Tom Oh

Having been happy with Nakamichi AV-10 for 4.5 years, I have not really looked at receivers. I have since changed DVD player and speakers and would like to explore a new receiver.

My budget is between $1500~3000. I am changing receiver to try out DVD Audio, SACD 5.1 (hence a need for 5.1 input) and center rear set-up. I remember reading great things about brands such as NAD, B&K, & Rotel about 2~3 years ago. Sound is the most important quality for me.

I will do my research but would like to narrow the field somewhat. Integrated amp is also good since I don't listen to radio here in HK. Please make some recommendations with model numbers. Thank you.

Ted Pugh

Denon 4802R or 5803. Pioneer 49TXi, B&K 507. That will get you a good starting point.

gregD

In that budget range, check the several options available at Rotel: http://www.rotel.com/

Prepro:
RSP-1066... 7.1... software, firmware upgradeable... $1500.

Power Amp:
RMB-1075... 120x5... $1000.
RMB-1095... 200x5... $2000.

Receiver:
RSX-1055... 7.1... 75x5 configurable... same pre as 1066... $1300.
RSX-1065... 7.1... 100x5 not configurable... $2000.

Great user support at Club Rotel: http://www.htguide.com/CFBoards/inde...forum=25&CFB=1

ChrisLazarko

Just to add something into the mix:

Harman/Kardon AVR-7200. You can find it usually for about $1200 and it's a very nice piece with alot of features... I don't think you can get much better then the AVR-7200 until you hit seperates which are quite expensive.

Take a look at the HK AVR-7200, you won't be dissapointed.

John Garcia

What speakers?

Marantz SR9300 at $2999 MSRP or the 8300 @ $1699 MSRP. Definitely musical. I got my 8300 for quite a bit less than MSRP from an authorized dealer (new), so check around.

The Rotel separates are also an excellent option at this price point.

B&K has not changed in terms of quality since you last heard about them

Though I wouldn't say they are at the same level as Rotel or B&K, you might also consider Outlaw separates, which are well within that budget.

"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain

HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 monoblocks x 2, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Denon 2900, Oppo 980H, Toshiba HD-A2, RC2000MkII remote, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, Slim PS2, PS3 60G + 320G USB

Bedroom: Marantz PM-7200 Integrated, GR Research A/V-1s, Sony 222ES SACD, RC3200 remote, Panamax M8EX

Audio: Audioquest * Video: Bluejeans

My DVDs My HT

george_k

Tom, I just checked the specs out on that receiver...it still kicks ass even after 4.5 years.

Is Nakamichi stuff cheaper there?

James_SCEA

I second the Marantz SR 9300. These receivers definately offer a really musical sound quality; warm but still really detailed. The ADDC feature on the 8300 and 9300 receivers use two DACs per channel in stereo mode for the utmost detail and accurate soundstaging!

Good Luck!
JC

Tom Oh

My speakers, which are 3 years old are all Monitor Audio:

Main: Silver 7
Rear: Silver 3
Center: Silver 10
Sub: ASW 110

I have been happy with these since my previous spekers were Energy Take 5.

Nak AV-10 does kick ass. I've heard that Nak has come out with a new receiver, but for Japan only. I am unable to find info on this on net.

Thanks all for the advice. I'll start doing some research.

gregD

Monitor Audio? Not only will the Rotel I mentioned above mate well with these, but the Marantz others have mentioned is an especially sweet match... worth an audition.

This discussion reminded me of the Nak AV separates I was seriously considering a few years ago... I went to the site to see what's new, and it looks strange -- no traditional AV gear, just the 'soundspace' all-in-one slimline systems, mobile and miniature audio, and an LCD tv!

Wonder if Nak is OK... I know they went through money problems not too long ago, and it sounded like their days might be numbered... hope they pull through... they've produced quality gear over the years.

http://www.nakamichiusa.com/

Rich Wenzel

For receivers, I would look at the Marantz SR-19...

If you are trying to keep it at $1500, I would look at the Rotel RSX-1055 (make sure you get the most updated one), or a Marantz 8300...

The NAD T762 is a worthwhile consideration as well...

At the $2500 range, I would look to go pre/pro with a Rotel 1066/1075 combo, a Outlaw 950/770 combo (which is pretty cheap actually), Adcom 880 or 860 and a 7605 (or other amp)..If you go for the 860, make sure its the 860II.

NAD is coming out with a new pre/pro and multi amp also that should be in your price range....

Rich

B&W DM605S2 x 2 & LCR6S2, Rotel RSX 1055 & RC955, Denon DV 1600, Marantz 4000OSE, Panasonic PT56wx51 (I think, who cares, its a TV)

\"Aren\'t you going to kiss her goodbye?\"
\"No.\"