Home Theatre AVR recommendations (Anthem, NAD vs Denon, pioneer, marantz)


Hello,

I’m looking to buy a new home theatre receiver, which would get used about 50/50 time as surround and as a two channel system. I’m trying to get a sense on how much of a difference I will see between something like a the lower end of an NAD (like a T748) or something by Anthem or Emotiva versus big named brands that I could buy for a little cheaper (Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo) and direct some of the savings towards speakers. I’m looking to spend not much more than $1000 on the receiver, could always spend less! Could maybe be convinced to spend a little more. Would ideally buy new, but could also buy used.

I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Will only really have one source hooked up to it. Would sometimes carry 3D signals via HDMI, but if the HDMI on a unit doesn’t support that, I’m happy to bypass the video and patch audio in optically. Airplay, network, spotify.... don’t need these. Not certain on whether I need/want room correction. Coming mostly from a 2-channel background and knowledge of things, I’m dubious of EQs and processing, but I understand that home theatre is a different beast. So maybe that would be good to have. Only need 5.1, but wouldn’t pass up considering the right 7.1 model. Would also really prefer for have 5.1 full surround pre-outs, just for the options of patching in a different amp.

It’s for a midsize/large-ish room, but won’t ever really need to be cranked at full capacity. Would only ever be for modest listening volumes (viewing/listening room in a work setting). That said, I do value/desire clarity and clearness in the sound with good tonal balance and imaging. And while I don’t need a lot of power, I do want it to have enough bang to drive a wide range of speakers.

I don’t actually have speakers selected for this yet. Ha! which maybe is the wrong way to go about it. But I’m trying to figure out a receiver budget so i can determine how much is left for speakers. It will be mini-monitors/bookshelves. no stand mounts. Something like Paradigm or NHT.


p_oto
Given that you're using a sub and not listening at loud levels, I'd think the Yamaha could be enough even though the 685s dip to 3.5 Ohms at some point.  But as you're auditioning and if you find a speaker you like just as well without the impedance dip so much the better.  Lots of good speaker choices in that price range these days.  However, if it's me I'd go with the Anthem as it has more robust power and probably has a better preamp section, which can make a huge difference as many AVRs fall short in this critical area. 
i agree that of your choices the anthem is a cut above, but if you do go with b&w, i'd look at rotel which is owned by the same company and is frequently paired/voiced with b&w
If you are set on speaker choice, then as suggested  above you'll want to get an AVR that will pair well sonically.  Nothing worse than getting a forward sounding pair of speakers, and then pairing them with a forward sounding amp.  Bright, harsh and ear fatiguing is the danger.


Denon AVR-X4000, -X4100, -X4200 all are within your budget and sound very good for the money...
I own a pair of the 685s driven by an NAD 50wpc amp. No problem driving them with this amp.