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Any mid-priced Receivers Worthwhile???

I auditioned an Onkyo Integra DTR-5.1 receiver today, driving small Paradigm satellites with an M&K subwoofer. The system sounded quite good spacially and in terms of its frequency range, but it had a little too much lower-treble presence for my liking. I'd like to take the plunge into surround sound, but so far, all the low and mid-priced receivers I've heard have exhibited this flaw to varying degrees. Right now I have good 2-channel sound using the venerable NAD 3020 integrated amp. I don't want to regret going to 5-channel surround. Perhaps the treble zing was in the speakers and not the Integra, I can't say for sure. So, my question is: are there any mid-priced receivers that won't bore holes through my skull during the length of a 2-hour flick, or can I only achieve natural sounding HT with high-priced gear?? Thanks in advance for any and all insight!
plato
mmccoy
12 posts
 
I'm one of those that power the front L/R speakers thru a seperate amp, e.g. I use my Harman Kardon AV500 preamp out to a Carver M-400t for front L/R (JBL L100 Centurys) and the HK's own internal 70w/chan power amp to drive the (JBL)center & rears (12" Dahlquist Sub is active).

To balance everything I use a (radio shack) digital sound level meter.

IMHO, this enables me to reach a nice compromise between (2 channel) music and my (5.1 channels) HT needs without having to resort to having/buying two seperate systems.
mgs
67 posts
 
Shaqspack,

Right now I am considering the Nakamichi AV-10 over the Arcam as my speakers are only rated at 86db and they need the extra power. Have you tried the AV-10? If yes, how does it sound compare to the AV-8? Thanks and happy listening!
eyeman
12 posts
 
Mgs, I would look hard at the B&K AVR-202 over the Nakamichi AV-10. It is sonically a significantly better unit. Look for it used on AG or AR.
mgs
67 posts
 
Eyeman,
Funny that you mentioned the B&K, since someone else just made a similiar suggestion, except that he recommended the newer models (305/307). Do you use the 202 in your own system? How do they compare to the newer models?
Thanks for any comments.
p.s.
I am leaning a little more toward the 305 because 1)more power than the 202 for my NHTs and 2)seemingly-better built quality than the Nakamichi...
eyeman
12 posts
 
The 305/307 are better than the 202 because they have more power amplifiers, are 7.1, and have 5.1 analog bypass. They are also more expensive, with a new one costing about $2800, and used ones still over $2000. I currently use a 202 that I bought used with by B&W Nautilus speakers, and it is sonically excellent, a bit bass shy with my 804s but these require very strong amps to bring out the bass, and is an absolute bargain at the $1100-$1300 range. The 202 is a 5 channel amp, and does not have component switching, or analog bypass, but that is the case with many midfi receivers. If you are looking to spend in the $1000 range, there is no question that a used 202 receiver is the way to go. B&K also has an excellent 5 year warranty, and their service department is nothing short of phenomenol, and they do not have any problems with second owners etc.
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