which Brand of Reciever produces the Best Audio?

The Yamaha RX-Z7 sounds wonderful for a receiver as does the Marantz SR8002, which is now out of date. If I were to choose a receiver, it would be the Z7 because of it's attractive price and real-to-life power it delivers. Of course I do like the Arcam and Sunfire offering's as well. But, then you get into the realm of why not just buy separates.

I found a Sunfire TGP IV or V (with HDMI) produce sound that rivals many separate preamps including tube units. I do not need HDMI so I found a TGP IV for $550. It has a super tuner and a very nice phono preamp. It retailed for over $4000. Mine is paired with 2 PS Audio Delta 250 monoblocs that I found for $1100. I could always add more amps and speakers for surround. The sound does have a slight warm tendency which is very pleasing to listen to. I know what you mean by the digital sound and most new recievers sound that way. I used to run my video through a component switcher to my projector and my audio was an all tube 2 channel setup. The TGP IV is much simpler to operate and comprises very little over tubes. But that is another way to go. I have a mint Marantz 2270 with Polk 10 speakers so I can compare quite easily to the sound you are looking for. It is hard to compete with the 2270. Once you turn it on you keep finding excuses to listen to one more song because it was designed for music and not specs. Good luck in your search.

Audition the NAD 785 if you can.

Marantz av recievers do a good job on both HT and Music. My system is a little dated (2003) but the Marantz sr9300 does wonderful in both venues.

i have a 4 year old Rotel RSX-1056 Reciever in my family room used as sound for my 50" Fujitsu Plasma; it's powering a pair of Dynaudio Audience 52SE speakers. you can see what my reference for sound quality is by clicking on my 'system'. i have a separate 2-channel room as well as a dedicated Home Theatre room with a 10' wide screen.

this Rotel reciever is only rated at 75 watts per channel; but it will drive all 5 channels at the rated power continuously and not get too hot and shut down. when listening to TV thru the Rotel and Dynaudio speakers i am frequently very surprised at the really terrific sound i get......very transparent, lively, and natural.....with lots of slam and pop. very much like what i hear on the 'big rig'.

the Rotel looks like a million bucks, is built like a tank, and is very heavy. very classey for $1199 msrp.

i would very highly recommend any Rotel reciever or amp as one of the very best bang-for-the-buck for high quality sound. in 4 years the reciever has never given me a moments concern.

there is a newer version now (RSX-1057?) with HDMI inputs.