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
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.  

aggie88
11 posts
 

I’m using a Yamaha Rn-2000a receiver which is more than capable of powering 4 ohm speakers.  I’m using KEF R3 Meta speakers and the system sounds great.  Look at the Audiiholics review of the receiver with the bench testing.  The receiver also has a quality moving magnet phono stage and a streamer. It only has one sub  out though.  Hegel would be good too but I’m not sure what “mid-fi” includes.

aggie88
11 posts
 

Oops.  You wanted an AVR.  My mistake for not reading closely.  Emotiva may be an option.

nankaroad OP
9 posts
 

Hey everyone, many thanks for all of your comments and suggestions…sure do appreciate it!

I’ve decided to buy a refurbished Marantz Cinema 40…looks like a solid unit, good reviews…maybe a little more than what I need but the refurb price is good.

Again, thanks for all the suggestions and features to think about!

mahler123
3,571 posts
 

I use an Anthem 520.  It was paired with an older Parasound channel power amp and the front speakers are Silverline Panatellas.  The Parasound gave up the ghost a few months ago and I was assured that the Anthem should be able to drive everything (the power amp was added to help a previous Denon AVR which definitely could not drive the system).  I do seem to miss the grunt of the power amp and am thinking of adding a new one.

  I mention this because someone up thread mentioned that the Focals are a difficult load.  I should mention that I have a second HT system in the home, different speakers, same Anthem 520 that drives everything well.  I value the Anthem Room correction quite a bit.

  If I was the OP I would seriously consider a used AVR because there is a lot of inexpensive choice out there combined with a 5 channel power amp with some grunt.

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