AUDIOPHILES! A/V Receiver help: which to buy?

*I started this thread on the tech board, but I know many here have plenty of info regarding this as well.... so here I am. Yo mods, let me keep both threads please! Thanks


I am ready to upgrade my receiver (currently Pioneer elite), and I am researching the following items (I am running Paradigms):

-Yamaha RX A3060
-Denon 4300
-Denon 6300
-Denon 7300
-Marantz SR 7011
-Anthem MRX 1120


From what I gather, Denon and Marantz (same company?) both eliminated the front wides from their new units. All they offer now are front highs. Is this accurate?

Yamaha has "front presence," so I am not sure what exactly this means. Can it be calibrated as either high or wide? I used to have a Yamaha Rx series that I bought in '08, and it was a beast. I am currently leaning towards this unit, but I am open to any of them as long as it has the power and functionality to play a full 9.1 or 11.1 setup (meaning I would ideally like to run front wide or both wide and high).

Anthem appears to also only offer front highs.


It appears the front wides are being phased out? I am confused, because I have come to understand that the wide is more important than the high. Am I wrong on this one? I am someone who loves a great sound stage; however, I am as novice as it comes to the knowledge of the details.


Also, do all of these have proper amplification for a turntable, or will I need to buy one for any of them?