Welcome to the forums. Don't know about the 2500 but I do have the RX-V657 and had an older HTR model a few years ago. I love the Yamaha receiver and think that it's a great match for the Axioms. In fact, I had a Denon in between my 2 Yamahas and went back to the Yamaha. Just my personal preference. Lots of Denons on these forums but there are a few Yammies too :-)!!!