Home theater/audio suggestion, please?

Question

Budget <$500. Desire to watch TV/movies in surround sound and play music via iPod, CD, radio both inside and outside (room already pre-wired for outdoor speakers). Currently have old iPod shuffle, but hope to upgrade to new iPod Nano soon. Wireless speakers a plus.

So I believe I need a true receiver (like Onkyo), for the audio out for the outdoor speakers, but I also don't want to buy something that will be outdated in a couple years (i.e. one w/o HDMI?). Would be great to be able to listen to music inside and outside at same time (A/B switch?). Not an audioholic, but appreciate good value. Any suggestions on a system?

Answer 1

Yamaha shines on the lower-mid range of receivers. Find the most expensive RX-V receiver you can afford. HDMI will come in a $500 unit.