Purchasing advise for a receiver + speaker upgrade (1 Viewer)

[AndreasMB]

Currently my HT / stereo is very in the budget street, since I'm a poor student and all. However, I've fallen in love with the nautilus 805 ever since I gave it a listen, and because of the fact that they're not THAT expensive. I'm just curious what prize range and what brands / models should I aim for in a surround receiver if I were to use it as a 2 speakers + sub system. I don't think I can go a whole lot above $750 for the receiver. Should I forget about the 805s and go for something that doesn't require such expensive electronics?

 

[Todd_Michael_R]

If there was a problem with the N805s, it would be this dilemma!
I have a pair of N805s as L/R and an HTM-2 as C so I feel your pain. You will be kicking yourself in the behind if you run the N805's with anything less than what they deserve. I was running my 805's with a Denon AVR-3802 and I had a feeling I wasn't utilizing the N805's to their full potential. I mean they sounded good, but not right to me. A friend brought over his Sherbourn 5/1500 amp (not the A model) and I auditioned it with the 3802 as a pre/pro -- holy moley, what a difference! [Insert colorful audiophile language here ] I'm now picking up a 5/1500A today or tomorrow (and a new pro/pro to boot!).
But don't listen to me! Try it out and see for yourself. In your receiver budget, I'd pick up a Denon AVR-2802 or a used 3802. Get an dealer that will allow you to do in-home auditions. Hook up some N805's and see how it sounds to you. If you don't like it, either upgrade your back end or return the N805s for the CDM-NT line or 600.3 series.
In the long run, IMO, you will be very, very happy with the N805s.
Todd