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Good "musical" receiver for HT setup.

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RandyH

(A)

I will be setting up a small HT system using a sub/Satellite speaker system (probably either the Gallo or KEF 2005). Although this system will be primarily for HT I would like it to also be pleasing for music only listening. Since my main speakers will always need to be supplemented with the subwoofer I am wondering if my AV receiver (yet to be chosen) will send a signal to the sub if I switch from surround to stereo mode? Being a neophyte to HT I'm still trying to learn all the various setup options and features of an AV receiver. Also, do any of you have any particular recommendations for a good AV receiver that excels for music only listening?
Thanks
Randy

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Re: Good "musical" receiver for HT setup. - JAM 17:16:20 10/03/02 (0)
I have the Marantz SR-4200 and like it very much for music.
It is Marantz's entry level AV receiver - about $400 new.
Re: Good "musical" receiver for HT setup. - RJeff 15:09:14 10/03/02 (0)
The Rotel RSX-972 can be had for a grand (you didn't mention a price cap) and is very musical. It also has 5.1 direct inputs that avoids any A/D D/A conversions - I have my SACD player hooked up through them. Downside - it "only" has 5.1 channels and "only" handles Dolby Prologic, Dolby Digital and DTS. The tuner is fine for my needs.
I use mine for about 85% music and 15% video and I am quite pleased (former amplification was Parasound monoblocks and pre-amp).
Jeff
Re: Good "musical" receiver for HT setup. - 2x6spds 23:17:38 09/30/02 (0)
First, I'll suggest a brand to avoid, Harman Kardon. I've had an AVR 20, AVR 65 and AVR320. The AVR 20 was the most musical of the bunch but is low powered and years out of production. I also had a Sherwood RVD 6090 R, and thought it sounded terrible.
For a low cost over achiever, the top of the lot is the Technics SADX 940 I had which I grabbed from Frys for about $150. I used this 5 x 100 watt receiver for 2 channel stereo until my integrated arrived, and have to tell you how pleasantly surprised I was. This Technics (and I suppose the whole series up to the SADX 1050) has a wonderful, accurate, rich, tubie sound with excellent soundstage and imaging. (I used it with a pair of Axiom M3s and ultimately an Ah! 4000 with upgraded tubes, power cord, and Burr Brown 627 OPAs. I've since given the Technics to my secretary who uses it for HT and it sounds wonderful driving a pair of Wharfedales up front, a Merak MC6H horn tweet center and a pair of Mission 77ds rear surrounds (sub of course). The Technics runs a bit warm but might be the best value receiver I've ever heard. Bottom line: Great sound in stereo, great sound in 5 channel.
I grabbed a Sony STRDB from uBid for $289 !!!! This 6x100 watt receiver drives my office system, and it is wonderful. Great for HT and very good for music. I was surprised again. Excellent sound in HT, very good sound in stereo.
I have an Onkyo TXDS 797 THX in my main HT system. Hooked up to the Toshiba SD9200 it is extremely musical. The Onkyo is extremely musical though it doesn't have the slam (punch?) of the Sony STRDB 1070. Excellent sound for both HT and stereo (and all 7 channel - I have a Denon 85 watt x 2 amp for channels 6+7)
My good friend just received his Outlaw 1050 which he has hooked up to the 2/3 of same speaker system as my main HT system - a pair of Michaura M665 towers up front (like the Axiom M60s) a Merak MC6H horn tweet center and a pair of Michaura M55 surrounds (Axiom M22 like speakers) assisted by a Dahlquist 15" sub. The Outlaw sounds great!!
Excellent for both HT and stereo.
If I had to do put a system together I'd go with either the Technics SADX 940-1050 receiver (the best of which I figure can be had for under $300) or the Outlaw ($499) unless I could find another steal on uBid for a Sony STRDB1070 at $289.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get a GREAT sounding receiver.
I've heard Outlaw is very good - Dalancroft 08:20:29 09/30/02 (0)
And hard to go wrong @ $495 plus shipping. Since they cut out the middleman, you'll get a lot of bang for your buck.
I have a mid-level Yamaha and it's OK for music, but no better. A bit etched/dry in the treble and a tad bright.

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