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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
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.
mgs
67 posts
 
Eyeman,
Sounds like you are quite satisfied with the 202 driving your B&Ws, which I understand are not the easiest speakers to drive in the world. As for 7.1 and 5.1 analog bypass, the lack of analog bypass would be a problem since I would like to use my current two-channel amp to drive the front speakers...

I think I will give the 202 a try also, in addition to the 305...however, they are relatively hard to find in the used market, and I do want to audition them...do you know if dealers are having close-out deals on the 202s?
Thanks for the advice, btw.
eyeman
12 posts
 
The analog bypass is for DVD Audio or SACD. You still have pre-outs to use a separate amp for your front speakers with the 202. Check AG, Audioreview, and Audioweb. I noticed two 202s for sale recently. The B&K has done a very good job of driving the B&Ws except for the ultimate low end bass from the 804s which I mentioned needs something like a Bryston or Krell amp. I have a small listening room, so I do not need to fill an enormous amount of space, but that said, the most I run the B&K is at -15 db on the volume scale, so there is reserve left. My friend uses the same receiver to power his system of Joseph Audio 25s and B&W Nautilus 805 rears and loves it. I cannot emphasize what a bargain this receiver is used in the $1000- $1300 range. The excellent warranty is just icing on the cake. As for dealers, some do have demo versions for good prices. I saw one at Tweeters last month, but they probably will be rare because the switch to the 305/307 occurred several months ago.
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