[mca]

So my Onkyo AVR quit working after owning it for three years. The current crop of AVR's from the big names have too much useless
junk on them IMHO. I have decided to go with an AVR that has less features and concentrates more on good sound and simplicity of operation.

I think I have it narrowed down to something from NAD, Anthem or Cambridge Audio. I am curious if anyone has any experience they can share
about any of these units. Sound quality, operation, quirks, etc.

[ajzepp]

I'm not a big fan of AVRs, but if the goal here is for surround sound and/or multi-channel audio, I'd highly recommend checking out the new Pre-pro from Outlaw Audio. I had an Outlaw 950 for almost ten years and the thing never had a single issue. They offer package deals with their amps, or you can add in your own amp. Just my $.02.  A good amplifier can last 10, 15, 20 years, whereas the processing part can be outdated within a much shorter time frame. Some people prefer to invest in a quality amplifier and then just update the processing side every so often as needed.

Of the brands you mentioned, though, the only one I have spent any time with was Anthem. Very well built, good quality gear. I don't recall the model number, because this was several years ago.

[jarcher]

I personally think you pay too much of a premium for new NAD & Cambridge Audio.  I'd steer more towards a used Anthem.

I did a shoot out of the AVM30 & D1 processors vs a Krell Showcase processors of that era and newer Marantz's (SR5005 & AV7005) and found that just on sound quality the Anthems did very well.  If you don't need / want automated room correction, HDMI, or DTS Master Audio & DD True HD, the AVM 30 & 20 are the best buys.  The former can be found at or under $400 if you're patient on Ebay, the AVM 20 more like $250.  The lack of Master Audio & True HD are the only significant losses in my book, but if you have a blu ray player w/ multichannel analog out, you can use that.  Be aware though that both these have only 6 channel analog input (5 + sub), so if you want to do 7.1 channel analog input, look elsewhere. Strangely they do have 7.1. channel analog output......

Of course these anthems are processor only, though high quality multi channel amps are cheap.  So much so that you may save vs getting an Anthem Receiver.

Honestly though, the Marantz mass market stuff (receivers) was not that far off from the Anthems - but the Anthems definitely had the warmer thicker sound that some may find more appealing.

Other brands worth considering in a used receiver are Arcam & Integra.  Arcam may have more the minimalist look you're looking for, Integra perhaps less so in functionality.

[saeyedoc]

I moved from a BK Ref20 to an Anthem MRX300 earlier this year, using it just as a pre/pro with my existing amp. I've been very happy with it. There's a large thread on AVS forum, there are some that have had problems with theirs. Anthem has been very good about releasing firmware upgrades when needed. You can post your charts after running the room correction software and there are several people that will help you.

[Early B.]

It may be worthwhile to consider buying Emotiva gear. You can pick up a brand new Emotiva UPA-500 5-channel amp for $349 with free shipping. And if you want to keep it cheap and no frills, buy the previous version of their processor -- the UMC-1 for maybe $250 - $300 on the used market. That combo will smoke any AV receiver under $1,500.