The low prices for the older non-HDMI units obviously directly reflects their desirablility for a good reason.
Pass through of video upconverting, digital switching and a multitude of other features make them worth having.
Yes, you can go with an older unit with 5.1 analog pass through (how much will that cost in extra cabling?), but you won't get HDMI 1.3, or the new 1.4 for 3D if that's important to you.
I was in the same position a while ago, and went with the top-end unit of the last generation of Integra. For about $1-1.5k you can get (almost) state of the art that won't be completely outdated soon.
Short answer - is it worth it? - without doubt
Pass through of video upconverting, digital switching and a multitude of other features make them worth having.
Yes, you can go with an older unit with 5.1 analog pass through (how much will that cost in extra cabling?), but you won't get HDMI 1.3, or the new 1.4 for 3D if that's important to you.
I was in the same position a while ago, and went with the top-end unit of the last generation of Integra. For about $1-1.5k you can get (almost) state of the art that won't be completely outdated soon.
Short answer - is it worth it? - without doubt