Help with new receiver?

[RockinFX]

My receiver just died and I am really cornfuzed by the current market mostly because I am a music (and sports) lover who watches the odd movie, but could really care less about surround sound. I hate paying for features I don't want/need and it seems everything these days is 7.1 or even 7.2. I am mainly after the best audio quality I can get in a 2.1 setup and I may just be SOL in the midrange receiver market, but I thought I'd see if I could get some help here for which I would be eternally grateful.

What I have: Pioneer PDP-6010FD with Dish VIP722 DVR, Oppo DV-983H, Polk Audio Monitor60 x 2, Klipsch SW-350 sub

What I would like:
o budget ceiling $800 or so,
o the ability to do excellent 2.1,
o good room EQ setup (small, oddly shaped area),
o ethernet (for firmware updates minimum)

Q. Would I need to get a dedicated streamer for internet radio and (hopefully) wireless audio streaming or do receivers do that well enough these days?

I am obviously no expert, but that's why I am asking here. BTW I guess I should mention that I have a genetic allergy to iTunes (I've tried drugs - no dice) so features like "it will let your i* rule the world" don't do anything for me (although if AirPlay or whatever comes along for the ride, that's fine).

Grateful thanks for any assistance!

 

[bikemig]

I'm with you; I love music and I use an AV receiver with a 2.1 set-up. You might think about the NAD T-747 which is currently selling for $599, http://www.crutchfield.com/s_745T747/NAD-T747.html?tp=179. It is great for music. It does not have ethernet but streaming music can be difficult to do right. I use a Squeezebox Touch which sounds great through the receiver (I use the analog inputs since the Touch has a first rate dac); that will make it easy to access internet radio plus stream any music you have ripped. The two together will be a little over your budget (since the Touch runs $300) but you will, I think, really like the combination.

 

[RockinFX]

Hey, thanks bikemig!! That is exactly the kind of info I need. I am really happy to hear thet the SB Touch works well for you, too. I was considering that as an addition when my trusty old receiver lost its mojo. If I can get quality audio and reliable streaming then I will be a very happy camper indeed, budget be hanged! Thanks so much for the reply!!

 

[bikemig]

Here is a good review of the NAD T-747, http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/nad_t747.htm. It's a great product for the price; there are a tons of reviews for the SB Touch. Like I said, it sounds so good via the onboard dac that I use the analog inputs on the receiver and have it set to analog bypass when the Touch is the source. The SQ is excellent.

 

[RockinFX]

Thanks again for the great info, bikemig. Man, that was a reviewer's choice at $1200, too. No idea what they originally retailed for, but I have to believe that it's a lot o' bang fer the buck at $599! Thanks a lot for the positive real world Touch review as well. I have ~160 GB of audio in FLAC format on my laptop and it has frustrated the daylights outta me that I didn't have a means to just stream it to the receiver. Look out now, heh heh. Much appreciated again.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would buy this LIKE-NEW Denon 3311 from Amazon for $682 IMMEDIATELY before someone pick it up:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003LVZYNI/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&qid=1308075562&sr=8-2&condition=used

Buying from Amazon direct (not 3rd party) is a no-brainer. If anything is wrong or missing or not 100% to your satisfaction working order, you can return it without question and free of charge!

I have 100% faith in amazon.

That Denon will not LAST long! Better grab it FAST.

Like-New means it is practically brand new and you get the full factory warranty.

And if you are wondering, Amazon is Denon Authorized! In fact, Amazon is an authorized dealer of everything they sell.