Picking a mid-tier HT receiver for optimal audio


Budget won't allow for separates for a while, but in the next few months I may upgrade my HTIB Onkyo 7.1 100w/ch receiver (which sounds surprisingly good btw).

As long as it gets the basic job done on 7.1 HT duty, I'm not too concerned about HT features (I let my TV do the HDMI switching, for instance). I'm looking to get the absolute most out of the audio quality, since this is also my primary 2-channel listening system.

The systems I've been looking at so far include:

Denon 3806
Outlaw 1070
Sherwood Newcastle R985
NAD T773

I'd love to hear some recommendations for a system that will give me great sounding audio in this range...

Thanks!

fwiw the rest of my setup:

Audionote DAC 1.1
Amphion Argon front l/r
Gallo Nucleus surrounds
joncourage
I am downsizing my HT. New Baby directives! I will be trying a few Receivers in the next month or so. I'll post my opinions if you wish.

I have heard nearly all of them already (not Sherwood, Outlaw, or NAD though), and not in my system. I agree, the Onkyo's do sound good. I liked the Yamaha sound as well.

I will be trying an Arcam first.
Guess I meant the R965.... whoops.

How about thoughts on:

Arcam
Anthem
Marantz

relative to the ones previously mentioned...???

Any clear leaders for 2-ch audio in the group?
I have a Boston Acoustics AVR-7120 (same as the Sherwood) and it has proven to be very nice in many ways. The USB input is nice too.
I think a used rotel 1056 for 800-900 or the NAD will be solid for audio performance.