My current setup consists of a Luxman integrated amp (70wx2), Axiom M80's, and an Axiom (AX500?) Sub. The Lux amp is musical, clean and very dynamic. It seems to have quite a bit of headroom, as it plays cleaner and louder than it's 70 watts suggest (even before I got the super-efficient M80's). And that's where my dillema begins. I would like to get an HT receiver, but I'm afraid that without spending a fortune, I'll lose the musicality and power of the Lux. I've tried a Denon 1602 (similar power rating) and frankly it was a huge disappointment. For movies, it was amazing, but for music it sounded dead and lifeless. As I "opened it up", it started to distort very early, and ran out of breath. With the Lux, high volume levels seem effortless, right up to the point when the 80's drop below 4ohms and the safety shuts it down.

Ideally, I would love to get a surround pre-amp and straight power blocks, but I fear this is out of my current reach. Any suggestions??

Define your current reach.

$1000 Canadian - Sorry, please don't laugh.

Don't laugh, Panasonic SA HE200, extremely powerful, extremely musical home theater receiver, about $500 US. (tends to run a bit warm)

Personally, I've given up on Harman Kardon, had problems with my last 2, AVR65 and an AVR520 - I've given up on HK, you're results may differ.

I've had good results with an Onkyo 797, the 600 and 700 may be in your price range. I think the Onkyo receivers I've heard sound very good both for music and HT.

Sony. Don't laugh. I have an STRDB1070 which I love. Don't know what the current corresponding unit is, but this thing is musical (not quite as good as the Onkyo, for music, but very good) and it has SLAM.

Bang for the buck? Panasonic would be my No. 1 pick. Sony No. 2, Onkyo 3. If you raise your budget, things would change pretty quickly.

Good luck. I think a Panasonic - M80 system would be pretty awesome.

One last thing, double check that the receiver you're considering can push a 4 ohm load without shutting down or worse.

I've seen some factory refurbished NADs (in this case T761 I believe) on ebay that went for about CAD 650 with 1 year factory warranty. It was from an actual electronics store -- Red Ball/Bull/something, although I'm not sure if they are an authorized NAD retailer (for warranty purposes).

BUT, if you are interested in NADs you shuold be able to score some nice deals with now as they have a new series of new HT receivers replacing the old 751/761 line. May not have all the toys taht comes with a Denon but stereo music should be quite a bit better

I'll second recommending the Panasonic HE200. (200-K=black, 200-S=silver) In terms of features for the price, it's probably tops. I'm using mine just as a CD/radio stereo receiver (!) but I'm a features snob, and just love playing with digital effects and stuff that the HE200 has.

I bought mine from B&D Electronics Online for $345+$38 shipping to California (all USD); no sales tax. It even came with a Rush Hour 2 DVD and a Panasonic center surround speaker. Great deal.

I've had no problem with my refurb H/K 525 from Onecall. Same warranty as new.

Frank

I just purchased a HK AVR-525. If music is the focus, then this is one to consider. I also have a Yamaha RX-V630 which is great with HT and real good with music. To my ears though, the HK gives a smoother more balanced presentation. At least with the jazz and classical music to which I listen. I also really liked the Marantz 8200, but didn't want to spend over $1k. Happy hunting.

Phil K

Thanks guys. Definitely, music is my main focus. The HK and the NAD certainly peak my interest, and I am leaning that way. If the Panasonic had a 6 channel pre-out, it would go to the top of the list (because of price). That way I could still use my Luxman to drive the 80's, and the onboard amps for centre & surround. Although, I could be misguided in thinking that the amp portion of the Panasonic just won't cut it.

My Panasonic HE200 has no problem driving my M80s, VP150 and QS8s in 5.1 surround. The receiver it replaced, a Technics SA-DX950 didn't have any problem driving the M80s either.

Real80sman:

This is what I was talking about. Looks like they have a few of these availalble for sale.

Ebay link

Thanks all. I have settled for the NAD T761. I have a current high bid on a refurb unit. The auction ends in 11hrs and it will be mine as long as it doesn't go much higher. I have called a few dealers here in Ontario and they said they were blowing them out for $799CDN last year. Hence, I won't pay anymore than that.