Have to agree with Lewis somewhat. The 2 hdmi inputs were the only thing that put me off the Yamaha.
I am basically tone deaf, so probably could not tell difference between good sond and very good sound (But I did pick up on the boy band on X-factor being out of tune on the weekend, and I think Simon agreed with me).
I think that Clare is trying to say that the Yamaha's sound is so much better than the others. It gains more points on sound than the points lost from lack of connectivity. Fair enough. Then it should be the winner.
But in this budget end of the market, I feel that connectivity is very important. I do not think many people buying this would buy a splitter if they needed a third hdmi input. Instead they would buy a different model. Either a Sony 2400 at £390 or Onkyo 606 at simmilar price. Although I'm sure several would be trying to scrape together some extra money for the 863.
Monday, I have just ordered the Sony 2400 based on WHFI reviews. It ticks all the boxes for me and I think it sounds great. Many others will do the same. As many others will buy the Onkyo.
Boo