What 2 Channel Receiver would be a good choice?

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.

www.jandr.com is selling the older TEAC reference 500 receivers for $300. I like them better than Rotel because they are less bright IMHO. They are smaller than usual stereo stuff, rated for 4 ohm loads, and put out 50 watts. I also like TEAC better than Harman Kardon. H-K is more like Circuit City stuff while Teac approaches real high end sound. What Hi-Fi? gave the TEAC 5 stars.

If you choose a Krell Intergrated I would make certain it does not make your speakers come off as bright. Some who have had them experienced that artifact,but then changed to Krell dedicated amps which worked fine.

I have seen this with 2 particular speakers. One were NEAR's and the other I forget what they were.

Good luck!