OK, for fun and purely hypothetical (maybe). Let's say you've got 3 to 4000 burning a hole in your pocket, slotted for a new receiver. Spousal acceptance a major factor, ruling out separates (space considerations). Also a bonus would be a unit small enough to fit into current rack without major mods (making the Denon 5802 a problem, for example).
Short list includes new Pioneer Elite VSX-49TX ($4200), Kenwood VR-5900 ($3000), B&K AVR 307 ($3500), and Denon 5802.
Pioneer has THX ultra2 and all the goodies, including an auto-calibration feature measuring delays and SPLs! Also has bass management for DVD-audio. B&K has a room customization feature that seems nice; lacks DPL 2. Good reputation company as well. Kenwood just got a nice review from audiorevolution (ecoustics.com).
Any thoughts? If you had that much money (and who doesn't, really?
) which would you like? Anyone who would avoid these on company reputation alone? Or what would your dream receiver be? Out of curiosity, IYHO, would separates give better performance for the same price, and still offer the the HT features?
Remember, any arguments must be awfully persuasive to sway the spousal acceptance vote! (Though the maple finish on the new M60s really won her over!)
