I've been looking for a 2.1 channel stereo receiver without the videos stuff. I have always owned Marantz AVR's in the past, I don't see any Marantz 2.1 receivers that are over 100 watts 2 channel driven to drive my Forte II's. I'm open to a Denon brand stereo receiver with a budget of -$1000.

I actually am selling a lightly used Pioneer SX-N30. Take a look and see if it is what you are looking for. If so, feel free to message me.

It is a 2.1 with pre-outs. That way, if the internal amp isnt enough for you, you can add some later.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/P...ponents/SX-N30

Outlaw RR2160 fills that description.

Lots of companies make 2-channel stereo receivers. Outlaw Audio makes a 2.1-channel receiver.

Most if not all of the major vendors offer two-channel integrated amps and a number offer a two-channel receiver as well. You can always buy an AVR and use it in direct mode or whatever especially if you want to integrate a sub. Not all of the two-channel options offer bass management.

You don't need 100 wpc for these speakers. They have a 99db rating at 8 ohms. I heard the III's w/a 10wpc Luxman SQN-150 tube integrated at earsplitting levels. This is one speaker you don't have to worry about power.

The Onkyo 8270 and Denon 800H are both 100WPC.

The PM8006 is around $1100 and is somewhat under-rated at 70WPC. It has pre-outs you can run a sub off of. Also is made in Japan in their reference factory.

And as was said, that's plenty of power for those speakers.

Very happy with my Outlaw RR 2160 for 2 channel listening.

I guess I overlooked the Denon 800H, seems to meet all my requirements, It would've been perfect if there was a way to adjust the mid range frequencies, I'm really not a fan of frequencies in this area and the Forte's mid driver is fairly forward. I listen to mostly Amazon Music HD so the HEOS app is the only way to receive it without an external DAC, the HEOS app plays well with my Marantz SR7011 so I don't anticipate any issues using the app to bring Amazon Music to the Denon.


That Outlaw 2160 receiver sure seems interesting, maybe a runner up, I'm not certain yet if it will stream online music.

Try this.....
https://www.lifewire.com/two-channel...-picks-1847946

Especially this.....
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8220...684a738e67d222

I use the Outlaw BTR-200 for streaming music to my 2160.

I like a stand-alone product for this as the technology will keep changing.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...MLsa4heXdRl276

Lots of good choices here:
https://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ed-amps/1.html

Think you can't go wrong with a Yamaha or Marantz. I can't imagine you would need much power to drive those speakers.

Even though Klipsch are very efficient, they (like all speakers) sound better with good clean power. But you can't compare watts in a typical receiver to watts in a good integrated amp. The integrated with less watts will have a much better power supply and hence better sound quality. Take a look at the Marantz PM7005/7006 or Yamaha a-s701. The Outlaw mentioned above is a good option also Cambridge Audio cxa60. There's also the new Denon PMA800ne though I don't know anything about it's sound.

Some people will say all receivers sound the same and an integrated or separates don't sound any different/better. I wish they would just buy any Yamaha $600 avr and the a-s501 and compare them. Then return both if needed. Eye opening difference.

Would the Denon DRA-800H be considered a typical receiver? This particular brand/model seems to fit my needs the most, the only drawback with this model is that it doesn't have a clock jitter reduction, I don't believe.


I'm far from considering myself an audiophile, even tho, I have been looking for excellent audio quality for music since my teen years, now 60+ yo, whenever budget allowed. Since my purchase of the Marantz SR7011 and the Chorus II speakers a couple years ago, I have finally found the sound I have always imagined to be in my home.
Right now I'm looking for a 2nd receiver w/2channel, for another room to drive my Forte II's, that is capable to stream HD+ music.


I respect every reply that I have been receiving, thanks.

Yes, a typical receiver with all the bells and whistles, but 2-channel only. I'm sure it sounds decent. I don't believe it would get you the sound quality of the others I listed but that doesn't mean you wouldn't be happy with it. I'd consider that more of a good budget option and something like the Marantz or Yamaha I mentioned previously, paired with a Bluesound Node 2i for streaming, a good mid-range option with better sound. Or for a cheaper streaming option the 2019 Roku Ultra.



https://blog.son-video.com/en/2019/0...enon-dra-800h/

If you want 2.1, meaning you are running a sub, I'd be inclined to look at the Yamaha R-N803, a stereo receiver. Internals look almost identical to the A-S801 and 701, except with a tuner. No HDMI connections, but it does have YPAO room correction which should do a better job of blending in your sub. Full bass management with the iPhone app. Full streaming capability as well. Air play, music cast etc. Accessories4less has them for 549.

Another I'd be thinking about, which hasn't made its way stateside yet is the Onkyo TX-8390. This one has HDMI connections and is a bit more powerful. Uses AccuEQ room correction, so it should blend in a sub nicely, although AccuEQ is not known for being one of the top room correction program available. For 2 channel it may be just fine. Does Airplay2, spotify, amazon music, etc. and decodes MQA. No word on when/if it is coming to the states.

You mention jitter reduction. I'm not sure it's audible. It's typically in the pico sec range. Even Oppo when they put jitter reduction in the 205 stated that it may not be audible.

I'm surprised NAD has not entered the conversation.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-mvSoVG...NAD-C-368.html

Here are a couple of options to add to your list. Both have more power than you need, both can stream and both are app controlled.

http://www.integrahometheater.com/Pr...urce=prodClass

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/decco...-with-dac.html

I've owned a DTM-7 for two years in my 2.1 combo music/HT system, it's been great. I usually just tell people to get the 8270 instead because it's cheaper and specced identically, I got a good deal on a refurb [ac4l] and wanted the extra year of warranty. The thing that's impressed me the most has been the way they've added so many capabilities to it via firmware updates, they've pushed out 11 and counting. Despite being almost 3 years old they released a new update last week to update the chromecast version and improve FLAC playback.
Sound-wise I can't compare it to much because I got it and my new speakers around the same time but it's driven my 4 ohm, 85 dB Cantons wonderfully.

Just saw an advertisement for a Marantz N1200: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-AUWVOQ...at=&awug=93546

https://www.musicdirect.com/integrat...round-receiver


https://www.musicdirect.com/receiver...round-Receiver


http://www.musicdirect.com/receiver/...-AV-Receiver-2

Besides the Denon DRA 800H which has audio out that I can use to connect my BSR EQ3000 analog equalizer, the Marantz NR1200 looked good, one thing that concerns me is if 75 watts per channel will give me enough clean power at fairly high volume level for my Forte II's?

A lot of good choices all of you have been giving me, I have been saving the product links to my folder for quick reference. Some of the best suggestions always seem to be missing a feature or two, 2 or more hdmi connection, tone controls, audio out would be preferred for my equalizer, I'm uncertain how many clean watts that are in intergraded amps I need to give me plenty of headroom for my speakers.


I came across this one with good specs, but then again, it's missing HDMI's & only 60 watts but I assume these are clean watts, not certain if this would be enough to be equative to a 100+ watt avr or a budget receiver.
https://www.amazon.com/Marantz-PM700.../dp/B07YP9TCJX


I see now that there are no pre outs for an amp.

Been doing some extensive research on the Outlaw RR2160 receiver and it seems to fit my needs the best, they seem to have excellent customer service when replying to emails and their reputation seem to be well respected.Was hoping for hdmi arc but using the optical ports will be good.


I'll wait a few weeks and see what the price will do, since this will be a Christmas gift to me.


Thanks leecreek for the recommendation, I guess I never paid any attention to Outlaw products before even tho I have seen the name from time to time.


I appreciate all the other recommendations from all of you AV'rs.

A small sample for sure but I've contacted them several times for technical advice on a 976 pre/pro and have always received an email response same day. Very impressed.

B stock page. Where the one I got was listed. Good luck https://www.outlawaudio.com/mofcart/bstock.html

The difference between 75 and 100 watts is 1.5 dB ... i.e nearly inaudible.

Scientifically, yes. However, considering the fact that different companies rate their WPC on different scales, this is not a hard and fast rule.

I've heard 60WPC amps that have far more power and "control" over a speaker than amps that are listed at 100WPC.

Then you have amps such as the Pass labs First Watt series that completely blow this out of the water.

Agreed. Not all amps are alike. Not all specs can be trusted. So, where do we go from here in trying to help the OP?

High quality power supplies are usually reserved for the better (far more expensive) amps on the market. The mid-fi options we are discussing are probably excluded from that discussion.

All I was trying to convey to the OP was that a minor difference in wattage should not be viewed as a significant factor in the decision. If I had said, "Forget specs and trust your ears", would that have resonated with the OP? Probably not.

I was trying to follow this tenet: