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I have a Denon 3803. It meets some of your requirements, but not all.

I'm especially impressed with its usability. It seems like Denon really thought about things from the user's perspective. For example, it remembers with surround mode or DSP setting you used for each input and for each sound format (i.e. DD vs. DTS; DD 5.1 vs DD PCM, etc...). So if I play a DD 5.1 signal, it plays back direct, but if I play a DD 2.0 signal, it switches to Dolby PLII matrixed surround automatically.

I think that it supports both U.S. and European voltage and has a detachable power cord, but it's been a long time since I was back there.

It has 7.1, but it doesn't support PLIIx, which gives stereo surround-back channels. Only PLII, which has dual mono surround-back channels. It also has the option for A/B rear surrounds. In other words, you can install two sets of rear surrounds and use one for movies and the other for music, for example. Alternatively, you can use the second output as an amplified zone 2 output.

Since the 3805--the successor to the 3803--came out, 3803s are marked down a lot. You can surely find one below $1,000 U.S.

It does have video inputs and switching, although you don't need this.

It has 2 optical and... 5? I think 5 coax digital inputs.

I don't think it's THX certified, but it does follow THX recommendations in areas such as bass management (adjustable 80Hz crossover, etc...) It might be one of those devices that meets THX certifications, but the manufacturer didn't bother to go through the THX certification process due to cost, etc...

I have a Denon 3803. It meets some of your requirements, but not all.

...

Since the 3805--the successor to the 3803--came out, 3803s are marked down a lot. You can surely find one below $1,000 U.S.

I have the Denon 3801 which is basically the same as the 3803 without DPLII and am extremely happy with it.  So I'd suggest any of the 3801+ models (3800 had a fan that tended to be loud, or die after a bit) based on what you're willing to spend...

-John

I have a Marantz SR8200, I bought it about 5 months ago, then decided I'm selling everything to travel the world, so I don't need it anymore.  I quite nicely fits your description of wants/needs (only 6.1 though).  It comes with the Marantz RC5200 programmable remote (same a Pronto)

Product specs can be seen here

http://www.marantz.com/p_product.cfm?id=656&cont=u&cat=hf&single=1

and

http://www.marantz.com/p_product.cfm?id=593&cont=u&cat=hf&single=1

I got it for a smoking deal of $1100 brand new (I've bought quite a bit of stuff from the same dealer, and his company dropped the marantz line, so I got the super smokin closeout deal)  Retail was closer to $2000.

I'd let it go for $850 shipped.

Thanks everyone for your excellent feedback! I'm currently deciding between one of the Yamaha's (1400/2400/HTR-5790), or a Marantz.

pipsqueak, now that's a Yammy (HTR-5790) I didn't know existed, they don't even have it listed on their European website yet! It looks great - will have a closer look for sure.

loraan - yes I'm familiar with avsforum, I am a member and found it very helpful a year and a half ago when deciding on what LCD projector to buy.

JustinChase, your Marantz looks great as well however I'd feel much better buying my unit here in France since I currently use a transformer to plug in my North American bought Sony receiver and want to move away from that. I'm sure at that price you won't have much trouble selling and I wish you happy travels!

AlexB - thanks for the tip! I really do like the Yamaha models you suggest. I've now added the HTR-5790 to the list to confirm the differences with the 1400/2400s. I actually purchased my Solarism 17" LCD monitor from a German company and got a great deal (they didn't even sell it in France).

Best regards to all, and I'll update this post with the actual unit I purchase, which hopefully will be in a couple of weeks at most.

Kwake

Just to complete the Denon picture I have the 3802.  This machine is a good all rounder producing great sound in Dolby Digital, DTS or PL2 but it's equally good for music in 5 or 2 channel stereo.  I paired it with Bowers and Wilkins 600 series speakers and the ASW675 sub.  I'm totall happy with it and would recommend this set up to anyone.  Aside from the requirement for 'smallish size' I think it fits your needs.