FrankHarveyHiFi:
You might have to turn it up a little more
Well you're either looking at the Yamaha DSPZ7 or Pioneer SCLX72/SCLX82. Those are the main two/three discontinued receivers around that price point. From here, I'd ask how you want it to sound. Do you want a little more warmth to the sound you're getting? Is the system currently a little 'edgy' in the treble? If so, the Yamaha will suit. Do you feel that the sound you're getting right now is a little soft? Not forthcoming with detail? Then the Pioneer would be the way to go.
The Pioneer is a e forward sounding amplifier than the Yamaha - I'm not saying it's bright, just a more forward sound. With your RS's, you will more than likely have to use the X-Curve feature which allows you to crop the treble by up to 3dB in 0.5dB steps. Depending on your room you may need to cut by up to 2dB.
Any of these three are silly value for money right nowand nothing brand new at this price is going to compete with them. The £2k price point for receivers is a different class to anything below - I upgraded from a £1400 receiver (albeit 3 years old) to the LX82, and it was a night and day difference.
Probably looking at one of the Pioneers, David. Can get the SCLX72 for £859 delivered or the SCLX81 (probably an older model still) for £999 delivered. What about the SCLX52? not a big enough step up?? Which of these would be your choice? Don't know of anyone thats selling the Z7 for anything like these prices