What is your choice for best sounding digital receiver? Also, tell us why.

A digital receiver has to have a digital display and must not have an analog dial or multi-gang tuner. Models like the R-2000 and SA-7150 are in while "hybrids" like the G-9700 and SX-3900 are out.

Here are my choices:

Concept 12.0D - Toroid powered with 4 discrete outputs per side. True "silver-face" sound with a modern digital tuner (but no remote).

Luxman R-117 - Smooth Lux sound with a soul, it manages to capture the 70's sound.

Sony STR-GX10ES - (????) is on the way but as yet unheard. Toroid, copper plated chassis, Gibralter base, a true ES product. But will it sound good?

for the same reasons you noted, plus its got enough balls to satisfy a demanding speaker like the AR-9 and its got the delicacy to match well with high efficiency speakers like Tannoy horns.

I assume the NAD 7600 is not good enough to even qualify for the con-*test*-('")?

You are correct. IMO, the NAD 7600 has a lifeless 80's sound that is akin to TV sound. Everything is there and it is certainly powerful. Ultimately not satisfying because it does not engage the senses.

and the crappy plastic piece of "glass" on the front sure doesn't help solve the problem!

The display and knobs are made of "toy" grade plastic. Horrible!

I have a Realistic STA-2200 and SAE Two R6 but other than operational checks I have not been able to fully audition. They both sounded pretty nice during the -*test*-('")s though.

how about the '80s MAC receivers, such as the 4300V?