AV Receiver options

[Ralplh Dee]

I'm trying to select an AV receiver in the $1,000 range. I can buy a NAD T747 for $700 or an Anthem MRX 300 for $900, or an Anthem MRX 500 for $1350. I'm using B&W 805 Matrix speakers with an HTM center channel (same as 805's). The NAD T747 seems to have more power than the Anthem MRX 500 (reviews compare the NAD T747 to the Anthem MRX 700 in terms of power). Is the NAD more musical than the Anthem? I don't care about HDMI 1.4 (3D). Is there a better value in the $1,000 range other than NAD or Anthem? Thanks you in advance for your advice.

[Suave]

Hello Ralplh and welcome to the forum! Sorry for the late reply but I somehow missed your post. Also after you read my response we should move your question to the "AV Receivers" thread.

In regards to musicality both NAD and Anthem outperm most receivers in their price ranges, albeit they offer far less feature than other receivers in similar price ranges. AV receiver power isn't always measured the same way so be careful when making this comparison. I know that the Anthem receivers offer a "real" power rating but I don't know about the NADs.

But power isn't everything of course. The Anthem receivers offer the company's phenomenal ARC room calibration system which is superior to what the NADs offer.

I bought the MRX 500 after reviewing it because I simply couldn't let it go - it's that great