Basically, I am looking for a current AVR with enough analog connections for the following:

CD player = Analog and digital in
CD-R recorder = Analog in AND out, Digital in AND out
Cassette deck = Analog in AND out
Phono stage (not critical...we can always use an outboard preamp)
Additional digital in (for Blu-ray so he can record to CD-R....does this even work?)

4-5 HDMI inputs are needed but are included on basically every AVR out there.

Is it just me, or does nothing have analog record loop connections anymore?

I am trying to find a replacement for a Yamaha RX-Z1, and the client insists on having the same capability as he has now. He is OK leaving the VCR out of the recording loop....he used to record from his cable DVR to VHS!!! But he does not want to give up any other functionality. I really do not want to have to use the RX-Z1 AND a new AVR in conjunction with each other, but if I have to, I have to.

I think you are out of luck to find this in a receiver nowadays. The Anthem receivers have a line out and that is the closest you will find. You could use a component video matrix that has analog and digital audio inputs and outputs that could work.

Yeah I thought about a matrix. I would just need to find one that is super simple to operate from the front panel. I do not want to create macros on the remote for every recording scenario. I would rather teach him to walk to the unit, press a "Record From" and a "Record To" button and keep it simple.

Right now, we are using the TV as the video switcher, and sending audio back to the RX-Z1. Maybe I should just tell him it needs to stay as is, because to try and replace it AND keep his current functionality is going to be too big of a PITA....mainly for me. I am selfish.

He is upgrading to a 4K TV at the same time, as well as a 4K Blu-ray player (both Sony). He thinks he has to upgrade the AVR as well. But I am not sure he will miss much by using the Toslink out of the TV vs. HDMI switching through the AVR.

I will look into matrix options tomorrow to see what I come up with. Thanks.

Any chance they would be OK with using an integrated amp for the analog switching and send the audio to an AVR (do they even need surround?)? If you have enough space for it, this might be a good option and most/if not all of the current ones have IR control capability.

highfigh has got it. They don't make 'em like they used ta, ya know.

I bought a Marantz 3300 preamp for exactly this purpose. It's forty years old but it has several inputs and outputs, and it's all analog.

You can't expect people to make products using so-called obsolete technology, especially not in the same chassis with modern technology.

IIRC, the Citation 11 has enough, or almost enough, inputs and outputs to do what you want.

Lexicon MC-14 preamp will actually do everything you describe still....

It is not HDMI 2.x nor HDCP 2.2 compliant. After a brief discussion with the client today, we are leaning towards a separate system in another room for all the legacy analog stuff to go. Thank goodness. :)

Well.. that wasnt in your list of requirements now was it?

I understand that that would be kinda important... Especially considering the price.

The amount of thought that was wasted as we worked to help, only to find a new requirement at this point, is the reason I'm willing to be a picky ass and repeatedly insist that people tell us everything possible at the start SO WE CAN HELP.