Recommended AVRs and Amplifiers for 1723 and 1961 Series

Choosing the right amplifier or AV receiver is an important step in getting the best performance out of your Arendal Sound speakers. While our 1723 and 1961 speakers are designed to be efficient and easy to drive, even with entry-level gear, a well-matched amplifier can elevate clarity, dynamics, and overall listening enjoyment.

In this guide, we’ll cover what to look for, what to avoid, and share a list of trusted AVRs and amplifiers that we and our customers have had consistently great results with. Whether you're building your first system or refining a reference-level setup, you'll find helpful recommendations to guide your decision.

Can My Entry-Level AVR Power Arendal Speakers?

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“Will my entry-level AV receiver be enough to power Arendal Sound speakers properly?”

The short answer is: yes.

You don’t need an expensive or high-end AV receiver to enjoy the full character and performance of Arendal Sound speakers. Even a modest AVR can bring out the clarity, balance, and dynamics of our designs.

What Does a Higher-End Amplifier Offer?

While a basic AVR gets the job done, upgrading to a higher-quality AV receiver or dedicated amplifier can bring noticeable improvements:

• Higher output and headroom, allowing louder playback with lower distortion
• Cleaner, more detailed sound, particularly in complex passages
• Lower noise floor and better control over demanding speakers

We always recommend prioritizing quality over raw wattage. A high-wattage amp from a budget brand may not perform as well as a lower-power amp from a high-quality manufacturer.

For more detailed guidance, see our article: How Much Amplifier Power Do I Really Need?

Our Preferred Amplifiers & AVRs

Over the years, we've tested and used a wide range of gear. Here are some brands and models that we, and many of our customers, have had great experiences with:

AVRs and AV Processors /Amps

• Yamaha – Great sound and reliable, start with RX-A2A
• Denon – For decades a recommendation in AVRs, begin with AVC-X3800H
• Marantz – Excellent Cinema Series; Cinema 70 is only recommended in low-demand scenarios
• Anthem – Strong performance across their full range of AVRs, processors, and amps
• Emotiva – Solid value with flexible power amps and AV processors
• Trinnov – High-end processors and amps for advanced setups
• Arcam / JBL / Audiocontrol – Good processing and power; be mindful of past software issues
• Lyngdorf – Easy room correction and great sounding amps

Power & Integrated Amplifiers

• ATI – Our go-to recommendation: clean, powerful, and sonically balanced
• Monoprice Monolith – Excellent value; many built by ATI
• Hegel – High-output integrated and power amps with beautiful sound
• Parasound – Great-sounding power amps with clean delivery
• Rotel – Strong performance per dollar; their MICHI line competes with high-end brands
• Yamaha – Old school looks, great performance
• NAD – Versatile with good power and good features
• Lyngdorf – Great integration and sonic performance across their range

DIY & Class-D Options

There are also outstanding Class-D amplifier modules from manufacturers like Hypex, Purifi, and ICEpower, often available pre-assembled from boutique sellers. These offer great performance at an excellent value.

• USA – We recommend Buckeye Amps
• Europe – Check out Audiophonics and Apollon Audio

Final Thoughts

Every listener has different needs, room sizes, and volume preferences. Whether you start with a modest AVR or invest in a full separates system, Arendal Sound speakers will scale with your system quality. Don’t be afraid to experiment; what matters most is that your gear matches your ears and your goals.

If you’re unsure what to choose, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re happy to help you find the best match for your setup.