Seeking Streaming Receiver Recommendations

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. 

Thanks @soix   I would definitely have gone for the Yamaha (the 2-channel version), but it turns out the depth is to big - their shelf is not big enough. The 2-ch Marantz has a smaller form factor, but it is only 50 wpc, which I think is on the low side.  Accessories4less has the integra DTM-7.  Any feedback on that?

I recently recommended the Bluesound Powernode to my friend for his Spica TC-60 speakers. He’s very happy with it. Radio stations can be streamed along with the usual streaming services. A nice and compact one-box solution.

I have the Integra DTM-7 (2 ch, class A/B receiver) in my BR system and Marantz SR5012 (7 ch. class A/B receiver) as HT hub in my main system.

Both are 100WPC into 8 ohms.  Both have streaming and I have used both extensively to stream Tidal before I got a better streamer for my main system.  Both were about $600 when I got them but Marantz was on clearance because the 5013 had been released, original msrp $1k.

Of the two, I prefer the Marantz house sound (amplifier/ dac characteristics) and also the Marantz streamer interface (Heos control application better than Play Fi).  The Marantz has AK4458 dac chip and Integra has AK 4438, if memory serves.  The 4458 has slightly better specs, FWIW.  To my ears the Marantz sound is a bit warmer while the Integra is a bit brighter. YMMV.

But I really like that Integra produces a full-size 2ch receiver, whereas Marantz doesn't (all multi-channel I think).  

All that said, I'm pretty happy with both of them.