12 years since my last purchase of an a/v receiver. Over the past several days I have been totally consumed in the process of trying to decide on the right receiver. I have been looking at sooo many reviews, comments, specs, and so on. I have narrowed down my search to 3 candidates:

Denon 3805
Denon 4802R
Harman/Kardon 635

$700 - $750 will buy the 3805 and 635 new in box and the 4802R new but open box (display - not previously owned). Yes, that's pretty good deals on all three!

The 3805 and 635 are, to me, similar beasts. I like both - looks, quality, features and so on. QUESTION: is the 3805's 120 watts rated a little high as compared to the 635's 75 watts? Are Denon's numbers like Sony's or like HK's? HK at 75 watts blew my old Sony at 120 watts out of the water...so if Denon's ratings are like HK's then that would be quite a bit more power.

The 4802R seems to be a step up from the other 2 models but a couple years old. That means a little technology is missing (video upconversion, DPL IIx, bandwidth a little lower, etc).

What I can't quite figure is if the 4802R is indeed a 7.1 receiver or just a 5.1? It has the correct amount of speaker outputs (with the surround and back surround options) but is it made to decode/play in 7.1???

I've gotta buy soon so I can continue on with life - and before my wife kicks me out for being on the computer 24/7 for the last week (OK, maybe not 24/7 but you get the picture - kid's and wife want their daddy back!)

ANY and ALL comments, pro's and con's, anyone knows about the above receivers would be GREATLY APPRECIATED in helping me make my decesion. I've hand hands on experience with the 635 but neither of the Denon's. No regrets with the 635 but just wondering if the grass is greener on the "Denon" side.