Who Makes The Best Possible Recievers

[CrazyCollector04]

I was reading the owners manual for the Acoustimass 16 Series II and it says that i'm also going to need a good reciever to use this system and I was wondering what are some of the best available. I'm not dead set on getting the Acoustimass 16 Series II yet just an option. I know now that I must start with the best reciever.

[coolmilo]

"Best" is a subjective word. I am sure that 10 people will respond with 10 different "best" receivers.

My friends who are really into the high end home theater use Anthem equipment (http://www.anthemav.com/).

Personally I have B&K and I am quite happy. Like many, I am waiting for the next generation receivers with HDMI 1.3 before I make my next purchase.

[MatrixS2000]

Lexicon or Anthem.

[MatrixS2000]

BTW - ^ those are both processors not receivers....

But if your going to spend the $ go for separates - you will always need power amps, but processors are replaceable/upgradeable (remember dolby pro logic, dolby digital, now uncompressed pcm). Every time you replace a receiver your wasting the $ in the amplifier section and spending $ again on the amplifier section of your new receiver.

[coolmilo]

Originally Posted by MatrixS2000

BTW - ^ those are both processors not receivers....

But if your going to spend the $ go for separates - you will always need power amps, but processors are replaceable/upgradeable (remember dolby pro logic, dolby digital, now uncompressed pcm). Every time you replace a receiver your wasting the $ in the amplifier section and spending $ again on the amplifier section of your new receiver.

I agree with you that separates are the way to go if you have the $$$.

Your reminded me: I heard a rumor from my local hifi dealer that Anthem is going to release a receiver by the end of the year. They believe it will sell in the $3500 price range. Unfortunately that was the only details they would offer me.

One other point, these better manufacturers usually have good upgrade paths to sort of protect your investment.

Finally, it was also recommended to me to check out Emotiva (http://www.emotiva.com). They offer incredible deals for awesome equipment. They do so by cutting out the middle man (web sales only I think).

I am a little disappointed with B&K because it seems that they have not released anything new in a couple years. Perhaps they are waiting for the HDMI 1.3 stuff. I really do enjoy my receiver and I hope that B&K makes a comeback.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by CrazyCollector04

I was reading the owners manual for the Acoustimass 16 Series II and it says that i'm also going to need a good reciever to use this system and I was wondering what are some of the best available. I'm not dead set on getting the Acoustimass 16 Series II yet just an option. I know now that I must start with the best reciever.

Whatever you do, don't buy Bose. Seriously.

[donricouga]

Strictly receivers, i would go with a marantz or harman kardon receiver.

[Filterlab]

I'd go with Lexicon, Naim, Classe, Parasound, Copland, Linn, Meridian or Arcam.

All excellent quality.

And Josh is VERY right, don't go BOSE. They're primarily a studio equipment manufacturer and have never been fabulously successful in the home audio market.

[theknub]

again, i offer the same feelings regarding bose but if that's what you want, have at it

the pre/pros described are great pieces of equipment but will certainly crush what you're looking at to pair it with. i'd expect the bose to literally explode if they are paired with any of this equipment.

for a receiver with the amps and all that, i'd recomend to look at denon and yamaha. they both make some great products and should be implementing/offering hdmi 1.3 devices in the next few months. i have also heard some good things about the upcoming line of sony es products, but they aren't out and i have no experience with sony receivers.

[Gremal]

I like some integrated amps, but not receivers. Jack of all trades, master of none.

I would also caution anyone thinking of dropping big $$$s on a good preamp or receiver that the HDMI version woes may be far from over. This is a connection for the pursuit of copy protection. Now we are hearing that HDMI 1.3 will solve everyone's problems. I don't buy it and I think compatibility problems will continue, especially as content providers look for new ways to protect their digital property. Does anyone really think there won't be an HDMI 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.6?

I'll ride it out a while longer and stick with my Audio Refinement Pre-2 preamp.

[jorg]

Originally Posted by joshd2012

Whatever you do, don't buy Bose. Seriously.

i can second that i have heard alot of there systems there so flat!!!!!! my friend got a new car with bose in side i would say in an opion there blown speakers that are loud

[PurpleAardvark]

Originally Posted by joshd2012

Whatever you do, don't buy Bose. Seriously.

Well said. As far as good recievers, Intergra, and anthem are two of my favs. That is just IMO thought like some one else said ask 10 people you will get 10 answers.

[BOSS10L]

Originally Posted by joshd2012

Whatever you do, don't buy Bose. Seriously.

Agreed, friends don't let friends drive dru....er, buy Bose.

Seperates are the only way to go IMO. Anthem and Lexicon are good, but they have the pricetags to match. Emotiva has got some nice press recently as an affordable alternative. I'm considering one of their setups very soon.