Which model is right for me?
All of the models in the current lineup except the 1312 use the same basic components (e.g. DAC's, DSP chips), so the primary differences in audio fidelity will depend on which version of Audyssey MultEQ you have -- the "basic" flavor or the more advanced XT version. Therefore, make your decisions based on (1) connectivity and (2) features!!
For the xx12 models, ALL models feature a GUI / volume display that can overlay on top of HDMI video. NOTE however that, with the exception of the 3312ci, the GUI menus will ONLY display via the HDMI video output! That means it will NOT display over standard (yellow) composite video or component video outputs.
AVR-1312 (75 watts x 5.1 channels) - $249 msrp
The AVR-1312 is an extremely basic, stripped-down model that is essentially just an HDMI switchbox with 5 amps built in. It has 4 HDMI inputs but lacks Audyssey MultEQ (or any other auto setup program) and uses cheaper components (e.g. spring terminals for the center and surround channels, generic 96/24 DAC's, etc) than the 1612 and higher level models.
Official batpig advice: for any "serious" home theater setup, the AVR-1612 is the MINIMUM model you should consider! Although the 1612 has the same connectivity on the back panel, the AVR-1312's lack of Audyssey MultEQ is a crippling loss for any real enthusiast. The AVR-1312 also does not implement several of the HDMI 1.4 features such as standby-passthrough and ARC. The 1312 doesn't even let you rename inputs or delete unused sources!
The AVR-1312 can expand to a 7.1 by adding a 2-channel external amp to power the surround back speakers.
AVR-1612 (75 watts x 5.1 channels) - $349 msrp
Like the 1312, the AVR-1612 is a basic 5.1 model with pre-outs to expand to 7.1 (with an extra 2-ch amp powering the two additional speakers). Again, the 1612 is really the MINIMUM model that anyone on AVS should be considering for their Home Theater setup.
Stepping up from the 1312 to the 1612 adds:
* Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume
* Front panel USB port for connected iPod, iPhone, etc.
* HDMI-CEC (allows for control connection between TV and AVR, standby passthrough, and ARC / audio return channel)
* Dolby PLIIz (if you expand to 7.1, the extra two speakers can be "height" speakers instead of "surround back")
* A superior remote control which can be programmed to control other devices (using preset codes), and has dedicated [Movie], [Music], [Game], and [Direct] buttons for controlling surround modes
* More flexible setup menus including:
--- An "Information" section of the GUI to check audio input signal, HDMI status, etc.
--- The ability to rename inputs and delete unused sources
* Three different "Restorer" modes for compressed music (vs. just one generic mode on the 1312).
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