I have a 5 speaker setup (no sub yet) with Athena Audition series. 60% HT, 40% music. Finally the H/K avr 435 is available. H/K 635 I also have an interest in. Any other recommendations that match well with Athena?
If you care about getting the best musical performance out of your Athenas, I'd also look at the Marantz 5400/5500 or higher models, check out hifi.com for new prices and accessories4less.com for refurbs.
If HT is your main focus I'd go cheap with either a Pioneer 1014 or Onkyo 602, even a Panasonic sa-xr50/70.
Yeah I know the avr 435 is finally out I saw it on vanns.com. Anyway, I think that going with the avr 435 is a perfect choice for your speakers. The avr series from h/k has been characterized as having a warm sound to them. Not that that aspect is malicious in anyway it just means that you should complement ham with "brighter" speakers. Case in point your Athena's. If I were you, go to the closest Circuit City or other retailers that offer this model and check it out for yourself. your ear is the best judge! The avr 430 that I own has more then enough power for my satellites. Which are the point five models from Athena. The avr 430 is beautiful when it comes to music and commanding when I watch movies.
i have an technics sa-dx930 i am considering buying on an onkio because of the better sound quality which is better 602 or my 930 iwatch alot of movies or what receiver is good an affordable also i was looking at the bose sattlite speaker to add they sound good but are very exspensive what is a good choice for smaller speakers with alot of sound PLEASE HELP ME TO FIND A GOOD RECIEVER AN SPEAKER COMBO PIONEER/DENON/ETC,ETC