What 2 Channel Receiver would be a good choice?

The Krell KAV 300i is the same thing as a 300r, just minus the tuner section. You find a ton current and former 300i owners.

I find this subject interesting because I really like the practicality of a good receiver. The Krell is really good and there is one on audiogon right now for about $1900. I'm sure the Magnum is good too. If you want to save some money you might consider a Denon DRA-685 or a Yamaha RX-777. These retail for about 600 or about 300 used. The Denon has a very nice amp and tuner and both units have a lot of features. The Harmon Kardon stereo receivers have good amps but have less features than the Denon and Yamaha. Rotel used to make a stereo receiver but I don't know if they still do. If you can find one they are very good and cost less than 1,ooo. If you want to consider an HT unit for future possibilities with your plasma tv take a look at the Marantz line. They perform very well in stereo and in HT and if your family wants HT in the future you wouldn't have to buy a new unit. Harmon Kardon is a possibilty here too, but I like the Marantz better. Incidentally I believe these receivers can all handle a 4 ohm load but if you have speakers which are really hard to drive you would probably want to go with the Krell, Magnum or Rotel. Hope this helps.

I used to own a Magnum MD-208. It is a good receiver, but I could never figure out why it made the ''A'' rating in Stereophiles recommended list. It has a good tuner, but the amplification system for many of the ones found used is the ''economy,'' line Celeste from Sim Audio, not even the Moon standard. I think the amp inside the newer units are made by tuner-experts Magnum now. To get a glimpse as to how it would sound - have a listen at Magnums own integrated. I'm not certain it is better than the previous ''SIM''' generation....But it is certainly an atractive package and does sound nice. It also lights up like a Christmas tree at night with all those LED's on the faceplate - that was quite a surprise to me. I think McIntosh is probably the only manufacturer that can do this in style - but hey, the 208 is still a nice unit.

No one has mentioned the NAD line of electronics so I will, NAD. If you are going to spend $2000.+ on a reciever go with a intergrated and a tuner.

I saw the current Rotel stereo receiver at a local dealer yesterday. It is the RX-1050 and retails for $800. Used it goes for 500-600. This is a nice looking unit with 100 wpc and remote. Also can power 2 sets of speakers. Just thought I'd let you know.