avr receiver help


i am setting up a home theater system and was wondering what brand avr receiver do you think would sound best with infinity mts preylude speakers and center channel, i am planning on buying something in the $1000 to $1500 price range, but want to get something that will complement my infinitys and will also sound great for two channel music, so preylude owners have you tried different brands of receivers and what one do you prefer.
thanks
greg
128x128okeeteekid
The MTS - which I've owned (and loved for HT/music dubties, BTW)- have a little bit of a foreward presentation, are very clear, uncolored sounding, lots of detail, and very good dynamics. They are still about 6ohm load across, dipping even further. You do have the advantage of some EQ on the subs (do you have the sub modules?), which will help greatly, yes. You may or may not need any other EQ, depending on your room, setup, and acoustics.
If you can get very good smooth results with your speakers alone, in your space, you have options, as far as receivers go. Those speakers deserve the best electronics possible, as long as it complements the speakers (i.e, tonality, current delivery, etc).
All that said, do you need/want the latest codec's, HD, HDMI switching, EQ, etc? If not, used market has Arcam receivers, older Denon flagship's, Integra's are descent, and maybe a B&K, or even a NAD or Outlaw piece, potentially - which should all tonally compliment your MTs', by adding a more relaxed, warmth to the sound, still give good current delivery, etc.
HK's are good for their money, no doubt. Modified, they're even better I've heard. Still, if I went with something like the AVR354, I'd, yes, have em tweaked, and add an outboard amp likely for more "umph". But, they're strong current pieces, so maybe it would be just fine for ya. Dunno.
I would consider separates first, and more costly pieces with your speakers, ideally. Your speakers do potentially want the best you can give em, as I said.
Would I personally stay with a receiver with those speakers? Um, no. But then I know what good separates can do. I'd be looking at the more expensive pieces at a bargain price, with the sound quality and bells-whistles I need. But, the speakers are the most important part of the chain, sonically. So, you might just get some superb sound if you chose right on the AV receiver front.
in that price range I would recommend the Denon 3808ci that I have. It's excellent, great sound, lots of options, much easier than the previous generation user interface.
i have the infinity ren 90's set up for two channel listening in a different room, but i also wanted to listen to the mts preludes in two channel from time to time and i was also thinking that they would sound better with a more relaxed,warmth sounding av receiver but i don't know much about each receivers sound qualitys
i was thinking to go seperates but do not want to go overboard as i did with the ren 90's system, i really just want to get a good recever that will complement the preludes. all your help is greatly appreciated.
thanks
greg
i forgot to mention that i do have the subs that go with the mts towers and i probably don't need all the latest codec's.
thanks
greg
"i was also thinking that they would sound better with a more relaxed,warmth sounding av receiver but i don't know much about each receivers sound qualitys..."

Harmon Kardon AVR354 will fit that description, sonically, for new. Plus you'll have the newest codec's (don't know why you'd settle for inferior resolution, otherwise). Used, most any Denon - the better ones obviously more expensive on used market. So shop around. Also, yes, the Arcam used is superb sounding, but no new codes, HDMI, and no EQ (I think).

"i was thinking to go seperates but do not want to go overboard".

You do have $8k speakers, why would you have $8k speakers and drive em with cheaper electronics?
Overboard? You can easily put together a budget separates system for maximum sound in that budget. You could do a moded HK AVR354, and have money left over for a good outboard amp from Rotel,Parasound,Adcom, etc, that will improve sound, no doubt!
good luck