The onkyo's are very good on hometheater but no too good on music. I think when it comes done to real multi-channel HT/music, YAMAHAS & DENONS are the best AVR'S by far. However, this is just my opinion. I feel if one matches speakers, wires, and line conditioners correctly, the sound just might surprise ya! For example; if you had an AVR-3808CI DENON receiver and Paradigm speakers and cables from Nordust-Blue-Heaven series or wireworld and a line conditioner by Furman will produce a sound that would be lights-out/amazing! Another example; if your a YAMAHA fan like me, one would want to match gear correctly. First of all, if one had an AVR-YAMAHA RX-Z9 AV receiver, Klipsch spealers, and cables from straight wire and wireworld,MIT, plus a line conditioner from Furman, the sound produce would be astonishing better than anything you ever heard!
best AVR for dual use in HT/music?
I have looked at the Denon 3810CI, the Onkyo TX-nr807, some of the HK units, and the Yamaha RX-V1900. I am not sure which one would sound the best when used for 2-channel music. I run a 2.1 system - B&W 685s and a HSU VTF-1 sub. Head unit is a 15 year old Yami changer, but will replace with either lossless AIFF from an Airport Express or a used Rotel RCC-1055 changer. Has anyone used any of the above AVRs for music? which one works the best?