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Yamaha vs Marantz vs Denon

I'm about to replace a stereo amp (NAD c320) with a surround receiver. The top of my list is the Denon avr2309 (around AU$1300-$1500), but I'm after opinions on which of these three brands are considered the most "musical"; that is, the receiver most likely to do a good job of two-channel music.
Most of the receivers in this price range do everything else I want (7.1ch, auto setup, all the new HD codecs, several HDMI in/outs etc), but the deciding factor for me will be the brand that handles stereo music well.

Now I know I should be doing my own listening tests, but it's very hard where I am to find stores carrying all the models I want to compare, let alone finding the time; I value your opinions!!
carl109
carl109 OP
134 posts
 
Thanks for the advice so far. I currently have a pair of B&W DM602's and a Wharfedale sub. I am yet to add any speakers, but would probably look for smaller B&W's for the rears (still 600 series) and a B&W center.

I can't justify the cost or cabinet space to keep a separate stereo setup, hence my desire for the receiver to deal well with music as well as movies.
doggg
31 posts
 
Marantz & denon are owned by the same company. From everything that I've read as well as experienced denon has been better at video and surround processing and the marantz line is talked about as being more musical. Imho this is how they sounded to me when I listened to them. I was comparing the current top of the line marantz and the comparable ($1500) denon.
iplaynaked
193 posts
 
I'd be looking at the Harmon Kardon AVR-354 and/or the best Denon you can afford for your speakers. The HK's have always delivered excellent current for a receiver, and are the most refined at that price point.
Still, I'd be using some receiver like this, and then slidding some slim-built 2 channel amp on top for added "umph" for the L/R...freeing up more current to drive the center and rears. But hey, that's just me...I like good sound and know what a separates amp can do that a receivers amplification can't.
Just know that the receiver will give you 60% of the capable performance, and a better amp will give you another 30%+ performance boost. And that's no stretch
Good luck
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