Top ‘Mass Market’ Receivers ?


A friend wants to upgrade his 8 year old,then top of the line Onkyo receiver, for modern connectivity. Advice on the best of today’s majors? Sony,Pioneer,Onkyo,etc? I’m still listening to stereo so can’t offer him knowledge other than what this post may bring. Thanks
ptss
Update to prior post

(1) typo fix: it should read " SUB-$2000 price strata"

(2) inadvertently left out : based on user prior posted comments, the upper level  YAMAHA units appear to be the best of the general consumer "mass-market" fare.
The best combination of sound quality and reliability from what I've read between reviews and customer posts is Yamaha. 

ONKYO now has a restricted / limited relief website for its "loss of connectivity " AKA failed HDMI boards and HDMI ports

Loss of Audio/Network Connection Customer Care Program

https://care.onkyousa.com/na/003_2012.php

ONKYO fesses up to its HDMI and defective chip Failures

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1652514-onkyo-acknowledges-failed-units-e...


"...... Onkyo acknowledges failed units and extending warrranties until 2018

Onkyo USA Support Information
08/19/2014

Loss of Audio/Network Connection Customer Care Program

As part of our commitment to quality and customer service we have determined that a limited number of Onkyo Brand receivers manufactured between 2009 and 2012 may experience loss of audio or loss of network connection. This malfunction has been traced back to a defective network chip.

We deeply regret any frustration or inconvenience this situation may have caused.

To address the problem and help people who may have an impacted receiver, Onkyo is launching a special Customer Care Program to remedy this issue for those receivers that may be affected by this loss of audio/network connection issue. This program has three steps:
1. Verify if your Onkyo receiver is impacted
2. Decide how you prefer to address the issue
3. Send us your receiver in a prepaid box and label that we will provide at no cost to you

As part of this program we are also extending our standard limited warranty period to cover this issue for affected receivers through December 31, 2018. All other terms, conditions and limitations of the original limited warranty shall continue to apply for the duration of the original standard limited warranty.

Importantly, please note that the loss of audio/network connection issue will not result in harm to any connected components or speakers since the issue is contained to a single element within the affected receivers.

To determine if your receiver is eligible under this Customer Care Program please click here
Loss of Audio/Network Connection Customer Care Program for US and Canada customers

We thank you for your loyalty!

Onkyo again apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide this repair as expeditiously as possible....."


I won't buy another all in one HT receiver again when the time comes.  I've have Onkyo now, and had NAD in the past.  The NAD was the better sounding but it was expensive.

I like the idea of separate video processor and multi-channel amp as two decisions.

Emotiva is quite good in this area for both. HT is their sweet spot.  They have a good, and no-holds-barred processor.  I would get the good ($699) MC-700 processor and the Build Your Own XPA amp, where you specify how many channel amp boards you want installed.  This allows flexability over time.  

My son has a dedicated 5 channel Emo amp along with their prior lesser processor and it has been wonderful.