Decision made; well, sort of...

Check this:

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_YAM_1010_&CAT=HCAMP&ID=4655

Yamahas are very good with music. I don't have a separate stereo amplifier, nor have I felt the need to have one. 

Thanks BB. I spotted that deal, too, and I'm very tempted.

I can't audition the 1010, though, so I've no idea if it's worth the extra over the 810. Perhaps someone can advise here?

Extra functionality has no bearing on my decision. I simply want to stick a HDMI lead in the back, run a HDMI out to my TV, and get the best sound possible (with films and music) for my money.

I used to enjoy AV shopping. These days I find it stressful...

This avr was reccomended to me by David(hifix) on the basis that it would be excellent at driving my speakers.

I demo'd it against an aquivalant pioneer,and prefered the yamaha.

The sound from all sources is excellent,the front pressence(virtual) is great for tv viewing.I listen to 5.1 stereo for streamed flac recordings and its great,imho.

Hope this helps

Many thanks GSB.

Can you advise which AVR (the 810 or the 1010)?

If it's the 1010, I've just realised it wont fit in my AV cabinet. I'm glad I checked the dimensions and got the tape measure out before pulling the trigger.

It's a Blok cabinet. I'm very fond of it and wouldn't change it for anything. To be honest, finding a cabinet I'm happy with was the trickiest AV purchase I've made.

Mines the 1010,didn't realise they were different dimensions to be honest...but the 810 is still a good avr from reviews iv'e read,just not as powerfull.

One thing is that when i got it home(demo'd with the same speakers as i have at home) and played with the settings i improved the sound considerably.

There is a dedicated forum for the 810/1010/2010 on avforums if you fancy a look

Thanks again.

As it turns out, I can just cram the 1010 in, if I raise one of the shelves in my cabinet. Otherwise, the internal door brackets make the space too narrow. The receiver would virtually touch both internal cabinet walls though, with about 10cm headroom.

Having said that, Creative Audio is out of stock, and the next best price I can find anywhere is £650. Not sure where all this leaves me. Perhaps back with the 810, as it would fit more comfortably in my cabinet and I'd be saving money.

The other option is an Onkyo 717 (£599 at Peter Tyson). As stated above, I've read of a few glitches with Onkyo receivers this year, so I'd be very grateful if owners could report on their experiences.

FWIW,iv'e found the 1010 to run cool,as opposed to hot

Good to know. If I can find it in stock for $549 from a reputable retailer, I'll go for it.

http://www.audio-express.co.uk/hotdeal.php?&cat=HCAMP&HOTDEAL=YAM_1010&t=ga

Edit: that may be the same company. 

Cheers Ben.

Unfortunately it is the same company and the 1010's out of stock. I can leave my email address so I'm notified if/when stock is available but, as this is an outgoing model, I could be waiting some time...

Perhaps I shouldn't become distracted by possibilities and pounce on the 810 while I still can.

£590 at exceptional-av, otherwise it's looking tricky. 

Agreed.

I'm seriously considering going the amp route now, rather than the twin hdmi BDP.

The 1010 must be quite a step up in quality over the 810, and as there is only £100 difference in price, surely it's the one to buy?

Then again, with my speaker set up, would the 810 be good enough, and would it also be a step up in quality over my 2400es?

There is one Yamaha RX-A1010 available here for £599 Clicky  not new though.

There's a new one at Exceptional AV for £589 delivered, but I think Strapped is hoping to get it at £550 or less, me too (if I ever make a decision that is) " />