Decade+ old AV Receiver upgrade

L

LALi

Audiophyte
Hi this is my first post on this forum!
My question might sound silly but looking for pros opinion on this.
In terms of absolute sound quality only, will there be a big difference if upgrading a 12 -13 year old av receiver? Lets consider if it’s going from Yamaha Rx-v1900 to Yamaha A6A ?
Edit:
Sorry i should have posted my system details earlier here it goes:
Amp yamaha rx-v 1900 - 130w range
receiver running 7.1
Av source : Nvidia shield tv pro
Front: Paradigm monitor 11 V6
Center: Paradigm monitor cc290 v6
Surround: paradigm monitor mini v7
Front presence/height: paradigm monitor atom v7
Sub: paradigm dsp3400
Projector: Optoma UHD 38x
Denon dvd player 1930 or 2930 which now hardly used.
60% music videos 40% movies mostly on youtube and netflix
Getting that urge to upgrade my system considering av receiver for now or it should be the front speakers? Though speakers still sound great just like when bought new !
 
Last edited:
T

TankTop5

Audioholic Field Marshall
Are you using the older AVR internal DAC or an external DAC? Still it probably doesn’t matter much and you probably can’t hear a difference. Short answer is probably no. Long answer is it depends on your source but still probably no
 
everettT

everettT

Audioholic Spartan
Hi this is my first post on this forum!
My question might sound silly but looking for pros opinion on this.
In terms of absolute sound quality only, will there be a big difference if upgrading a 12 -13 year old av receiver? Lets consider if it’s going from Yamaha Rx-v1900 to Yamaha A6A ?
Maybe listing your equipment would help?
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Hi this is my first post on this forum!
My question might sound silly but looking for pros opinion on this.
In terms of absolute sound quality only, will there be a big difference if upgrading a 12 -13 year old av receiver? Lets consider if it’s going from Yamaha Rx-v1900 to Yamaha A6A ?
Apples for apples - IE: In direct play mode the difference would be negligible, however, newer AVR has better room autoconfiguration, and support for 4k and 8k, including HDR10+. Many newer audio and video formats which 15yo AVR can't handle like Dolby Atmos & Vision. And many other electric features that you may or may not want. Just read the features/spec list.
 
L

LALi

Audiophyte
Are you using the older AVR internal DAC or an external DAC? Still it probably doesn’t matter much and you probably can’t hear a difference. Short answer is probably no. Long answer is it depends on your source but still probably no
Are you using the older AVR internal DAC or an external DAC? Still it probably doesn’t matter much and you probably can’t hear a difference. Short answer is probably no. Long answer is it depends on your source but still probably no
No external dac just as it is the av receiver it self.
Here are my system details:
Amp yamaha rx-v 1900 - 130w range
receiver running 7.1
Av source : Nvidia shield tv pro
Front: Paradigm monitor 11 V6
Center: Paradigm monitor cc290 v6
Surround: paradigm monitor mini v7
Front presence/height: paradigm monitor atom v7
Sub: paradigm dsp3400
Projector: Optoma UHD 38x
Denon dvd player 1930 or 2930 which now hardly used.
60% music videos 40% movies mostly on youtube and netflix
 
L

LALi

Audiophyte
Maybe listing your equipment would help?
Amp yamaha rx-v 1900 - 130w range
receiver running 7.1
Av source : Nvidia shield tv pro
Front: Paradigm monitor 11 V6
Center: Paradigm monitor cc290 v6
Surround: paradigm monitor mini v7
Front presence/height: paradigm monitor atom v7
Sub: paradigm dsp3400
Projector: Optoma UHD 38x
Denon dvd player 1930 or 2930 which now hardly used.
60% music videos 40% movies mostly on youtube and netflix
 
-Jim-

-Jim-

Audioholic Field Marshall
Hi @LALi welcome to the Forum.

IMHO, your sources will limit your sound quality far more than any av receiver upgrade. I know this will seem strange, but get a Blu-ray player (borrow?) and play a well recorded concert of your favorite Band at a decent volume with a lossless audio stream, from the best listening position, to see just what your system can do. Of course I'm assuming your system is setup correctly for the room to optimize the experience.

I hope this is helpful.
 
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Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
Short answer, not very likely. I try and match my AVR to the capabilities of the TV and the speaker setup. I got over 10 years out of my Denon 2310ci and Panasonic plasma but when I upgraded to a larger 4K OLED TV, I decided to upgrade to a 4k AVR and add ATMOS speakers. The Denon X4800H is more capable but the speakers do not sound any better. I just get a better image and better surround effects. The 2310 and plasma TV were moved in to the living room with a 5 channel setup and are still working great today.

If you want an improvement in audio quality, I would look at upgrading the speakers. I would consider upgrading the front 3. The Mini Monitor v7 should be ok for surround duty. I think the Premier line from Paradigm would be a step up from the Monitors but it all depends on what your budget is and where you're located. It helps greatly if there is a local dealer where you can listen first hand.
 
L

LALi

Audiophyte
Hi @LALi welcome to the Forum.

IMHO, your sources will limit your sound quality far more than any av receiver upgrade. I know this will seem strange, but get a Blu-ray player (borrow?) and play a well recorded concert of your favorite Band at a decent volume with a lossless audio stream, from the best listening position, to see just what your system can do. Of course I'm assuming your system is setup correctly for the room to optimize the experience.

I hope this is helpful.
Thank you for your reply will definitely try it! Any other streamer better than Nvidia shield that you would recommend for streaming netflix or youtube for better sound quality?
 
L

LALi

Audiophyte
Short answer, not very likely. I try and match my AVR to the capabilities of the TV and the speaker setup. I got over 10 years out of my Denon 2310ci and Panasonic plasma but when I upgraded to a larger 4K OLED TV, I decided to upgrade to a 4k AVR and add ATMOS speakers. The Denon X4800H is more capable but the speakers do not sound any better. I just get a better image and better surround effects. The 2310 and plasma TV were moved in to the living room with a 5 channel setup and are still working great today.

If you want an improvement in audio quality, I would look at upgrading the speakers. I would consider upgrading the front 3. The Mini Monitor v7 should be ok for surround duty. I think the Premier line from Paradigm would be a step up from the Monitors but it all depends on what your budget is and where you're located. It helps greatly if there is a local dealer where you can listen first hand.
Thank you replying! Yes i do have premier series at my local dealer. One thing makes me dubious about upgrading to premier is sound output as at times i like hearing loud music and premier specs and size just seem will be a downgrade in that sense. How about latest monitor lineup? Would that be worth the upgrade?
 
Tankini

Tankini

Audioholic Chief
Thank you replying! Yes i do have premier series at my local dealer. One thing makes me dubious about upgrading to premier is sound output as at times i like hearing loud music and premier specs and size just seem will be a downgrade in that sense. How about latest monitor lineup? Would that be worth the upgrade?
Going off of forums recommendations only will get you spending. You already know enough for a wise choice. @BoredSysAdmin gave you the best answer. Follow that recommendation and you'll be singing happily ever before any money spent. Enjoy
 

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