---Nice post Don, comin' from an expert. :b
* A lot of people, by the way, separate wisdom from science.
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You're right; Mark has two good choices now, Denon and Onkyo/Integra (with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, the real deal).
Consumer Reports, no thank you Don, not for Bob. :b
And we already know Mark's price range ($1,000-$1,500) roughly. ...Because he likes that Denon 4311 that you previously mentioned. :b
Me, I was simply adding the Onkyo TX-NR818 because it also has Audyssey MultEQ XT32, and is easily available, and is even less money than the Denon (about $400 less street), and is better build, and has better ergonomics. :b
And according to the people who compared both these receivers, they both sound good.
Don, of all the electronica in the world, A/V Receivers are my biggest interest because they are the bleeding edge of the latest technological advancements, and then they spread to surround sound processors from all over (up to $30,000+ per unit). I am huge on pre/pros (multichannel) and ergonomics, parts quality, implementation, Auto Room Correction & EQ, Analog/Digital conduits, and all those pipelines for better sound through their final destination; our ears. :b
* I created a special thread on A/V Receivers with the hope to help people and discuss all the ins and outs of all the audio derivatives; like mentioned above.
But here at WBF the interest is more on analog TT, R2R, 2-channel high-end stereo, expensive albums (LPs), Room treatments devices, and all that other jazz stuff (quite a vast repertoire actually, and even including the latest global news).
...All very cool stuff; the best members of the entire Internet, smart bunch of people, best discussions around, extremely knowledgeable bunch, real experts, vast subjects covering, and just simply the Best site for Audio passionates.
Best philosophy too, and which is fully accepted, adapted, and respected. :b
The Den 4311, Mark, if you can find one, is a great unit (A/V receiver). :b