Need a jumpstart to AVR Shopping please

[gixxerific]

As some of you know my Denon just went to a fiery grave for the 2nd time!!! I don't hate Denon first time was all my fault 2nd time well...

I am looking for a receiver\pre-pro that is 5.1 at least with good power (100+ watts or so). I want something that will do HT but my MAIN concern is 2-channel. I would also like adjust ability in the sound field, EQ's, time correction all that good stuff. Price range $1000 give or take $500 (my wife would say about $300 - $400 but she sucks)!

Are there any good pre-pro's that do ht that won't cost an arm and a leg, considering amps would have to be purchased a as well. That is where I will be headed but one step at a time.

If not I will go with an AVR for now than go to amps than a pre-pro.

Any ideas would be appreciated, I just purchased Some Focal Chorus 836's they are most awesome but I want good electronics to back them up, not my very 'ol skool Onkyo that is running them now. I have given a quick look to Denon, Onkyo, Integra, NAD among others.

Thanks Dono

 

[Highbar]

I would look into a mid level receiver from Yamaha or Onkyo with pre-amp outs and an amp. I would say Denon but none of their mid level receivers have pre-outs. You could get an Emotiva UPA-7 or maybe a XPA-5, which is a bit more expensive and with a receiver will push you over $1000. Both are 4Ohm stable and will put out some good power. That way you'll get all the new codecs and the power and stability you need for your speakers. Than when you have the money you can upgrade to a true pre-pro if you feel the need.

 

[gixxerific]

Thanks Highbar, that is pretty much what I was thinking just looking for ideas. I do really want, or should I say will not get anything less than 4 ohm stable. In my car audio world there are no amps less than 2 maybe 1 ohm in my wish list or my vehicles.

 

[Shock]

From what I hear the Onkyo 705 is quite a receiver, and can be had on amazon for a good bargain.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR705S-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B000OBJW1I/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240081216&sr=8-1

 

[CraigV]

I’ve heard good things about the Yamaha V663

But really, there’s no substitute for an external amp

 

[highfigh]

As some of you know my Denon just went to a fiery grave for the 2nd time!!! I don't hate Denon first time was all my fault 2nd time well...

I am looking for a receiver\pre-pro that is 5.1 at least with good power (100+ watts or so). I want something that will do HT but my MAIN concern is 2-channel. I would also like adjust ability in the sound field, EQ's, time correction all that good stuff. Price range $1000 give or take $500 (my wife would say about $300 - $400 but she sucks)!

Are there any good pre-pro's that do ht that won't cost an arm and a leg, considering amps would have to be purchased a as well. That is where I will be headed but one step at a time.

If not I will go with an AVR for now than go to amps than a pre-pro.

Any ideas would be appreciated, I just purchased Some Focal Chorus 836's they are most awesome but I want good electronics to back them up, not my very 'ol skool Onkyo that is running them now. I have given a quick look to Denon, Onkyo, Integra, NAD among others.

Thanks Dono

Assuming the Denon did everything you wanted other than blow up, have you thought about just buying enough channels of amplification to replace what went away (if it has pre-out)?

If you have dealers that don't buy direct from Denon, they will carry the 3 digit models that correspond to other 4 digit models. The AVR-989 is the first one in the Denon line with full pre-out capability. It lists for $1199 but you should be able to get a better price.