Good Receivers for Infinity Kappa 7.1 speakers


Hello,

What would be a good match for the Infinity Kappa 7.1 speakers?   I use to have a Nakamichi AV1 that broke.  I saw few Nakamichi AV10 in eBay but don't know how reliable they would be...  any other suggestions?
luis1216
Sorry, I just realized you posted in Home Theater section.

Not many high current AVR's are available new today but maybe the likes of NAD, Anthem, and Arcam.  Maybe Cambridge Audio also.

Bill
luis,

Do you need a multi-channel HT receiver or is a 2-channel stereo receiver OK? If a 2-channel receiver is OK, something like the Nakamichi  TA-4A would be awesome. However, with any vintage receiver they may need servicing or an overhaul to insure long-term reliability.

A better choice might be a more modern integrated amp from Arcam, NAD, Anthem, etc. More power, better sounding, but less features than a receiver (except for the very best receivers). 
Reubent,

Im open to a 2-channel.   A 5.1 multi-channel will be okay.  What a loved about the Nakamichi was the very realistic sound that I got.  Is NAD sound realistic as Nakamichi's
My experience with NAD with my Klipsch speakers is a pretty neutral sound signature.  Others have said NAD is "warmish" but with my Klipsch it is "realistic".  I have an NAD T175HD pre/pro combined with a pair of Acurus amps driving my Klipsch Reference setup in my family room.

Bill
luis,

I was not familiar with the Nakamichi AV-10, so I did a bit of research. Based on that, I did not see anything particularly special about the Nak AV-10. I would think that any comparably priced high-end HT receiver would suffice.

However, the Infinity Kappa line of speakers are typically really good sounding speakers and are worthy of better sounding electronics. If you do not plan to power more that 2 channels of speakers (your Kappas), I would suggest you just buy a 2-channel receiver or an integrated amp. Do you need any of the HT features of an HT receiver? Do you need multiple channels of amplification or just 2 channels? Do you use the radio tuner of the receiver? Do you use any of the HT inputs on the receiver? If you don't use those extra channels of amplification or the tuner and HT features of the receiver, why spend money on those features?

If you loved the Nak AV-10 and want another one, just buy one on eBay. I saw them from $200 - $450. Look for a good clean one at a price that fits your budget, and buy it. If you want to try something else, try an Arcam, Rotel or NAD receiver. Better yet, try an integrated amp from one of those companies if you don't need the HT amplification or features. You will probably get better sound.
@luis1216,

What type of budget are you working with? AVR’s can vary from as little as $279 for Denon’s entry level AVR-S510BT all the way up to $6000 for Arcam’s flagship AVR850. Once I know that, I can make some recommendations for you.

Take care,

-David
Hi David I'm looking for something between $500 and $1000.  Don't have to be new but in good condition.  I prefer multichannel AVRs up to 5.1, my place is not that big to put 7 speakers, 5 is okay, the room is about 22x22 feet (kitchen/leaving/dining room).  Of course, I liked the Nak for the realistic sound. 

Luis
Hi Luis,

Sorry for the delay in response - we've been slammed this past week. In that price range, your best bet would probably be either the Yamaha Aventage RX-A860 (msrp $999) or the Onkyo TX-NR757 (msrp $799). I'll send you a PM with our contact info if you require any further assistance. Take care,

-David
I would get a used but in excellent condition HT avr receiver that has pre outs on back.
Then you can get a decent sounding two channel amplifier to drive the front speakers/Kappas with.
You can use the HT avr receivers amplifiers to drive the center and rear channels. 
I have their little brothers, the kappa 5.1's and also their big brother the kappa 8.1's

These speakers aren't the easiest to drive and also aren't the most efficient thus I would highly suggest whatever receiver you get, buy one with pre amp outputs.  Then when money is available buy a 2 channel amp to power the kappas, they sound much better this way.  

These speakers aren't the amp killers that the 9/9.1 was, but they still need a bit of juice to sound good.  
I would recommend a Yamaha R-N 803 stereo receiver, with 100 w/ch and able to drive lower ohm speakers they are a good choice.