2. home-theater
  3. 194733-202120

Best Receiver for “Mid-Fi” System?

Hey everyone…interested in your thoughts…

I’m putting together a decidedly mid-fi system for both 2 channel listening and 5.1 home theater.  I have Focal Aria Evo X No. 2 towers, center and sub, and also Focal surrounds.  I will be using an Eversolo DMP-A6 for streaming music.

Thoughts on the best receiver to power this system?  I’m looking for musicality from the receiver if possible as I have a more “hi-fi” system also and am a little spoiled with B&W 801 D4s in that system.

I know the limitations of the Focal speakers and am wondering if spending more on the receiver will really be worth it or not for this system?  Would like to spend $1,000 or less if possible but could be convinced to go a little higher if something truly provides better bang for the buck.  Prefer to buy new, usually.

Have only 1 sub and need only 1 coax input for the streamer so I’m assuming almost anything new today will suffice.

Many thanks for your thoughts and opinions on this!

nankaroad
jwillox
203 posts
 

I see a lot of the mainstay receivers, and that's OK.

I also see a lot of commentary on your speakers and what it may take to drive them properly...

A: Get a honking receiver! Remember they all say. "xxx power, 2 channels driven.

B: get a decent receiver, in your price range, but add a separate power amp to drive the tough load of your speakers. Also, an external separate power amp, would likely make it all sound better.

I my past days of using an AVR for music listening, the large revelation of a separate power amp was significant.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVS970H/Denon-AVR-S970H.html
$900 or as low as $811 in "scratch and dent" they are pretty good with their checkups on returns.

 

jonwolfpell
451 posts
 

Anthem make some of the very best surround sound receivers. They’re a bit pricey but well made & sound very good. I’ve had my 7 channel one for several years now , it works flawlessly, sounds very good & quite powerful.

jrareform's avatar
jrareform
53 posts
 

I love my Yamaha A4A.  I use external amps as well but the receiver has a decent amp in it, although I'd be using it mainly for the preouts to a separate amp.  You can get a Yamaha factory refurb A4A straight from accessories4less for $749.  This would get you a solid receiver with a decent amp that you could later upgrade by using the preouts.  I personally think the DAC should matter the most as you most likely will upgrade the amplifier at some point.  I have been very satisfied with the sound quality especially after adding some Shunyata power conditioning

manhattan1
17 posts
 

I would highly recommend the Marantz SR 8012, which you can find used for less than $1600 on eBay or Audiogon. It is the best surround sound receiver, made just prior to the current top of thr line Cinema 30. I just added the 8012 to my system and it is great. 

macg19
1,010 posts
 

+1 Yamaha flagship (RX-A3080) for $1200

I own one. The built in streamer / DAC is decent and supports Tidal/Qobuz, SXM radio.

It currently drives a dedicated surround system, but previously it was in a combined 2 channel and 5.2 channel system  so I got to compare it with Harbeth 40.3 XDs used as shared mains being driven either by the Yamaha or a high end integrated amp and dedicated streamer that cost more than 10x. Very impressive performance / $ ratio.  

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