Budget friendly receiver choice


I want to stay with 5.1 (or better, don't see the need/benefit vs trouble of 7.2 etc) but also use the system for audio a lot. 

I have a dedicated 18" Dayton 18-22 sub (sealed enclosure)  with the excellent amp from the Elemental Design A7. Front tower speakers (various, experimenting, changing, still not found the final one). 

On my wish list:

- DSP

- pre out (so I can use other amps I have)

- nice: use build in amps for bi amping (Anthem MRX 710 i read offers that option0

- stable (to drive critical speakers if need be)

- low price certainly under $1,000 , $600 preferred (so used obviously)

- probably should be able to feed 4k TV (Vizio M75 currently)

- ideal (but not done anymore): pre/main amp split (remember these small metal U shaped bridges that good full amps had?) 

 

I mentioned the Anthem MRX 710 because I just saw one offered locally (without the software/mic). To stay under $600, I likely need to make more compromises. 

 

Suggestions (full make/model so I can look up prices and reviews)? 

kraftwerkturbo

I’d add using 2.1 audio — a decent sub (or preferably 2 subs) well set up can really do wonders listening in stereo.  Well worth a try I’d think.  Just a thought.  Enjoy!!!

Soix: yes, 2.1 Audio, 5.1 Audio, and looking to buy (3rd attempt, 2 first players I bought were NOT able to play SACD; need palyer that offers SACD over HDMI, have a list of Sony players, need to find a cheap one). 

I had an Onkyo for several years, frankly can't remember the model number, it seemed similar to yours but had no RC.  It worked fine, no issues, sounded excellent.  I switched to Anthem 520 because I wanted the ARC, but the Onkyo was reliable

First impression (2 channel audio, played from cheap CD player via optical and same CD played from computer via 30 ft USB C cable to Shiit DAC, then cheap RCA to receiver) was very impressive (the Shiit combination was NOTICEABLY better, assume the Panasonic CD player is NO GOOD).