SoundStageNetwork.com | SoundStage.com - (2011) Home-Theater Components

Details: Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide; Category: (2011) Home-Theater Components

Price: $1500

Vince said: When I first fired up the Anthem MRX 500, I thought it a good receiver with a great pedigree, from a company that has produced highly regarded surround-sound processors. After setting up and using its built-in Anthem Room Correction, I think the MRX 500 is a fantastic receiver worth every penny of its price. Even if Anthem charged twice as much for the MRX 500, I would still think the price fair -- because of ARC. The fact that the MRX 500 lists for only $1500 makes it a genuine bargain among home-theater receivers, and therefore the one to get.

Great Buy

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: The best room correction in a receiver for under two grand.

Details: Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide; Category: (2011) Home-Theater Components

Reviewers Choice

Price: $1999

Website: www.anthemav.com

Wes said: Effortless. Muscular. Coherent. Stable. Rock-solid. Sound like what you’re looking for? The Anthem MRX 700 immediately leaps to the top of the marketplace for home-theater receivers. Don’t miss it.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Anthem conquered processors, receivers are apparently next.

Details: Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide; Category: (2011) Home-Theater Components

Price: $1799.99

Website: www.cambridgeaudio.com

Vince said: No doubt many of you have gotten used to such modern conveniences as slick OSDs and GUIs, network connectivity, and effortless setup. If that describes you, then Cambridge Audio’s Azur 650R A/V receiver might not suit. However, if you value sound quality above all, and particularly two-channel sound, as much as or more than you value home-theater listening, then you’d be ecstatic with the Azur 650R.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Home-theater receiver geared toward sound quality instead of fancy features.

Details: Parent Category: 2011 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide; Category: (2011) Home-Theater Components

Reviewers Choice

Price: $1800

Website: www.integrahometheater.com

Aron said: I was thoroughly impressed by the consistently high levels of quality and performance offered by Integra’s DTA-70.1 home-theater amplifier, not to mention the obvious synergy between it and its counterpart, the Integra DHC-80.1. With the ability to power anything from a 5.1-channel system in a smaller room such as mine, as well as two additional zones, to a 9.1-channel theater in a large room, the DTA-70.1 sets the bar high. I’ll be sad to see it go. Well done, Integra!

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: How many channels does that thing have?