Suitable Receiver+Amps for Bowers-Wilkins CM8

[FatmanSize48]

Currently I have a bottom line Denon powering a pair of CM8s (L/R), a Mirage OS3 CC (Center), and two Mirage MX surrounds. The receiver is a Denon 1611, with 75 wpc. The receiver sure struggles when I'm using the stereo at high levels...
I did a little background search and I came up with the Pioneer Elite VSX-53, Denon 3312 CI, Marantz SR6006, and the Yamaha RX A1010.

Please note that while performance is important, WAF is almost equal in importance. As of now I have no AV component room to store all of the wonderful amps, zone equalizers, and whatnot that I will eventually accumulate, so the receiver must sit on a shelf in my A/V room for now.

Room is above 3000 cubic square feet

 

[timoteo]

I love what Yamaha Aventage AVRs do with B&W speakers. However if WAF is a major factor then id have to say that Pioneer Elites take the cake in the looks department! Not saying Yamahas look bad but just not as good as the Elites IMHO.

 

[agarwalro]

a pair of CM8s (L/R), a Mirage OS3 CC (Center)

Technically this mismatch should be fixed before the Receiver upgrade. (Assuming this is not bothering you) Tabling the discussion for now...

Too bad the Denon 1611 does not have pre-outs. So adding a 3ch amp is out of the picture. All the receivers you listed have more or less the same performance. Pick the heaviest (literally ) or whichever has the features (or looks for WAF) you prefer or is the cheapest.

 

[FatmanSize48]

I'm afraid to buy the B&W CM Center (The small one) due to the fact that it has been out for a while; What if a new one comes out next year? I haven't been able to find any rumors of a new one, but....

 

[Knucklehead90]

If you think like that you'll never be able to buy anything. Timbre matching the speakers across the front three is very important - at least it is to me. Mine is seamless - I'd be willing to bet your's isn't.

 

[FatmanSize48]

CM center it is. Consider this thread closed.