Yamaha RX-V663/863 might not use the same amplifier!

[Seth=L]

I haven't found any secondary info to back this up yet, but according to a dealer (yeah, this could be completely bogus and unfounded entirely) the RX-V663 and RX-V863 use different amplifier types. He says the RX-V863's amplifier will "sound better" and will have "more clipping headroom". I mentioned to the dealer that the use the same power supply with the same volt amp rating, he says that's not entirely correct. He mentioned that the RX-V663 uses a mosfet configuration and the RX-V863 uses some type of amplifier that is more efficient (I can't remember the term he used unfortunately).

I know I have been running around telling everyone that they used the same amplifier, also that it was the same amplifier in the RX-V659 that everyone loved so much. This may all be untrue, but I feel I owe it to those that read and trust my posts to make sure I have not misled you. I made some very quick assumptions (optimistic ones) and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

I will continue to research this as time and resources permit.

Thank you,

Seth

 

[croseiv]

I don't know Seth=L, I might have a hard time letting this one slide... Just kidding....

 

[Nomo]

I'll give you a thanks for your honesty if nothing else.
I'm not sure about the the sales guy's claim. Yamaha stopped posting "topless" pics of their receiver's on their dealer advertising graphics page a couple of years ago, so I can't check. But considering Onkyo is charging around $500 to upgrade from the 805 to the 875 for minor improvements, it doesn't seem unrealistic that Yamaha would follow suit; offering the same amp with a couple of extra bells and whistles.

 

[ivseenbetter]

I bought a 663...but it wasn't because you said the power supply was going to be the same. I was looking to get teh 659 for that reason. Then I found a deal on the 663 I couldn't resist it. Now I am totally happy with it. I also have it hooked up to 4 ohm speakers and it drives them with no issue whatsoever to ridiculous levels. If you are wrong about the power supply I don't think it matters. It's still a ridiculously great receiver and a way better deal than the 863.

I think the dealer is probably wrong anyway.

 

[Seth=L]

I think the dealer is probably wrong anyway.

It's possible, the guy isn't an idiot (at least not completely). He's been in audio for several years, I have talked to him in the passed about audio and I know he knows a lot. The only problem is that he does believe in snake oil, or at least he tells his clients that cables are audibly different and typically the more expensive ones sound better, and that receivers sound hugely different. This is obviously not the case as has been shown time and time again.

I am glad you are enjoying your receiver.

 

[fredk]

In my digging I found a summary of the max power outputs for the three receivers and 8,6, and 4ohms. The three were all different.

I wish somebody would hurry up and do a review for us to settle this.

Fred

 

[Seth=L]

In my digging I found a summary of the max power outputs for the three receivers and 8,6, and 4ohms. The three were all different.

I wish somebody would hurry up and do a review for us to settle this.

Fred

Three receivers?

You can't trust in those manufacturer's specifications entirely, they are a grounds for limited information, not an answer.

 

[GlocksRock]

I would have thought they used different amps simply because the power ratings aren't the same. Either way, the 663 is powerful enough for my needs, and still doesn't seem worth the extra money for the 863.

 

[speakerman39]

I would have thought they used different amps simply because the power ratings aren't the same. Either way, the 663 is powerful enough for my needs, and still doesn't seem worth the extra money for the 863.

Glock, I could not agree with you more. After looking very carefully at the dynamic power ratings there appears to be very little difference between the two. As such, I would not pay the extra money for the 863. If I were to do that, I believe I would have to opt for the 1800. However, at least for now the 663 is stellar in my small ht room.

 

[PENG]

I would have thought they used different amps simply because the power ratings aren't the same.

But the differences are minute, the kVA, Watts, weight are the same. I would guess that the amps may be different, but not much different. I also guess that they might have simply played with the bias, making the 863's amps just a touch more efficient, resulting in slightly higher dynamic power ratings.

 

[fredk]

Oops, thinking of one thread, replying to another...

I saw comparisons of the 659, 661 and 663.

You are right. The only way to know what you are getting is to put one on the bench.

Fred

 

[GlocksRock]

Glock, I could not agree with you more. After looking very carefully at the dynamic power ratings there appears to be very little difference between the two. As such, I would not pay the extra money for the 863. If I were to do that, I believe I would have to opt for the 1800. However, at least for now the 663 is stellar in my small ht room.

I have both the 663 and the 1800, and even though I don't use the 1800, it's still very nice, and the 663 is pretty potent too.