Best sounding processor

I can say from experience that you also want to avoid Onkyo and Emotiva.

A lot of people favor Marantz but I find it harsh and bright sounding.  Listen for yourself. 

Anthem is my pick as well.

Check out Sony too.

A lot of people favor Marantz but I find it harsh and bright sounding.

Sorry @erik_squires, but no. Just...no. I worked for Magnolia for a bit, and of all the AVRs out there Marantz was the LEAST harsh and bright sounding — polar opposite actually — so I’d like to know how you’re coming up with this assessment because it’s just COMPLETELY counter to all my actual experience.

wouldnt it sound better with tubes? I now use a tube preamp which is a nice added layer on top of av processor.

So @emergingsoul, how do ya like burning those tubes for TV and movie watching? That’d grind my gears, but that’s me.

Soix,

Tubes add more more life, vibrance, fuller and better vocals within music.  Is flattish absent tubes. 
 

you need some oil for yur gears. 

I agree that marantz is anything but bright and harsh. If anything, it has the reputation of being on the warm and comfortable side. I own a 5012 as my Atmos. 5.1.2 HT receiver and use a pm7000n super integrated amp in my office 2 ch system. Very happy with both. For my more serious 2ch systems I shoot higher but I really like the two marantz units I use for their applications