Yamaha HTR-5950 (silver)

6.7

The good: The Yamaha HTR-5950 is an affordable, 110-watt-per-channel 6.1 A/V receiver that offers component-video conversion, front panel A/V and minijack inputs, an onscreen display, and compatibility with XM-ready satellite radio tuners as well as Yamaha's optional iPod dock.
The bad: The HTR-5950 lacks automatic speaker calibration and HDMI connectivity. Its three rear-panel A/V inputs may be too limiting for many home theater setups, which often feature four or more A/V sources.
The bottom line: Yamaha's midprice HTR-5950 A/V receiver might not have the most up-to-date features lineup, but it's a solid performer.