I have a Denon 3805 and Axiom M22ti/VPC 150/QS4 and EP175. The sound is crisp, clean, and dynamic. I have never heard a receiver with better control of the bass. The highs are bright, but in a good way- extended, smooth and well defined -definitely not rolled off. That probably has more to do with the titanium tweeter in the Axiom. The vocals are buttery smooth and lifelike. Norah Jones sounds absolutely wonderful, as does Eric Clapton unplugged and electrified. NAD is one of the few receivers I have never owned so I can't say much about them other than they have some great reviews. Go to Axiom website message boards and you will find a lot happy Denon owners. If memory serves correct, there were some nice comments about NAD as well.