Thoughts on Yamaha RX-A2030 vs NAD T775HD2 vs Anthem MRX510

[metalmancpa]

I'm getting close to finally upgrading my Yamaha RX-V2090/DDP2 combo. I currently have ADS1290 main speakers, thus the power section of anything I get is important.

Although I thought of Yamaha first, I begin to wonder about products found at Best buy versus those only found at a high end audio store, thus my look at NAD and Anthem. I'm not necessarily knocking Yamaha because I've always been fond of the sound signature, but it's the quality of the inside that matters to me most. The boards, processing units, etc - the guts. Plus, although reliability is hard to determine, of these 3 brands which seems to be a better bet in that regard?

From what I can gather, it seems the NAD gets the most positives for it's power. I somewhat like the upgradability of the replaceable boards too. The bells and whistles on the Yamaha Aventage are pretty sweet - so much connectivity. But, to me, it seems like there's just more to potentially go wrong with a unit with bells and whistles.

My #1 factor is music. My thought is a solid a/v unit will do just fine with movies too.

I threw the NAD in this mix, because I can get a refurbished unit at the same price point of the Yamaha & Anthem.

I am hoping several people will chime in who have experience with one or more of these units. If not, since I've never owned an NAD or Anthem, it would be nice to get some feedback from owners of them.

Thank you in advance.

 

[rnatalli]

I'd go for Anthem myself, but Yamaha makes a great product too.

 

[little wing]

I am in the same boat, and deciding on a speaker and receiver upgrade. My Yamaha has been great, no complaints. I talked with a local dealer about NAD, and he said they are prone to HDMI issues. I would be weary of a NAD refurb on that basis. They do have plenty of power though. If I were looking for an Integrated Amp, NAD might be the choice. I don't think you can go wrong with Anthem or Yamaha.

Things to keep in mind if you go Anthem. 1 You will need a computer to run ARC. 2 No 7.1 multi-channal inputs (that may or may not matter to you)

Maybe a few more bells and whistles with the Yamaha but the Amp section of the Anthem is what they are known for. It would be interesting to here both side by side to try and detect differences in sound. I am also considering the Marantz 7008...

 

[metalmancpa]

After further researching, I ended up purchasing a Yamaha RX-A3020.

 

[3db]

After further researching, I ended up purchasing a Yamaha RX-A3020.

Congrats. You bought a dam fine product with good power reserves.

 

[metalmancpa]

Congrats. You bought a dam fine product with good power reserves.

That's what my research led me to believe. I know the differences between the new xx30 lines and last years xx20 lines are negligible. In the end, my decision came down to keeping under my $1,500 budget. I was able to pick up the 3020 from Crutchfield for $1,349.99 whereas the 2030 is $1,599.99. I did get an open box, but after discussion with sales, they were pretty confident that their open box with these higher end larger units usually means a return due to size, and has little or no use at all. So I was able to stick to my guns and keep under budget. The $1,500 I set was technically already over my budget, but hey, I'm picky and wanted the best I could get for my money. I thought it was a solid choice based on my research.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That's what my research led me to believe. I know the differences between the new xx30 lines and last years xx20 lines are negligible. In the end, my decision came down to keeping under my $1,500 budget. I was able to pick up the 3020 from Crutchfield for $1,349.99 whereas the 2030 is $1,599.99. I did get an open box, but after discussion with sales, they were pretty confident that their open box with these higher end larger units usually means a return due to size, and has little or no use at all. So I was able to stick to my guns and keep under budget. The $1,500 I set was technically already over my budget, but hey, I'm picky and wanted the best I could get for my money. I thought it was a solid choice based on my research.

Open box should be good. At least it's not refurbished. And Crutchfield has topnotch service.

 

[metalmancpa]

Open box should be good. At least it's not refurbished. And Crutchfield has topnotch service.

It was either Crutchfield or Amazon. My feeling was that if I had an issue, at least Crutchfield has knowledgeable people to talk to.

I'm giving my self a few days to break down my system, clean up the wiring, add banana plugs to the speaker wires, hook everything up and re-arranging a few things, and give it a whirl Saturday night. Me, excited? Cannot not wait - have the first test song lined up ready to go.

 

[PENG]

Maybe a few more bells and whistles with the Yamaha but the Amp section of the Anthem is what they are known for. It would be interesting to here both side by side to try and detect differences in sound. I am also considering the Marantz 7008...

I wouldn't pay attention to those so called "known for.....", that are often baseless claims mostly fed by hearsays. Base on specs, available lab measurements and my own experience, there is no way any Anthem's AVR could better the 3000 series Yamaha AVRs. Now perhaps the largest Anthem model 710 could have a little more ACD output than the largest Yamaha but that would not be much and would largely be due to how aggressively each configure their protective circuit. Yamaha never seem to do well in ACD (Denon does and beat Anthem any day by clear margins) but they always have superior 2 channel output specs and that's really what counts most. That fact, to me, is probably by choice as they prefer to protect the gear and spend their budget wisely on things that count, i.e. a sensible balance between spending on the amp section (hence their superior per channel output) and the power supply.

I think the OP will be very happy with his purchase especially if he uses it for serious 2 channel music listening as well. The 3020 offers very nice specs in the pre amp section and feature the 2nd from the top Burr Brown(TI) DAC that is the same model as the one in near high end media players such as my DVD3910 and has virtually identical specs as their newer 32 bit (except it is 24 bit) one found in the Marantz AV8801. That, to me though is mainly psychological, as I really can't tell the difference (audibly) between my 105, 8801 and 3910.

 

[metalmancpa]

I wouldn't pay attention to those so called "known for.....", that are often baseless claims mostly fed by hearsays. Base on specs, available lab measurements and my own experience, there is no way any Anthem's AVR could better the 3000 series Yamaha AVRs. Now perhaps the largest Anthem model 710 could have a little more ACD output than the largest Yamaha but that would not be much and would largely be due to how aggressively each configure their protective circuit. Yamaha never seem to do well in ACD (Denon does and beat Anthem any day by clear margins) but they always have superior 2 channel output specs and that's really what counts most. That fact, to me, is probably by choice as they prefer to protect the gear and spend their budget wisely on things that count, i.e. a sensible balance between spending on the amp section (hence their superior per channel output) and the power supply.

I think the OP will be very happy with his purchase especially if he uses it for serious 2 channel music listening as well. The 3020 offers very nice specs in the pre amp section and feature the 2nd from the top Burr Brown(TI) DAC that is the same model as the one in near high end media players such as my DVD3910 and has virtually identical specs as their newer 32 bit (except it is 24 bit) one found in the Marantz AV8801. That, to me though is mainly psychological, as I really can't tell the difference (audibly) between my 105, 8801 and 3910.

The #1 important reason for me, and my feeling from past happiness with Yamaha that they do a great job reproducing music. And I've never had a truly higher end Yamaha before, so this Aventage 3020 purchase means a lot to me. Just hope I don't get a lemon.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Power Output @ 1% THD 2CH 8 ohms/ 2CH 4 ohms/ 5CH 8 ohms per HTM.

$2000 Denon 4310: 179.3/258.5/131.0<O</O
$2000 Anthem 700: 160.2/221.0/93.7
$1500 Yamaha RX-A2000: 189.3/287.4/79.9
$1200 Denon 3312: 143.3/225.5/103.0<O</O

 

[Jcharger13]

Congrats. I'm sure the 3020 will be a rock solid great sounding receiver. That price on the 3020 is a dang good one.

Just like you I've been looking for an receiver with 2/2.1ch Music #1 & HT the #2 priority and looks like we both came down to the same couple AVR's to make the final decision from.

Let us know what you think about it after you get her going. Christmas Day in February will be here before you know it
I still haven't purchased anything yet. Leaning towards Anthem so I'll let you know what I think of it compared to a Yamaha 730 that I'm trading in (which is very good AVR for the $ IMO).

 

[PENG]

Power Output @ 1% THD 2CH 8 ohms/ 2CH 4 ohms/ 5CH 8 ohms per HTM.

$2000 Denon 4310: 179.3/258.5/131.0<o$2000 Anthem 700: 160.2/221.0/93.7
$1500 Yamaha RX-A2000: 189.3/287.4/79.9
$1200 Denon 3312: 143.3/225.5/103.0<o</o</o

Add an older one, from Miller Audio, AVTech, Feb 2009 Denon 3808 (4308, 4311 should be similar):

Stereo output: 176.6W @ 0.5% 8 ohm/271.6W @ 0.5% 4 ohm/ 5 Channel output: 135.2W @0.4% 8 ohm

Miller Audio Research, AVTech conduct those tests for Hi-Fi News, Hi-Fi Choice and some British Audio companies.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, in terms of power output, I don't see Anthem, Arcam, or anyone else significantly beating Denon/Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer, Integra/Onkyo, Sony in the same price range for 2Ch 8 ohms and 4 ohms.

Power Output @ 1% THD 2CH 8 ohms/ 2CH 4 ohms/ 5CH 8 ohms:

$5000 Arcam 600: 119.2/207.3/95.5<O</O
$230 Sony 520: 141.7/160.6/81.3
</O
Can you believe a $200 Sony AVR outputs more power than a $5,000 Arcam for 2Ch 8 ohms?

 

[rnatalli]

Sony has come a long way

It really is funny how many folks somehow think units like Arcam, Cambridge Audio, and others are the only ones that have any real power. That said, I would still take the Anthem for ARC

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If only magazines would measure 2 ohms power.

 

[PENG]

If only magazines would measure 2 ohms power.

Hifu News, does through AVtech/Miller Audio research. would you like to see that for the Denon?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hifu News, does through AVtech/Miller Audio research. would you like to see that for the Denon?

Yes. We know even the $200 Sony AVR can hang with the $5K Arcam AVR on 8 ohms and 4 ohms. So the question is, can these cheaper AVRs like Denon, Yamaha, Sony hang with the $5K AVRs like Arcam on 2 ohms?

 

[RichB]

Yes. We know even the $200 Sony AVR can hang with the $5K Arcam AVR on 8 ohms and 4 ohms. So the question is, can these cheaper AVRs like Denon, Yamaha, Sony hang with the $5K AVRs like Arcam on 2 ohms?

Does setting an AVR's amps to the 4 ohm settings, engage some kind of current limiting?

- Rich

 

[PENG]

Yes. We know even the $200 Sony AVR can hang with the $5K Arcam AVR on 8 ohms and 4 ohms. So the question is, can these cheaper AVRs like Denon, Yamaha, Sony hang with the $5K AVRs like Arcam on 2 ohms?

Here they are:

Yamaha Z11 - >500W @ <1%, 2 ohm; 140W, 0.0126%, 1 ohm; 240W, 1 ohm, limited by protection )
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2008/reports/yb08/yamaha_dspz11_analogue.html


Denon 3808 - 321.8%, 0.95%, 4 ohm; 186W, 0.3%, 2 ohm; 104W, 0.4%
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2009/reports/feb09/denon_avr3808a_analogue.html


Denon 4308 - 364.3W, 0.681%, 4 ohm; 208W, 0.962%, 2 ohm; ; 108W, 0.638%, 1 ohm
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2007/reports/dec07/denon_avr4308.html


Sony 5400ES - 266W, 0.851%, 2 ohm, pass; 120W, 0.18%, 1 ohm
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2008/reports/yb08/sony_strda5400es_amp.html


NAD 765 - 453W, 0.934%, 2 ohm
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2008/reports/feb08/nad_t765_(analogue).html


Denon POA - 823.8W, 0.793%, 2 ohm; 845.6W, 0.538%, 1 ohm
http://www.milleraudioresearch.com/download2009/reports/feb09/denon_poa_a1hd.html

Above are all dynamic outputs, their 2,5 channel measured output (continuous) are very similar to those done by HTM. It does seem that $ for $ Yamaha offers the best dynamic output. To me, that counts much more than the so called ACD outputs, for real life music listening.