Want to replace a Denon 2803, what should I consider?

[caiss4]

I have a completely serviceable Denon 2803 AV amp but its lack of HDMI is driving me nuts so it's time to update.

What should I be looking at for an equivalent audio performance?

[clockworks]

Are you happy with the sound, just fed up with having to switch the video separately from the audio? If so, rather than replacing the Denon, you could get a universal remote, and program it to do all the input selection for you. Harmony Smart Control is a great programmable remote.

If the problem is a lack of HDMI inputs on your TV, you can add an HDMI switch.

[caiss4]

I'm happy with the sound but the issues are that the 2802 pre-dates HDMI so as you note it's a bit of a pain having to manually change the audio when switching from PVR to DVD etc as the source.

Add to that the remote control is pretty well knackered(which I know could be resolved by using a universal remote)plus the set up of input/output is not intuitive (on screen menu is available if the TV has an S-video input; mine doesn't).

Perhaps you can tell that I'm just justifying blowing some cash and as SWMBO has given me carte blanche owing to her frustration with the Denon then I'm going to grab the chance!

[marcgti6]

Not sure how it would compare to the 2803 but I've recently bought a AVR-X2000 and have been really impressed with both the sound and picture.

Review/specs here - http://www.whathifi.com/denon/avr-x2000/review

They can be had for around £250.00.

[caiss4]

Dropped in to the local Sevenoaks today and was recommended the Yamaha RXA1040. The sales guy asked whether I would want Dolby ATMOS. I really don't think I will but follow up research suggests that this could become the defacto standard as even with standard 5.1 set -up it is superior to current Dolby(the Yamaha 1040 will not be ATMOS upgradeable). So do I go for a current ATMOS amp (Denon X4100W)or one that will be in the future (Yamaha 2040)?