Opportunity buy, but is this an upgrade?

[Anthony Martinez]

So i recently picked up a pioneer elite sc-lx501 for almost nothing ($300), and it is awesome no doubt, but i have now been presented with an opportunity to pick up an Aventage a870 for $600. Specs show the same channels 7.2 or 5.2.2, less watts/channel 100 vs. Pioneers 120, etc. is it worth double the price?

And for reference I have Kef q100 LR amd q200c, with SVS pb2000. Still looking for surrounds, and I havent decided if I am going atmos ceiling or rear surround.

 

[TheWarrior]

So i recently picked up a pioneer elite sc-lx501 for almost nothing ($300), and it is awesome no doubt, but i have now been presented with an opportunity to pick up an Aventage a870 for $600. Specs show the same channels 7.2 or 5.2.2, less watts/channel 100 vs. Pioneers 120, etc. is it worth double the price?

And for reference I have Kef q100 LR amd q200c, with SVS pb2000. Still looking for surrounds, and I havent decided if I am going atmos ceiling or rear surround.

Stay with the Pioneer! To be fair, I own a Yamaha, but that Pioneer is in many ways superior to that particular Yamaha, not to mention you practically stole it at that price which is not the case with the A870.

 

[KEW]

Assuming the Yamaha A870 is as close to the A860 as the numbers would imply, Yamaha should be ashamed for ever bringing it into production. It is low on power supply which is likely to show up if you run multiple speakers and/or low impedance speakers. Given this design is advertised as able to run multiple speakers, they are really pushing their generally high reputation down. Furthermore the preamp section is weak making it a finnicky unit for adding outboard amplification!
A recent review pointed out that it fell well short of an earlier Yamaha model which cost $400 less!

 

[Anthony Martinez]

Assuming the Yamaha A870 is as close to the A860 as the numbers would imply, Yamaha should be ashamed for ever bringing it into production. It is low on power supply which is likely to show up if you run multiple speakers and/or low impedance speakers. Given this design is advertised as able to run multiple speakers, they are really pushing their generally high reputation down. Furthermore the preamp section is weak making it a finnicky unit for adding outboard amplification!
A recent review pointed out that it fell well short of an earlier Yamaha model which cost $400 less!

Thats why i am at odds, because I'm a big fan of Yamaha pro audio gear, so i figured their consumer gear would be of the same quality and sound character, but the specs seem low for the price point. I guess I was expecting to hear that the sound quality absolves all! Sounds like that is not the case though, seems their consumer line is more gimmicky with the advent of streaming services and wireless this and that. I appreciate the responses fellas!

 

[KEW]

Here is the review I was referring to and a cut n paste of relevant statements:
http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/yamaha-rx-a860/conclusion

...this is the first time I'd actually caution people against using 4 ohm speakers or even running 8 ohm tower speakers on the “large” setting. I’ve never said this about a Yamaha before. It's sad that a $400 predecessor from the very same company offered a more robust amp and power section than this product, which has AVENTAGE moniker stamped on it. To pour further salt on the power wound, the preamp out section of this receiver is a bit weak, making it critical to match with a high gain amplifier to ensure the preamp itself doesn't clip while driving external amplification. I'd like to see Yamaha beef up the amp section so the current limiting could be a little less restrictive and for God's sake, please give us a clean 2Vrms output from the pre-outs of ALL your AV receivers!

 

[lovinthehd]

Thats why i am at odds, because I'm a big fan of Yamaha pro audio gear, so i figured their consumer gear would be of the same quality and sound character, but the specs seem low for the price point. I guess I was expecting to hear that the sound quality absolves all! Sounds like that is not the case though, seems their consumer line is more gimmicky with the advent of streaming services and wireless this and that. I appreciate the responses fellas!

I think the biggest differences in sound quality among avrs are in the dsp/req they employ, they're all pretty much the same in a pure direct mode and they're all packed with as many features as you want to buy. Yamaha may have a slight advantage in quality in terms of longevity, tho. This particular model may not be one of their best examples as has been mentioned....

 

[Johnny2Bad]

My honest opinion is I would prefer the Yamaha to the Pioneer, but it's much more of a cross-trade than an upgrade.

Personally I would pass unless you can burn the money and get a very good resale for your Pioneer.

If you are on a tight audio budget stick with what you have and save your money for a genuine upgrade (used or new); there are lots of options but perhaps a top Onkyo/Integra or Anthem AVR might qualify. Or alternately only the very top line units from Pioneer or Yamaha; don't compromise on that because that's only the spot where there will be worthwhile upgrades and genuine value.

Obviously the above is my opinion only but it's my genuine advice.