Blu-Ray, but with older 5.1 Rotel receiver with HDMI 1.1

[johnnierocco]

Im looking at receivers. I want to get something that is HDMI 1.3 and 7.1 even though I dont NEED it right now. I have and HK receiver that is old and I want to replace it. A friend has a Rotel 1057 in excellent shape that he will sell me for $400 or so. Its older with HDMI 1.1. inputs.

I have heard it run in 5.1 with an optical cable and its LOUD and clear. Its not even half way up and his room is easily twice the size of mine. I cant afford a NEW Rotel with 1.3 HDMI. Im worried if I got with a lesser receiver that is new even with all the goodies, sound quality would be lacking. I use my receivers for a lot of music and movies about 30% of time. The quality of these receivers seems to be very high.

Im looking at the Pioneer Elite 7.1 model thats about $700 at Best Buy and it seems to do everything. HDMI 1.3 etc, but I dont feel the sound or raw power is equal to that of the Rotel.

I guess the Pio beats the Rotel in everything except music to my ears. Is it best to always go with the newest in the world of electronics? Will I be missing out on a lot running 5.1 instead of lossless? I havent been able to actually hear Blu-Ray on true lossless audio. I dont have a receiver that can do it.

Thanks for any help. Im so confused, and I want to buy NOW.