Best sounding processor

I was having anxiety living with my Yamaha for almost 5 years and not liking the sound. It had tons of options and modes to pick from but just sounded terrible (as compared to anything 2 channel).

I took the advice of others and bought an Anthem, used 720, and the sound is stellar. Not many options to choose from, but once you run ARC, the sound is so sublime, I don't need to tweak more. Very happy I bit the bullet and was also able to get some decent money for my used 2060.

I believe the latest designs from the major players have pretty good sound from the reviews so for sure Anthem is not the only game in town for good audio.

I can say from experience that you also want to avoid Onkyo and Emotiva.

A lot of people favor Marantz but I find it harsh and bright sounding.  Listen for yourself. 

Anthem is my pick as well.

Check out Sony too.

A lot of people favor Marantz but I find it harsh and bright sounding.

Sorry @erik_squires, but no. Just...no. I worked for Magnolia for a bit, and of all the AVRs out there Marantz was the LEAST harsh and bright sounding — polar opposite actually — so I’d like to know how you’re coming up with this assessment because it’s just COMPLETELY counter to all my actual experience.

wouldnt it sound better with tubes? I now use a tube preamp which is a nice added layer on top of av processor.

So @emergingsoul, how do ya like burning those tubes for TV and movie watching? That’d grind my gears, but that’s me.

Soix,

Tubes add more more life, vibrance, fuller and better vocals within music.  Is flattish absent tubes. 
 

you need some oil for yur gears.