Seeking Streaming Receiver Recommendations

I had a friend just like this. "I'm NOT an audiophile!" 

Okay. Whatever. 

So what I told him, go to a few stores, listen to a few things. Listen to some stuff that you know you can easily afford. Listen to some more expensive stuff. Then keep going until you find something you really like but know for damn sure your wife would never let you get no matter how much you want it.

Much to my surprise he actually did this.

So okay. Next step is, you go back and listen to the three best, one from each category- cheap, affordable, dream on- only this time with your wife, and you bring along a CD of her favorite music. And you never play anything but HER favorite music.

Well of course, as predicted, the wife was pushing him to buy the best, most expensive, and she even told him, "We are not going to spend our time listening to that other crap!" 

So what did we learn? "Audiophile" is a dirty word. Duh. I mean, look around. Music, however, people will pay a lot for.

You and your friends are well-advised to consider the speakers they have now as a albatross around their necks. They should go and listen.

Thanks MC - very reasonable advice, but not going to happen.  We live in a remote town, no nearby options. That's why I want recommendations for something that is going to be a good bet from the start. I would like to get something with 60-100 wpc, and I'm not convinced that Class D will be good for the Spicas - although it might be good enough for them and they would like the "green, low energy use" aspect. I agree that the Spicas limit their choices, but the energy just isn't there to pursue other options. They like the Spicas well enough..

So - still looking for recommendations!

I'd recommend Yamaha for its combination of sound quality and reliability. Many people here have had good success and gotten great prices from Accessories4less.com. They deal in new units that have been factory refurbished by the manufacturer, so basically they're like new with full warranty. If they don't need all the latest bells n whistles, they can save a bundle by buying a model that's a generation or two old. Here's a model from Yamaha's upscale Aventage line that's not the newest model but still offers Airplay, Bluetooth, and streaming from various services including Spotify.  At 90Wpc it should drive the Spicas just fine, within reason.  Retailed for $750 new but you can get it now for $300.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa760bl/yamaha-rx-a760-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-a/v-...

If they want more power and can spend a little more, this $480 Marantz (retailed for $1000) has a similar feature set but puts out 100Wpc with a beefier power supply that probably does better with sub 4-Ohm loads if they're really gonna crank it. 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr5012/marantz-sr5012-7.2-ch-x-100-watts-a/v-r...

As they're not audiophiles I'm sure they'll be thrilled with either, so their decision may come down to price and looks.  One other thing that might factor into the final decision -- Yamaha has been one of the most reliable AVRs on the market to the point where you rarely, if ever, hear of any problems.  Marantz isn't bad on that score but not as good as Yamaha, and they have had some issues in the past.  I'd definitely avoid NAD, Onkyo, and Harmon Kardon due to very spotty reliability in the past.  Hopefully somewhere in there they can find a balance.  Anyway, hope this helps and best of luck in your search.