[br0sure]

I'm looking for recommendations on AV receivers around $2000. I am starting my home audio journey, and I need some help. I only have a KEF HTS3001SE 5.1 system at the moment. I plan to upgrade to better front speakers in the future, and use the eggs as surrounds, but I'll be using all 5 eggs to start this adventure. I'm always a little hesitant to trust google when searching "Best AV Receivers". Through my own research I've found the Marantz Cinema 60 or the Yamaha RX-A4A. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[WGH]

Too much power will crack those eggs. I would think that any budget home theater receiver at accessories4less will do the job just fine. $2000 at this point is overkill. I doubt you could hear the difference between a $299 and a $2000 receiver with the eggs. Put the money you save into a high interest savings account and in the future use the money to buy better front speakers.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html


Those KEF speakers look real close to the old Logitech Z-560 5.1 speakers I bought in 2001 and still use as computer speakers. The speakers use a full range Tang Band driver which is really very good but will never reach home theater volume levels.

[br0sure]

While I agree I won't hear the difference between a $299 and a $2000 receiver with the eggs, I do know these eggs are quite capable. Don't quote me, but I believe the SE's started the Uni-Q driver w/ Tangerine Waveguide - I'll let someone who knows more about the history on KEF to confirm or deny. The eggs amplifier power requirement can handle 10-100W according to the archived brochure. Is it a bad idea to buy the more expensive receiver now, so I don't have to upgrade the receiver when I purchase better front speakers? I want the core of the system (receiver, amps, etc.) to be of higher quality from the start so I only have to upgrade speakers in the future. Or when I purchase better front speakers, I purchase an amp with them to increase the power?

https://assets.kef.com/pdf_doc/product-archive/2000s/KHT3005/KHT3000_Series_Brochure.pdf

[SoCalWJS]

I’ve got a Denon 4500h that I’ve had for many years that I’m happy with. It replaced a Yamaha and I’ve always thought the Denon sounded better. If (when) this Denon breaks down, my current choice would be another Denon.
Marantz basically the same machine, but many say it sounds better for 2 channel. (Denon better for HT)
Unless you want to spend more and go to an Anthem which sounds better yet according to most things I’ve seen or read.

[Doublej]

Here is my mostly in-experienced view on the topic.

If you want the best sound quality for ~$2K get an Athem AVR. On AC, WGH has posted his experience with the sound quality improvements gained by going from a well respected Outlaw setup to an Anthem setup.

AVRs appear to be largely a features and functions driven market. Go up in price and you get more channels, more sophisticated room correction, preamp outputs, dual subwoofer outputs, etc. You get a bit more power too if you want significantly more power, get an AVR with pre-outs and drive your primary channels, (L, C, R) with a separate power amplifier.

A subwoofer is a must. RSL makes highly regarded ones starting at $340.

I would look at the Denon X1800H at $799 list. This model has pre-outs for L/R and should serve you well now and in the future when you upgrade your speakers.

Detailed discussion on AVRs can be found at home theater discussions forums like AVSForum and Audioholics. Audio Science Review does a great job with AVR measurements.