Stereo HDMI receivers

[Eli47]

Up to recently, I've been using a Luxman R105 with a pair of Vintage Celestion Ditton 44 and a Mordaunt Short Sub. A problem arose when I ran out of HDMI and digital inputs and the complexity of operating my system.
I had to make a choice for an HDMI receiver, I was reluctant to get a Surround sound AVR, but there was no Stereo HDMI AVR out there.., yet.
I ended up getting a Marantz SR8012 {I liked the idea of the extra 3dB by doubling the power}and I augmented my 2.1 system to 3.1, with an older Celestion Center channel, having tried a Definitve Technology before, I decided the mid-range just didn't match up with the X/O points on the Ditton 44's.
Within 4 months of my purchase, Onkyo came out with a 2.1 Ch HDMI AVR with the TX-8270 .
Now as I look around, I suddenly find other HDMI 2 ch. models like Pioneer's SX-S30
Or Denon's DRA-800H .
It's nice to see Manufacturers incorporating new tech into Stereo receivers. There are still a couple of features, which I feel were robbed in lieu of avarice and forced misinformation to the consumer about analog is gone. Take for example the lack of Tape in/out on most all modern AVR's { I haven't found a multi-channel AVR with Tape Monitor feature yet.., let alone a paper brochure for one from a dealer.}
Another is the lack of a "complimentary" Switched and un-switched AC outlets which were common and a "must have" feature.
What brands or models of stereo HDMI capable receivers have you seen that you'd consider buying?
I'd strongly consider that Onkyo or Denon.

 

[robert_kc]

I have good friends who wanted the ability to play Blu-ray movies. They are in their 70s, are not audiophiles, and are slow to adopt new technology. They do not have room for surround-sound speakers, and in their small TV room stereo is adequate. Rather than have them purchase a Blu-ray player with analog audio outputs (for compatibility with their old Onkyo receiver), I helped them purchase and install an Onkyo TX-8270 stereo receiver with HDMI (great price on an "open box" unit) and Sony UBP-X700 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. IIRC, these 2 components together came out to about the same price as a Blu-ray player with analog audio output (Sony ES UBP-X1000ES at that time, which has been replaced by the newer UBP-X1100ES).

There was some heartburn during installation when upgrading the software because of their weak wireless LAN signal, but I eventually got it completed.

Initially they were confused about how to operate, so I had them write down instructions for how to play a disc, how to watch TV, and how to play internet radio stations. I was surprised that they were most enthused about internet radio, e.g., the ability to play kusc.org.

I haven't heard any complaints from them - I think they're satisfied.