We had a batch of nasty storms roll through last week and I thought that we'd emerged pretty much unscathed (other than the massive amounts of yard debris to clean up).

Unfortunately, I found out a few days later that my A/V receiver didn't survive the trauma.  We lost power a few times (which has happened plenty before now), but either the surge suppressor didn't suppress enough, or it was just time for my receiver to go.  Either way, it's pretty much dead.  I've got full sound on one speaker, about 20% on another and about 5% on the center.  The rears and sub were getting nothing.  So, I went shopping for a replacement.

I finally decided on the Onkyo TX-SR805.  It's specs blow away anything else in the price range.  It's also reasonably future-proof.  It's a bit more than I need now, since my TV isn't HDMI, but I'm sure we'll get one eventually.  I called Crutchfield for a few tech questions on integrating it with my other stuff and the guy (Dan?) was knowledgeable enough to confirm my choice as a good one.  Order placed, it's on the way.  I'll post some thoughts about it when I've had a chance to play with it a bit.