Any decent AVR should have a stereo direct option so processing is removed for critical listening.
Two limiting factors are manufacturers cram too much electronics into their cases without any consideration of how EMI can ruin sound quality and they use mediocre DACs. After all, x number of channels require x number of DACs, so cost is a consideration and space a concern.
The forthcoming Anthem AVM-90 uses audiophile DACs so it will be interesting to see what improvement it makes.
Two limiting factors are manufacturers cram too much electronics into their cases without any consideration of how EMI can ruin sound quality and they use mediocre DACs. After all, x number of channels require x number of DACs, so cost is a consideration and space a concern.
The forthcoming Anthem AVM-90 uses audiophile DACs so it will be interesting to see what improvement it makes.