Quote Originally Posted by giofer69
Hi Kex,

Thanks for the reply. You bring up a good point about getting a second system strictly for audio. The audio store where I buy my equipment made the same suggestion about an independent system for audio. Unfortunately, cost comes into play. If I did change my above configuration I would be selling my receiver/speakers to satisfy my tastes. I'm more of a music lover than HT and it seems that the 80% grows as the years pass. Also, trying to keep up to date with the latest is getting hard to do. I read everything people post here and I'm amazed at the dedication demonstrated here on the forum. There is a dealer who sells Rotel, I will try to pop by to test his receivers. Which models should I look at for my pricepoint? As for speakers I will post under speakers, again will probably sell if I change my setup.

Thanks again.
The RSX-1057 is a great sounding budget unit, definitely a step up on the below $1000 avr's. It uses the same componentry found in other Rotel amps/pre-amps. I think they list around $1200-$1300, but I've seen a few people report purchase prices around $1000.

You might also consider Outlaw audio...some people think very highly of their receivers and pre-pros. They have a 1070 avr that gets high praise, and a couple of pre-amp/processors that I would expect to sound a bit better than the Yamaha.
You'll need to find amplificiation if you go that route however, a higher quality receiver might be in order.

I still think you should decide on your total budget, and then look at some speakers. Changing amps can only do so much. Hopefully you get some good ideas from the members here.