1. Rotel RX-1052 $900 http://hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1251
2. Outlaw RR2150 $700 http://stereophile.com/integratedamps/306outlaw/
3. Denon DRA-697CI $550
4. Yamaha RX-797 $425
5. Harman Kardon HK3485 $400

Both the Rotel and Outlaw are solid, good sounding receivers. If you don't need the tuner an integrated amplifier would be a good option.

Jackfish is correct, about the Rotel and Outlaw...both very nice.

Another good pick is the Music Hall Maven http://www.musichallaudio.com/mmf_products.asp?show=true&prolook=maven

About $975...it also has video switching, which may come in handy.

you for got to tell about your room size , music favourites , tonal balance you prefer ... i suggest you Denon AVR-2807 - with subwoofer . I know that DM603 S3 is all round model of B&W .

I recommend the Outlaw(my bias of course), for it's balanced, neutral sound. Before buying it , I tried Denon's DRA series, Yamaha's top RX series and the HK 3480 receivers. I also tried NAD C372 ,Marantz PM7001 integrated amps. I've not listened to Rotel due to unavailability in my area. You might consider Music Hall also, the A25.2 or Trio if you want a amp/tuner/cd combo.

Sound is all subjective though, but for comparison .....the Denon and Yamaha were too anemic and harsh for my ears and brain. The NAD was too heavy sounding.... losing some overall mid/mid high crispness for the extra low end in produced...like their was a veil over my speakers or something. The Marantz PM7001 was a bit harsh, particularly at any volume past 10 o'clock, then it sounded strained. The HK 3480 sounded good to me .... just right, but the headphone output showed it's weakness ..... background noise.

When I tried the RR2150, it was as perfect as I'm going to get under $1500. There's no background noise, sounds sweet to my ears and is not offensive in anyway..... and buying audio gear is all about compromise to me, because perfect does not exist !

The best advise I can give is to try whatever in your home environment .... not a retail studio.... because it will sound different there. You live in your home, not the retail studio. Get more than one brand of amp at the same time to compare them at home if your credit card allows it It's the only way to find out what you like in your home environment.

-Regards

If you are unsure about which product is best check read expert reviews. Using PriceGrabber.com, I came across a cool site that list all expert reviews for a product in a single page. I hope this helps: http://www.smartratings.com/electronics/receivers

Is the receiver due to the fact that you want AM/FM or?...

If the Tuner section does not matter but you still need phono look at the Jolida 302 and 502 tube integrated amps and for an added $100 get a Project or a Music Hall phono box for Your TT. It will be as good as any internal phono stage on most receivers...probably better.

Underwood HiFi