AV receiver for B&W DM603S3

[newbird]

I am going to buy my first HT shortly (50% movie, 50% pop music). This is the system (better < $2500 - 3000 ) that i will probably go for:

L/R: B&W 603 S3
Centre: B&W LCR 60
Surround: B&W DM 303
AV reciever: Marantz SR-4400

I am worrying about that the Marantz receiver cannot reproduce good music and thus i am wondering whether i shall spend more on the AV receiver (e.*. Onkyo 801) or whether i shall buy an entry-level integrated amplifier.

Could anyone get any advice for me?

Thanks a LOT !!!

 

[kudeta]

As I said in the other post, look at the Rotel RSX 1056, Fantastic sound especially matched with the B&W's. IMO the best AV receiver for music at its pricepoint on the market.

 

[nm2285]

If you want to stick closer to the price of the Marantz, just upgrade to the 5400 or 6400. They, IMO, handidly outperform the 4400 and for not much more money.

 

[Colonel_Tomb]

As I said in the other post, look at the Rotel RSX 1056, Fantastic sound especially matched with the B&W's. IMO the best AV receiver for music at its pricepoint on the market.

The Rotel is very good, but the notion that it's "perfectly matched for B&W speakers" is just marketing hype -- they're owned by the same company and sold by the same dealers, and that's what they're gonna tell ya; take it for what it is.

I think you'll be fine with any good mid-level A/V receiver from the likes of Marantz, Rotel or Denon. I matched B&W 700-series speakers with Adcom separates, and I'm very happy.