Pairing right receiver with B&W DM 602

Typically, B&W's are often paired up in stores with Rotel's (related companies).  For $1500 you could probably pick up an RSX-1550 (5.1) or RSX-1560 (7.1) for a little more.

I own a 7.1 set of B&W LCR600S3 which, up until recently, were mated to a Rotel RSX-1067 (pre-HD codecs and HDMI connections).  A strong contender to the Rotel that I came very close to purchasing was a NAD T785 (again pre-HD codec version but has since been upgraded!) which I would highly recommend you look into.

I've since moved away from receivers and power my B&W's with an Emotiva UMC-1 pre/pro and Emotiva XPA-5 and UPA-2 amps (less expensive than the Rotel and back into separates meaning I'll only have to upgrade the pre/pro when new bells and whistles come out, not the amps).

Personally, once you are ready to cross the $1500 price point, there are a lot of options beyond Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer worth looking at...  The Brits have quite a few interesting options (ARCAM, Cambridge Audio, Rotel) and so do the more local NA companies (Sherwood, NAD, Anthem).

Best of luck, JB

I have three of the first generation DM602s in my home theater front array.  I've used many different receivers and even separates combinations over the years, and no matter what I've used as a front end the 602s always sound fantastic.

I recommend that you don't worry about a receiver matching.  IMO the 602s should sound great no matter what's driving them.  Over the years I've run the following:

Phillips FR930 DPL receiver

Onkyo 828THX receiver

Onkyo 919THX receiver

Sherwood Newcastle AV-P9080 preamp, matching AM9080 amplifier

Outlaw Model 950 preamp, Sherwood Newcastle AM9080 amplifier

Pioneer VSX-D606S receiver

Integra DTR-7 receiver

Every one of these combinations sounded dynamite with the 602s, even the very modest Pioneer 606.

My recommendation would be the following:  If you are planning on buying a center speaker to match the DM602s, find a used single DM602 someplace like Ebay and use that.  The speaker sounds wonderful as a center.  See my array at the following location:

http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss181/PhilBiker/Movie%20Room/01MainView.jpg

www.accessories4less.com has fantastic prices on older model and refurbished Onkyo and Marantz gear.  That would be where I would go first for a new receiver if my DTR-7 died tomorrow.

Power ratings are almost useless and can be highly inaccurate.  I can honestly say that my 50watt x 2ch NAD receiver is way more powerful and drives my PSB T5 speakers way better that my supposedly 95watt x 2ch Yamaha (when in stereo mode) receiver.

The 602's shouldn't be all that demanding and when paired with a good 12" sub, even less so.  However, if you are really concerned, how about getting a lower end Marantz (like the 5004/5005($799)) and getting a dedicated 2channel amp like the Emotiva UPA-2 ($299 for 125wpc)?  Taking the "strain" off the Marantz for L and R will give it more breathing room for Center and surrounds...

Congrats!  I'm sure it will sound fabulous!