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Home Theatre AVR recommendations (Anthem, NAD vs Denon, pioneer, marantz)

Hello,

I’m looking to buy a new home theatre receiver, which would get used about 50/50 time as surround and as a two channel system. I’m trying to get a sense on how much of a difference I will see between something like a the lower end of an NAD (like a T748) or something by Anthem or Emotiva versus big named brands that I could buy for a little cheaper (Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo) and direct some of the savings towards speakers. I’m looking to spend not much more than $1000 on the receiver, could always spend less! Could maybe be convinced to spend a little more. Would ideally buy new, but could also buy used.

I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Will only really have one source hooked up to it. Would sometimes carry 3D signals via HDMI, but if the HDMI on a unit doesn’t support that, I’m happy to bypass the video and patch audio in optically. Airplay, network, spotify.... don’t need these. Not certain on whether I need/want room correction. Coming mostly from a 2-channel background and knowledge of things, I’m dubious of EQs and processing, but I understand that home theatre is a different beast. So maybe that would be good to have. Only need 5.1, but wouldn’t pass up considering the right 7.1 model. Would also really prefer for have 5.1 full surround pre-outs, just for the options of patching in a different amp.

It’s for a midsize/large-ish room, but won’t ever really need to be cranked at full capacity. Would only ever be for modest listening volumes (viewing/listening room in a work setting). That said, I do value/desire clarity and clearness in the sound with good tonal balance and imaging. And while I don’t need a lot of power, I do want it to have enough bang to drive a wide range of speakers.

I don’t actually have speakers selected for this yet. Ha! which maybe is the wrong way to go about it. But I’m trying to figure out a receiver budget so i can determine how much is left for speakers. It will be mini-monitors/bookshelves. no stand mounts. Something like Paradigm or NHT.


p_oto

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
9,841 posts
 
I'm in the camp you're doing this backwards.  If you're getting speakers anyway there's no reason to not choose those first IMHO.  That said, given your preferences I'd look at an Anthem MRX 700 or 710 if you can swing it.  Among the more mainstream brands, Yamaha consistently gets good ratings for audio and has been very reliable unlike many others.  The Aventage rx-a 1050 is in your price range, but Yamaha AVRs aren't the most powerful beasts out there, especially with multiple channels driven, which goes back to choosing speakers first. 

Since 2-channel is important, eventually I'd consider buying a good stereo integrated amp and incorporate that into the system for stereo duties taking the AVR out of the system when you're doing 2-channel listening (the AVR would only be used for surround processing and powering the center and surround channels).  It's easy to do and can potentially yield significant sonic benefits.  Many folks here can help with that if you want to explore that option further.  Best of luck. 
soix
9,841 posts
 
Given that you're using a sub and not listening at loud levels, I'd think the Yamaha could be enough even though the 685s dip to 3.5 Ohms at some point.  But as you're auditioning and if you find a speaker you like just as well without the impedance dip so much the better.  Lots of good speaker choices in that price range these days.  However, if it's me I'd go with the Anthem as it has more robust power and probably has a better preamp section, which can make a huge difference as many AVRs fall short in this critical area. 
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