Looking for AVR alternative to my B&K for my JM's


I'm currently researching "big" receivers, and I'm not at all happy with my current B&K. I'll be looking to dump my 307 off as soon as I can find a satisfactory replacement. Please note that the reason I want to loose my B&K is not for the stereo music quality, it's the way I listen to movies and Cable TV.
First I'm going to list my equipment/config, and then I'll list what I'm looking for.

B&K 307 7.1
JM Lab Cobalts: 815, Center, Sub and rear SR's
Sony 400 Disc changer linked via optic
Motorola Digital cable box from Comcast.

No matter what I watch, DVD or TV, the processing of the theatre sound, DTS, THX whatever. It just doesn't sound that great. I contacted B&K today to see if they have a newer 507 in the works that will have HDMI ports, nothing.

Obviously I'm willing to spend $2k or even more for the best current (and future) sound quality. Again, I cannot say enough about the amazing music quality! It's like an orgasm sitting in that sweat spot with some Miles Davis going or other good music. The best part about B&K is that the sound is so damn full without being loud. My JM Lab's are just amazingly bright, so I can't just pick any receiver for these speakers. The B&K almost has a tube-like warmth that really tames down and balances the brightness of the JM's.

That said, I think that what I'd like in a receiver is superior music quality, no less than what I have already but also one that will perform beautifully in the HT arena. Maybe even handle the HD True audio and HDMI technology that is emerging this year. I am really spoiled for music now, and just want to get something that will do my future 1080 HD justice, maybe a PS3 to boot.

Any ideas? Taking my speakers to the store to listen is probably not an option since I might like to get something online and save a half a grand, obviously.
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Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

Reply to B&K 507 being overly bright! Since I run my B&K in stereo mode via a tubed DAC and always in direct (vs. a processor based output), I think this reduces the mids and upper brightness to some degree, and my Arros are moderately bright. I have since, based on these postings, ran my B&K 507 in stereo mode via my CD player and with my REL subs turned off. My Totem Arros run in this manner, were definately brighter than when I run them via the direct setting on the B&K input in analog via the tubed DAC (CAL Alpha) with two REL Q108 subs to provide some bottom end support (I am not a big bass nut, just want a little support). With this, I am pleased with the B&K in stereo mode.
Interesting to hear your initial comments about the B&K. I recently purchased the B&K 507 S2 just for its sound quality. Mind you, I had gone from a decent Stereo only system (Audio Research/Golden Tube Audio/Cal Audio/EAD/Thorens/Martin Logans) to a Dennon HT system. I did in home tests of several of the Denon systems and thouht the HT sounded good enough (truth is I am not very educated with HT), but hated the stereo reproduction (since I am forced to have one system in one dedicated room), this was not acceptable to me. FYI, the only way I can convince my wife of the designated room is if it also houses HT.

So after buying the 50" plasma and more speakers, I ended up with the B&K. Is it as good as some of the top end stuff on HT? I really don't know, but hate to say that this is the least of my concerns.

But it is AWESOME IN STEREO. I like it as much as my old stuff (still use the Golden Tube for my zone 2 amp). Speakers are all Totems (Arros, Hawks, Mite T for rears and Mite T-Center)

FYI, I did find that using too many of the processing features (notch filters, etc. . .) in some cases resulted in a sound I didn't like as much.

I would never run a video signal through a receiver regardless. Go direct from the DVD to the TV, Cable to the TV, Satellite to the TV. Of course my TV seems to have plenty of inputs.

Play around more with your HT set-up as the others suggested, I like mine in HT, but again, I only have the Denon 3800 Series to compare it to for HT.

BOL