Need a new Reciever on a small budget.

[Jeterocks]

So here is the story...I bought a Marantz SR5002 in January and I did like it...it wasn't the best looking thing in the world, and I wish it had hdmi upscaling but whatever. Can't always get what you want when you have a $300 budget.

Well about a month weeks ago my roommate tripped and fell into the back of my setup, breaking 2 HDMI cables (which were plugged into the receiver). At the time I thought it was no big deal...just some broken $3 HDMI cables. So I bought new ones, went to use them...but got no video pass through.

Upon closer inspection I noticed that inside the HDMI out there was a metal prong sticking up that wasn't there before. I knew that was the problem.

I send my system in to get repaired...I figure I will have to pay something but whatever, it can't be that bad...well I get the call today and the mechanic tells me that a board needs to be replaced in order to replace the HDMI out and that costs anywhere between $250-$300...

At this point should I just buy another Marantz SR5002 from Accessories for Less (the cost right now went up to $350) or just shop for something else...something better that is in the $300-400 range?

I mean I would get my SR5002 back from the shop...everything works on that beside the HDMI out...meaning I just don't get video pass through from my PS3 -- so I have to use an optical cable for audio and miss out on HD audio.

So here is the basic idea...

I need a new receiver. Do I:

1) Pay the $300 to fix my current Marantz SR5002
2) Buy a new SR5002 for $350
3) Look for a better receiver in the $300-400 price range

**If you choose number 3 -- Any suggestions?



Thanks