Opinions on a good HT/Music AVR

You can get something like a Onkyo 9.9 for about $750-$950. Then add on a nice 5 channel amp. Anthem, Emotiva XPA 5, Rotel, B&K, and many more are models are very affordable.

I very much like the XPA 5. Its only $899 brand new. It was a huge improvement from using my Onkyo NR906's internal amp.

Nonsense. I would try the Harmon Kardon AVR 354. Supprisingly good sounding, and can be had for $250 if you look around. Has all latest, minus 3d (who cares) capable.

As for the Nad? ("I have owned a couple of NAD's the I have many problems with, they were terrible"???)

I'm sure I've heard this before?... Oh yeah, for last 15 years...

If you really want to maximize stereo performance, buy a used $250 AVR receiver but get a 2 channel stereo amp and a 2-channel preamp ($2500 combined) with HT pass through. I can tell you from experience, there isn't a 5+ channel amp that can compare with a two channel amp for the same price (or even less for the 2-channel amp).

This is by far and away the best way to go. There isn't an AVR Receiver that will even come close to sound performance for music taking this route.

I have a onkyo txnr 902. After spending thousands on seperates, trying this and that including the butler amp I am happier than ever with the 902. I couldn't believe it but the 902 sounded better than anything else I tried whether I'm listening to 2 channel music or 7.1 movie surround. My audiophile friends wouldn't believe me until they heard it and agreed it sounds great. I'm using sonus faber speaks for 7 channels and a jl f113 for a sub. I definately recomend you look into this receiver. You won't be disapointed.

I come fom high end 2 channel audio world and have to say that - based on personal experience - Arcam makes very good sounding receivers if you're into music as well as HT. I've had several Dennons and I'm just not a fan, especially for music. For a music lover who wants to combine it all into one no muss-no fuss system you can't go wrong with Arcam.

I had excellent performance from my Arcam AVR300 - if I had the bucks I'd do the 600 in a heartbeat. If you could find a demo or used that would be sweet.

NAD and Rotel would be next level down IMO. Onkyo has some very good sounding budget receivers and are worth a listen.

If you're not gonna upgrade any time soon buy one of the upper end Arcams and be done.

However, if you're thinking you want to be on an upgrade path, consider buying seperates - I personally have liked Cary gear and think it very underrated. A lot depends on your speakers.

I've bought lots of gear used.demo and would recommend that option.