Summary: I bought this receiver to replace an old Sony 5.1 system, and the difference is remarkable. This receiver has very clear sound, especially on DVD's which is what I am using it for. I also like the fact that this receiver will convert composite and s-video to component, so that I only have the component wires going to my TV. This greatly reduces the clutter I had before.
Another feature that I like (though I have not used it yet) is the ability to assign the rear surrounds to power a second zone. This will allow me to run my 5.1 speakers in my TV room, but then also be able to listen to 2 separate speakers outside on the patio. What I like about this (rather than A and B speakers, which this also has) is that it allows me to listen to 2 different sources on the two sets of speakers. For example, the kids can be watching a DVD inside, and I can listen to a CD outside.
The only negative is that this does not have HDMI connections. Not a big deal for me since my TV doesn't either, but if I upgrade to a HDTV in the future (and I assume I will) then I'll wish that this receiver had it.