Are there any surround sound receivers around $1000 that you guys are aware of that have good RS-232 control. Something that allows discrete access to volume settings? If mute is selected, a volume adjustment should unmute.

p.s. $1000 means $1000, not $2000 :-).

Marantz 7300, Denon 3803, Integra 7.3, Yamaha 2300

Great! I missed the fact that the Denon 3803 had RS-232 (thought RS-232 didn't start until the 4803). Thanks.

Denon RS-232 control starts with the 2803. $799 list. can't beat that!

Unless you're talking about the user grabbing the volume knob, you should be able to handle that in the programming software you are using, right?

Harman Receiver models 325 and 525 both fit your criteria of being under 1k retail.

All HK offers discreet ir for on, off; source selection sends power on as well. Xantech compatible ir inputs on the back side (tip, ring only, please- use an external connecting block)

Both 325 and 525 have assignable amp pair for either second zone or 7.1.

Check Harmankardon.com for more info.

And, yes, I do sell these.

Just to make sure we are on the same page, if you send a mute command to a device, it should unmute when a volume adjustment is attempted. That is the ONLY way a preamp or reciver should ever be designed. Otherwise the customer may not hear sound (because the device is muted), they crank the volume up trying to get sound (but the device doesn't unmute), they finally try the mute button and they get their ear drums blasted out.

Now if your question is could you do a jury rig workaround in programming, yes. Just like you can with a product without discrete power. But I'd rather have a product that operates correct in the first place.