I have the HTR-5490 currently and like it very much. One issue that bugs me is the center channel for dialog lacks clarity. Dialog seems difficult to hear. I don't know why this is, but I've read posts elsewhere that would seem to indicate I am not alone in my observations.
My first question is this... Are the current Yamaha units any better with clarity on center channel dialog?
Secondly, I've noticed on the specs of the RX-Z1/Z9 as compared to the RX-V2400 that both have 192/24 DACs, however the Z1/Z9 are listed as having Burr Brown DACs. Has anyone compared the sound quality on the units to notice how much a difference the DACs on the flagship units make?
My main reason for asking is I've had burr brown DACs in my several of my CD players and just love the sound they produce.
TIA
Tim
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Sanyo Z2 Projector, Denon 5900 DVD, Yamaha HTR-5490, Sennheiser 580/600 for Silent Cinema, Mains - Klipsch Chours IIs, Rears - Klispch KG4s / Klipsch Academy Center, SVS 16-46 PC Plus Subwoofer.
The center channel depends on your speakers and the position of your center speakers. There is a EQ for center channel and I suggest you give that a try.
I personally like the original ACM DAC used in older Yamahas like your unit as well as DSP-A1, having tried the Burr-Brown on my current Z-1.
The Pro-Bit Plus d/a found on Yamaha's CDX-550/1050/1060 are also quite good with almost warm vinyl like sound.
__________________ Yamaha NS-1000M, NS-1000x, Yamaha MX-1000 and MX-1 power amp, Yamaha CDX-1050 CDP, Accuphase DP70V CDP, Canton Ergo 120 speakers, Technics SL-1200 Mk-II TT. For HT, Yamaha Z9 with three Yamaha subs, two YST SW800 and one YST SW320 in rear, for mains, Yamaha NS-300 with 300C and for surrounds, NS-100 in rear, front effects handled by NS-90. For DVD duties, Yamaha DVD-S540 and for SACD Yamaha DVD-S2300 Mk-I. Also have Yamaha EQ-550 equalizer and Yamaha KX-932 deck.
ACM is the name of the Japanese company making the LSI chip for the Yamaha older units. DAC= digital audio convertor.
__________________ Yamaha NS-1000M, NS-1000x, Yamaha MX-1000 and MX-1 power amp, Yamaha CDX-1050 CDP, Accuphase DP70V CDP, Canton Ergo 120 speakers, Technics SL-1200 Mk-II TT. For HT, Yamaha Z9 with three Yamaha subs, two YST SW800 and one YST SW320 in rear, for mains, Yamaha NS-300 with 300C and for surrounds, NS-100 in rear, front effects handled by NS-90. For DVD duties, Yamaha DVD-S540 and for SACD Yamaha DVD-S2300 Mk-I. Also have Yamaha EQ-550 equalizer and Yamaha KX-932 deck.
I have an older Yamaha 595A driving a PSB Stratus C-6 for the center channel and have no rpoblems with dialogue. Try varying the center volume and delay to see if you can focus the dialogue better. If your center is back farther than your front channel speakers, move it forward a few inches as well.