Please help! I really don't want to make a bad choice on a new receiver. People here seem to know their stuff and I humbly ask for your advice.

Just got Axioms (M22s, QS8s, Sub, and Center) and need to dump my weak Technics receiver. I listen to probably 65 music/35 movies. The receiver will be connected to Pioneer 563 and a Sony cd changer. I am also interested in moving to a multi-amp setup someday for perhaps higher fidelity in stereo listening. I could be talked into spending more than my budget. : )

Lastly, I will be getting a Denon 2803 in a day or two for audition and a local shop has a NAD T752 that I can take home as well. I have read about problems with NADs on the internet. Have not read about problems with Denon's but read that they are "bright" and "tiring". And, that this may not be a good match for M22s.

Receivers I have been looking at are:

Denon 2803 (in price range)
NAD T753 (might be a stretch in price)
NAD T752 (don't know price)
NADT743 (in price range)
Rotel? (have no knowledge of this brand)

bring the denon and the nad home and try them out. see which one sounds better to you. the denons come highly recommended around here, so you pretty much cant go wrong there.

my only suggestion to you is... once you decide and buy one, be confident in your decision and dont let those little 'voices' start to talk to you. the next newer and bigger thing will always be coming along, but dont get the upgrade bug. enjoy what you get for a while.

bigjohn

"enjoy what you get for a while"

- good advice. they all sound great. my worries this time is that I don't get something that I can add on too.

i dont know about the nad, but the denon 2803 should have pre ins/out for adding additional power at a later date. just check the specs on each one.. and buying an additional amp a few years from now for added power will be much cheaper than having to get a whole new receiver.

bigjohn

I'd go with the NAD 75X series. They will have more "real world power." Although, the Denon will have more than enough power for most applications. And I'm pretty sure all of the NAD's have pre-outs for additional amps.

Riff, these days it would be hard to make a really bad choice in a receiver. Unless it would be operated beyond its power capabilities(rare except in very large rooms at very high volume)it will provide transparent amplification of what's given to it. In particular, the 2803 is excellent and what you read about "bright" or "tiring" is pure hogwash; the only thing about receivers that might be considered to be "bright" or "warm" is the color of the case. Pick the features that you want at the best price you can get; one feature that should be given special weight is the automatic equalization feature available on some Denon(3805), Pioneer and Yamaha models.

JohK hit it on the head. Almost can't make a mistake in the price range you are looking at. You may want to add the Denon 3803 and 3805 to your short list (more features than the 2803), but the 2803 is an outstanding receiver. Since you can take them home to audition, let your ears guide you.

BTW - I debated the same thing you are right now before I bought the Denon 1803 (now 3803). The sepaqrates were a tad pricey, but manageable. I finally went after the 3803 because of the features it offered. my sense was, unless I wanted to spend more than I thought necessary, was the 3803 (as well as the 2803) was the better choice. If I felt that II needed more power, both of the Denons act as pre/pros and an amplifier could be added later. I currently don't feel the need for an amplifier. The 3803 is a beast. Please pardon the rambling.

I'll second Ray3. I haven't regretted my 3803 purchase (it won over the marantz sr6400 - mostly b/c denon has a research facility at GA Tech and my tech friends are all denon nuts and convinced me thusly, to my dad's chagrin).

my 2.

^billy

Took the NAD T743 home tonight. Weird is all I can say. At first I was very disappointed with the speakers but about two hours later, I was thinking these speakers are amazing. My goodness the clarity is amazing. I can only dream of how these puppies would sound with more power.

Another question I have is what kind of amp could I get to work in conjunction with the T743? I like its sound but I don't like its power. Would the second amp drive the fronts?

Riffman....I had the same experience when I got my NAD T762 paired with my M22's. At first it was difficult to adjust to the amount of new details that I was hearing in the highs. However, on the second day of critical listening, everything sounded great. Oh, how do like the remote (HTR-2)? So far I had it learn all the buttons from my Denon DVD-2200. It's REALLY nice to have one remote for everything. Plus the volume controls for the sub, mains, and surrounds are another thoughtful addition. Now I just need to learn how to set some macros. Also, depending on how much power you need, you have some really good options out there for multi-channel amps. You may want to look into the Marantz MM9000 that Mark uses. Also, be sure to check www.audiogon.com for deals on Parasound and Rotel amps. I've made several purchases there and every single one has been without any problems at all. Fortunately, for me the NAD T762 has more than enough power to make the M22's sing.

Spock, I think the remote on the NAD is fantastic. Really nice.

I was thinking about a couple of Outlaw Mono Amps for the fronts Outlaw Mono Amp . What do you think?

I've read a lot of really good things about the Outlaw Mono Amps. That would definately give you more than enough power for the mains. I would love to hear those little things power a pair of M60's. I don't remember if you've mentioned the size of your listening area, but I would guess you have a medium to large area.

its a medium sized room but with high ceilings. I have also read great things about Outlaw products.