Newbie still learning

[BrianR]

My receiver in my system is failing and I need to replace it.

I have a Samsung TV with a Denon AVR-S910W and bowers & wilkins speakers model 685S2. I prefer not to use Denon again since thisunit is only @ 3 years old. Denon works with 4K, but won't let you display the volume bar when adjust the volume on the TV, to show the volume bar display the TV has to be in 1080I so you loose the 4K image. Wierd, so whatever model we go with I need it to have the functionality to let me use the 4K and have the volume bar displayed at the same time.

I was looking at a Yamaha RXV 685. We do want the wifi, blue tooth and wireless features. I don't currently have a center channel speaker. We do use the B & W speakers when we watch TV, but without the center channel dialogue is difficult to hear so we have it turned up to loud. I wanted to add a center channel, but not sure how I configure the speakers so I only have the B & W for music and the three for TV.

So I guess what do you think of the Yamaha, and how do I configure music TV audio?

Thanks for any help.

Brian

 

[everettT]

I like Yamaha, but I more of a fan of their upper lines. You can get these for $599 and are much better

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa1070bl/yamaha-rx-a1070-7.2-ch-x-110-watts-a/v-receiver/1.html

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-oJVlcFQZBYS/p_033AVX3400/Denon-AVR-X3400H-IN-Command.html?XVINQ=DST&XVVER=G13&awcp=1t1&awcr=164104824868&awdv=m&awkw=&awmt=b&awnw=g&awug=9011970&gclid=CjwKCAiAhp_jBRAxEiwAXbniXSKv8lO7wiM1Gj6baztErGfa1Wn6X8zXXDnCZ09DvFIdVtgX6SYDQhoC6hsQAvD_BwE

 

[BrianR]

I really don't want denon and this yamaha is older model unit

 

[everettT]

I really don't want denon and this yamaha is older model unit

What features are on the new unit that are different? I'd rather have a previous model thats better than a new one at a lower model. What's the issue with denon? I'm using one as a preamp in my 2ch system and couldn't be happier.

 

[Swerd]

I don't currently have a center channel speaker. We do use the B & W speakers when we watch TV, but without the center channel dialogue is difficult to hear so we have it turned up to loud. I wanted to add a center channel, but not sure how I configure the speakers so I only have the B & W for music and the three for TV.

You'll have to go step-by-step through the set up procedure on your receiver. It should have detailed instructions of how to configure things to use 2 channels for music and 3 channels for TV. These details vary among different receivers, but all AV receivers I've known allow an owner to do this.

 

[BrianR]

You'll have to go step-by-step through the set up procedure on your receiver. It should have detailed instructions of how to configure things to use 2 channels for music and 3 channels for TV. These details vary among different receivers, but all AV receivers I've known allow an owner to do this.

thanks

 

[BrianR]

What features are on the new unit that are different? I'd rather have a previous model thats better than a new one at a lower model. What's the issue with denon? I'm using one as a preamp in my 2ch system and couldn't be happier.

I can afford new and better model just no reason to pay for what I won't use, just prefer not denon and new unit. thanks brian

 

[BrianR]

I can afford new and better model just no reason to pay for what I won't use, just prefer not denon and new unit. thanks brian

What features are on the new unit that are different? I'd rather have a previous model thats better than a new one at a lower model. What's the issue with denon? I'm using one as a preamp in my 2ch system and couldn't be happier.

Denon signal is degrading. It is not the Roku or the TV, I have isolated it to the denon and tried the factory reset, but issue continues. looks like interference in the signal lines across the TV and then it stops displaying the video singal all together. TV works fine by itself and I can stream hulu and netflix through the TV and the denon even does it on the display when I am listening to pandora through the denon.

Thanks Brian

 

[Sef_Makaro]

My receiver in my system is failing and I need to replace it.

I have a Samsung TV with a Denon AVR-S910W and bowers & wilkins speakers model 685S2. I prefer not to use Denon again since thisunit is only @ 3 years old. Denon works with 4K, but won't let you display the volume bar when adjust the volume on the TV, to show the volume bar display the TV has to be in 1080I so you loose the 4K image. Wierd, so whatever model we go with I need it to have the functionality to let me use the 4K and have the volume bar displayed at the same time.

I was looking at a Yamaha RXV 685. We do want the wifi, blue tooth and wireless features. I don't currently have a center channel speaker. We do use the B & W speakers when we watch TV, but without the center channel dialogue is difficult to hear so we have it turned up to loud. I wanted to add a center channel, but not sure how I configure the speakers so I only have the B & W for music and the three for TV.

So I guess what do you think of the Yamaha, and how do I configure music TV audio?

Thanks for any help.

Brian

I have a Yamaha RX-A670 for my second system that I got for like $330. It’s a factory refurb and from the Aventage line from a couple years ago, but it’s still a decent AVR.

I haven’t used the Bluetooth on it but use AirPlay all the time. It does have WiFi connectivity. In one of the setup menus it has a simple “use speaker: yes/no” for center and surround channels. I used that to turn off the center and rear channels while running stereo only before I got the rest of the speakers.

 

[everettT]

I can afford new and better model just no reason to pay for what I won't use, just prefer not denon and new unit. thanks brian

Well if you want to ever add an external amp, I'd go with anything above the series yamaha. Models measured from that one at the preouts is less than desirable. For $599 the yamaha at accessories4less is a great deal as long as it has all the features you need. If I'm gonna upgrade my avr, I'm generally not gonna make a lateral move.

 

[lovinthehd]

So your Denon did do the display thing in 4K for a while then devolved?

 

[BrianR]

nope as long as it was set up on 4k the volume bar would not show up on the TV. I had to set the to 1080 for the volume bar to show up.

 

[PENG]

So your Denon did do the display thing in 4K for a while then devolved?

Seems like he had bad experience with a near bottom end Denon that may even be partially defective on certain functions. Understandably that might have led him to believe all Denon would degrade signals lol.. That's too bad because the Denon model everettT suggested, for $599, is two levels up from the RX-V685 he's looking at. Since he indicated he wanted the current model and brand new, he would have to go with the RX-A1080 or RX-V1085, to match the features and performance specs of the AVR-X3500H. Very few people would have concerns with one year outdated models brand new with factory warranty, but obviously the OP is among those few.

 

[mtrycrafts]

nope as long as it was set up on 4k the volume bar would not show up on the TV. I had to set the to 1080 for the volume bar to show up.

Did you call Denon by chance to see if they know how to set it up for 4k if it is even possible?
Don't know if that unit only does 4k pass through that may be the reason or something totally different.
Denon should know.

 

[PENG]

I can afford new and better model just no reason to pay for what I won't use, just prefer not denon and new unit. thanks brian

If you can afford the better and current year models, then consider the RX-A series that are slightly better built and the warranty period is 1 year longer. If there is no chance you will add any external amplifiers, start with RX-A780, otherwise, the RX-A1080. Imo the RX-A680 may have trouble driving your B&W speakers unless you sit close and don't listen anywhere near reference level.

 

[BrianR]

Did you call Denon by chance to see if they know how to set it up for 4k if it is even possible?
Don't know if that unit only does 4k pass through that may be the reason or something totally different.
Denon should know.

I did and they confirmed it can't do this.

 

[BrianR]

If you can afford the better and current year models, then consider the RX-A series that are slightly better built and the warranty period is 1 year longer. If there is no chance you will add any external amplifiers, start with RX-A780, otherwise, the RX-A1080. Imo the RX-A680 may have trouble driving your B&W speakers unless you sit close and don't listen anywhere near reference level.

thanks brian

 

[lovinthehd]

I did and they confirmed it can't do this.

So the avr isn't failing, just your failure to understand the abilities of the unit for your needs?

 

[BrianR]

no it is also failing.

 

[lovinthehd]

no it is also failing.

So in what way then is the avr failing? In your OP you just indicated it was this OSD problem for 4k that Denon says isn't possible anyways.

As to using a center or not your sound mode in stereo wouldn't use a center and all my avrs can do this....