Now that I own high end Axiom speakers, I am thinking of selling my low end Denon and purchasing a better receiver, or seperate amp / processor. Many good deals pop up right after Christmas, so now is a good time to start looking!

I have these speakers:

mains: M22ti
Center: VP150
rears: QS8
sub: EP350

I also have a pair of M3's in the bedroom. If I get a 6.1 or 7.1 system, I will either move the M3's in the living room or purchase more QS8's.

My receiver is a Denon 1602. The main reason why I want to switch is at 70wpc, it doesn't let me reach reference levels. It also does not have any 6.1 capabilities, and a lot of DVD's now are coming out in 6.1

Got a price point in mind?

Yes

I would like to spend a maximum of 2000$ canadian, for either an integrated receiver or seperates. Obviously, I prefer seperates so I can upgrade later, but I know I would have to spend more to get good quality.

$2000 Canadian? So that's like $20 US? Only teasing.

In all serious, that's about $1300, right? You could get a great preamp for that price, but your amp would suffer, in my opinion. If you can extend that by a couple hundred dollars you'd be in the price range of the Denon AVR-3803 which is a VERY cool receiver. It also has preouts so it can be used as a pre-amp, which is actually a pretty common use by A/V nuts I've seen due to the huge feature load. In addition to some pretty spectacular digital circuitry and the ability to eliminate video functions to devote all circuits to clean audio, 7.1 capability and DVD-A analog inputs for all 7.1 channels, it also upconverts S-Video and composite to component video, meaning you only need one cable to act as a monitor out to your television (something I wish my 4802 did...)

That way, you can add better amps later once you have the money to do so.

http://www.denon.ca/hapdfs/avr3803.pdf

Ravi, you may recall that about 6 months ago on Home Theater we were discussing your 1602 and relative power ratings. It was pointed out that using a typical speaker with a 90 db output at 1 watt, your 70 watt 1602 would allow a speaker output of 108.45db, a 100 watt amp 110db and a 140 watt amp 111.45db. The point of course was that even doubling the amp power would result only in a 3db increase from an already very high level. The reason I bring this up again is that unless your 1602 has developed a problem and is distorting at lower levels, you're not going to get all that much more volume level capability from a more powerful amp.

More features is a better reason to get new equipment and the 3803 would be an excellent choice if you're willing to pay that much. Note however that if 6.1 or even 7.1 capability is the main point, you can get that for less.

Rotel RSX-1055 is a little less than $2000 taxes in. Currently setup with 5.1 with pre-outs to make 6.1 or 7.1. Good for movies and great for stereo "affectionados". Real rated power at 100w x 2 or 75w x 5. Most other brands claim certain power specs but when atually rated it powers lower.

http://rotel.com/HomeTheater/index.htm

Another good model if you can find it in-stock is Onkyo Integra 7.2

http://www.integrahometheater.com/

JohnK,

yes, I do remember that. Although, after seeing that newer receivers and amps have better options, and of course now wanting 6.1 (at least), and more watts giving me more headroom and cleaner power, I have been inclined to take a look. If I see a very good deal, I will take it. So far, it seems to be somewhat out of my price range to get a unit that will truly upgrade my system.

A better processor would result in cleaner and more detailed sound, as well...

I would recommend you audition some new receivers and determine if they fit your need rather than following rated power level measurements. Specmanship is a major issue in the audio world which is why I prefer to follow the only tool I trust in this hobby, my ear.

I can speak for the Denon 3802. I picked one up used for about $500US. Sounds great and I like the way it looks. I picked up a Harman Kardon for my bedroom (AVR-125) and while it's on the low end (45wpc, 5.1) it powers my M1's, Mzero's wonderfully. I can't imagine one of the higher end HK's not sounding as good.

If you want to move to separates, both will act as preamps also.