AVRs and serious music listening are entirely compatible, provided you know what you are doing.
Uh, due respect, no. Just...no. And it’s not a matter of setup either. AVRs are designed to meet a price point the mass market will accept, which of necessity means more critical and expensive parts (i.e. power supplies, etc.) are of significantly lesser quality than those that can be incorporated into a good standalone stereo preamp, amp, or integrated. Not to say AVRs can’t sound decent and be entertaining to listen to, but no one who’s serious about sound quality uses an AVR. Period, full stop. Heck, even people serious about surround music will use a better quality AVP and separate amp, not an AVR.
It’s a myth propagated by purists unable to accept the digital era is a massive step forward over the limits of tapes and valves. It’s sad they seem unable to let go of the past and keep finding excuses why analog is superior.
Digitally-sourced and -processed music can sound fantastic, it’s AVRs that are inferior.
