Thoughts on replacement reciever for Yamaha RX-V1400

[1kwik72]

So my tried and true Mitsubishi rear projection TV died and seeing how I have wanted to update the receiver in my dedicated theater room to do HDMI switching now finally seems like a reasonable time. I haven't decided on a replacement TV yet (a topic for another thread) but most likely it will be a 4k unit to keep from being in the same boat as I was with the Mitsubishi (only having a DVI input was a consideration keeping me from pulling the trigger on a HDMI capable receiver). I would prefer to stick with Yamaha as I am familiar with their product line (I have a RX-V471 in the living room) but would entertain other brands if they warrant consideration. The other thing I definitely do not want to do is go backwards power wise.

That sort of brings up my first question as trying to compare power output specs with my current RX-V1400 to any of the new receivers is sort of like comparing apples to oranges. From what I have read the manufacturers are having to pack so much "stuff" feature wise into the new receivers that power output is taking a back seat and they are getting creative in how they are rating them. From what I gathered I would be looking at least a RX-A2050 to be comparable power wise correct?

Assuming that I started looking at what that particular receiver is capable of and initially thought about simply bi-amping my front speakers. Reading more about Dolby Atmos intrigued me but my ceiling is only 7' and my surrounds and rear surrounds are mounted pretty high. It would be a pain to relocate them or add ceiling speakers but a 7.1.2 may be doable with a pair of RP-140SA Elevation speakers.

For reference here is a thread detailing my theater build http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/my-ht-that-has-been-together-for-a-while.61408/#post-667656
I would be interested in any thoughts


Thanks
Craig


Reciever: Yamaha RX-V1400
HDTV: Mitsubishi 65" WS-65313
Main speakers: Klipsch RF-52
Subwoofer: B & W ASW600
Surrounds: Klipsch RS-25
Rear surrounds: Klipsch RB-51
Center channel: Klipsch RC-52
DVD player: Yamaha DVD S540
DirectV reciever: HDDVR HR20-700

 

[agarwalro]

The Klipsch line is very efficient (and with a sub in the mix), any Yamaha in the $500 range will have more than sufficient power. If you don't mind refurb, Accessories4Less.com has awesome deals. Unfortunately, there x79 series have not hit A4L yet.

Regarding future proofing the receiver purchase for UltraHD, this would be only possible with an HDCP 2.2 device. Pick a Yamaha that supports it and you're set.

The RX-V679 checks all the right boxes without breaking the bank.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VIRG3GO/

 

[PENG]

From what I gathered I would be looking at least a RX-A2050 to be comparable power wise correct?

No, I am sure the A1050 will be comparable power wise to the RX-V1400. If there is a few percentage point difference you won't notice it either way.

 

[1kwik72]

Thanks for the replies, I am pretty sure the RX-V679 would be a step down power wise from what I have now. The A1050 may be an option but it would limit what I could do if I ever added speakers for Dolby Atmos being only 5.1.2 capable. I wonder if Atmos would even be worth considering in my situation due to the ceiling height being a bit lower than the 7.5' recommended in the Atmos white papers.

Thanks
Craig

 

[PENG]

Thanks for the replies, I am pretty sure the RX-V679 would be a step down power wise from what I have now. The A1050 may be an option but it would limit what I could do if I ever added speakers for Dolby Atmos being only 5.1.2 capable. I wonder if Atmos would even be worth considering in my situation due to the ceiling height being a bit lower than the 7.5' recommended in the Atmos white papers.

Thanks
Craig

You won't know until you try it. I like Yamaha AVRs but I would always go with Marantz or Denon because of Audyssey XT32, Sub EQ HT and DEQ. For what you need, the newest Denon AVR-X4200W could be a good alternative to the RX-A2040.

 

[Stanton]

Thanks for the replies, I am pretty sure the RX-V679 would be a step down power wise from what I have now. The A1050 may be an option but it would limit what I could do if I ever added speakers for Dolby Atmos being only 5.1.2 capable. I wonder if Atmos would even be worth considering in my situation due to the ceiling height being a bit lower than the 7.5' recommended in the Atmos white papers.

The key with Atmos is (vertical) separation: if you keep your main/surround speakers on the floor (like I do), the lower ceiling height won't be as big of a problem. While I went with the A2050, I am very happy with a 5.1.2 setup, so I wouldn't get too hung up on that either. Basically, the Aventage series is a HUGE improvement over what you have (and are now HDMI/HDCP future-proof).