Have a reciever question?

[newbie1two]

Hello this is my first post and must admit I am a total novice when it comes to audio buys... I am looking at both the Pioneer Elite VSX 80TXV and the 81TXV and was just wandering if the 81 is worth the extra money... I know with the 81 you get a I pod docking station and HDMI upconverting but is the amps the same? Any advice would be appreciated.. I have found the 80 for 429 before shipping on the internet and the 81 the best I have been able to find it for is 595 without shipping....

Thanks

[Tarheel_]

when deciding on a receiver, it's a good idea to download both owner manuals and read through them for differences. To determine if the amps are the same look at both receiver's weight. This should tell you alot about a receiver and how well its built.
As for HDMI, do you need this feature? Or in the near future? If so, then the decision is made.
Also look at Pioneer VSX-1016TXV-K model, it's basically an Elite model without the fancy front faceplate. Great prices on that model.