested in a cheap 7.x receiver, receivers are confusing as hell, so many models and features to choose from. I will be playing Blu-ray movies via powerDVD and tv shows via HDHomerun and PLEX, all via PC/HDTV, GT 730 video card. Currently I am running it via Xonar XD and super old receiver as amp. problem is, that media played via browser often do not use the subwoofer, I cannot pinpoint the problem and decided to stop fighting with it. Speakers are basic Polk 5.25"

Looking for something like a Yamaha RX-V571, its selling for around 220 shipped at accessories4less. Is this receiver capable of everything I am trying to do? I am not interned in "Smart" or App features, 4k and 3D is also not relevant. Budget is around $200.

 

[13Gigatons]

All things being equal:
1. Dolby Atmos
2. 4K HDMI 2.0b (HDR support)
3. 7 channels
4. 5+ hdmi inputs

bump your budget to $300 and maybe this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/yamaha-...heater-receiver-black/5081600.p?skuId=5081600

From Yamaha website: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/aventage/rx-a660_u/

 

[DesiPower]

Nice find, definitely worth looking into...They have open box too, is the warranty any different?

But give that I don't plan to upgrade anything anytime soon, no budget for that -
1. Dolby Atmos - Doesn't it need special speaker setup? Can a normal 7.X system benefit from that?
2. 4K HDMI 2.0b (HDR support) - I have a 1080 projector, again, no plans to upgrade anytime soon, will 4k HDMI 2.0 really help anything?
3. 7 channels - Of course I need that I have a 7.2 setup.
4. 5+ hdmi inputs, definitely nice to have, but currently I have 3 devices and that all I "need"

 

[13Gigatons]

Overall build quality, may last longer, better DAC, etc. One day 4K will be standard and you will already have a 4K ready AVR for your new 4K projector or 4K flat screen. Think of it as a long term investment.

 

[DesiPower]

Ended up getting the RX-A660BL from BB. At the price it was really offering a lot more...

 

[13Gigatons]

A wise choice, I hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it.

 

[DesiPower]

Yes, its NICE!!! but again only PowerDVD is using the subwoofer...

 

[mdram]

Yes, its NICE!!! but again only PowerDVD is using the subwoofer...

did you run the setup?
make sure the crossover is set right. someplace from 80hz to 120hz
speakers should be set to small.

most likely its not sending and lfe channel, and the avr will have to manage the sound.

does the avr tell you what the source is sending? (my denon reads on the front screen the sound mode its getting)