Cool things about the AVR 220 relative to others I researched are:1. "EzSet": When setting up a home theatre, it's critical that you independently adjust the volume of each of the 5 speakers (left, center, right, rear left, rear right) so that the sound that arrives at your customary listening position is balanced. To balance most systems you need to make manual adjustments and rely on your ear, or go out and purchase a sound level meter, to determine when you have it right. Major Pain. The AVR 220 has "EzSet": You set the receiver to a main volume level of -15DB, hold down a button on the remote for 2 seconds, and it enters auto setup mode. A test signal is sent to each speaker independently, and the remote detects the level using its built-in sound meter and automatically sends the appropriate adjustments. Voila - instant, near perfect balance. WAY COOL!
2. Full use of all speakers: Many of the cheaper home theater receivers only use the center and surround speakers when processing a true 5.1 input, e.g. from a DVD video. When processing traditional stereo inputs, e.g. from CDs/TV/VCR, they use just use the two front speakers. The AVR 220 can drive all 5(.1) speakers from any input source in a variety of ways. My favorite for CDs is Dolby Pro Logic II Music. When listening to a trumpet concerto, it puts the trumpets front and center and the strings off to the sides! Amazing!
3. Default surround modes by input source: You can set the AVR 220 to automatically switch to, say, Pro Logic II Music whenever you switch to your CD player, and Pro Logic II Movie when you switch to your VCR. This saves much button pressing.
4. Lots of ins (7 + 6-channel) and outs (2 + TV): I have everything I want connected, and I still have 3 extra ins. About the only feature missing from the 220 is component video ins and outs - it only has composite and S-video. But component video would've added another $100+ to my price, and I didn't want it that badly at the time.
5. 6-channel input: This is the major difference between the AVR 220 and the 210. It allows you to add new surround technology to your system without scrapping your receiver. In particular, once I discovered the joy of surround sound, I purchased a DVD player that supports the new(ish) DVD Audio format. Since the DVD player determines what signal goes to what speaker for DVD Audio, you need a way to just "pass thru" the signals. That's what 6-channel input is for.
6. Great on-board decoding, including DTS: Since I have 6-channel in, I can compare the Dolby decoding on the DVD player to that on the receiver. The receiver's decoding always sounds better. [BTW, DTS (Digital Theater Sound) rocks! I seek out DVDs that have a DTS soundtrack.]
Notes:1. Plan to dedicate some room to the receiver. It stands 7" high, and needs another 2-3" above it, 'cause it runs hot.
2. For those of you who evaluate a sound system by wattage, get over it. This receiver is rated at only 45-55 watts per channel. Nevertheless, it can fill my 15'x25'x12' main room with painfully loud sound.
3. The instructions read like, well, stereo instructions. It will take time to figure out how to get maximum benefit from the receiver. But it's worth the effort.
This is a fabulous receiver. I'm delighted, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
