I would think at 300.00 you will have to sacrifice something. If your freind could muster anther 100.oo look at the Marantz NR1401 or the 1501, I think you would be into a better quality of sound, but neither have the USB. Also keep an eye here on AG as someone may have something listed that is a better quality component used that a 300.00 component is new. IMHO
HT and two channel receiver recommendation
A long time friend just emailed me asking for a recommendation between the Onkyo TX-SR309 and the Denon AVR-1312. He wants the best of both worlds meaning good HT and two channel performance, hence his question to me. I have to be honest, I dont know much about HT receivers. I noticed the Denon does not have USB inputs and that to me is very important looking forward. Anyone familiar with the sound of these two brands ? I noticed based on a quick query that these are also the companies lower tier components. Feel free to recommend any brand you think outperforms these two. From what I see his budget is around $300. Thanks.