Yamaha RX-V2600 current value?

[Denis29]

I am looking for sort of a sound processor/pre-amp that can map conventional CD input into a 6-channel home theater, as well as handle discrete 6-ch input from a SACD/DVD-Audio player. I just care about the audio capabilities right now, since I'm not planning to use this set-up for movies. I had the older Yamaha DSP-E492 but had to get rid of it because the hiss from the preamp was driving me nuts.

I came across Yamaha RX-V2600 on craigslist for $200 in mint condition from someone who upgraded. I love that it has pre-outs, since I may or may not use the built-in amps (depends what kind of sound I like better and what matches my speakers better). Is the Yamaha a good deal at this price point?

 

[jeffsg4mac]

That is almost to good to be true for that receiver. I paid 1100 for mine not all that long ago. Nothing wrong with the amp section in that receiver either.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v2600

 

[Denis29]

That is almost to good to be true for that receiver. I paid 1100 for mine not all that long ago. Nothing wrong with the amp section in that receiver either.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v2600

Thanks for the feedback! I did read that review, as well as a few others around. I was impressed with the specs and critical reviews.

The price seemed surprising, but the seller says it's in pristine condition and everything works great. He upgraded and wants to recover some $$ from that upgrade now, rather than wait until somebody with $400 comes along.

 

[T2T]

Sounds like a great deal. I have a used RX-V1600 on its way to me right now. One of the HDMI inputs is FUBAR, though. However, I won't be using the receiver for video switching. I paid $100, with shipping included.

 

[Denis29]

Sounds like a great deal. I have a used RX-V1600 on its way to me right now. One of the HDMI inputs is FUBAR, though. However, I won't be using the receiver for video switching. I paid $100, with shipping included.

WOW! That's an awesome deal - congrats!

 

[T2T]

I'll be using strictly external power amps with this receiver for my 2.1 system. One thing I like about the RX-V1600/2600 is that they feature (2) 12V power triggers. Also, the 1600/2600 was the first year of the new design for the receiver. The previous models were a bit more "boxy" and squared off in appearance.

Edit: I also believe the GUI on the RX-V2600 is a bit more updated than that of the RX-V1600. Though, I've owned a RX-V1600 in the past and didn't really have any issues with navigating around the GUI. However, a bit more eye candy like the RX-V2600 has would be a lil' sweeter to look at.

 

[Denis29]

I'll be using strictly external power amps with this receiver for my 2.1 system. One thing I like about the RX-V1600/2600 is that they feature (2) 12V power triggers. Also, the 1600/2600 was the first year of the new design for the receiver. The previous models were a bit more "boxy" and squared off in appearance.

Oh I see - so you just need it for the preamp and 2.1 sound processor? Our goals are similar, except I like 5.1! I have a Polk CS2 center speaker, and it really fills out the soundscape nicely between my main fronts. I might even try what 7.1 is all about for the first time.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Oh I see - so you just need it for the preamp and 2.1 sound processor? Our goals are similar, except I like 5.1! I have a Polk CS2 center speaker, and it really fills out the soundscape nicely between my main fronts. I might even try what 7.1 is all about for the first time.

If you only used it for a preamp it would still be a great deal. As Gene stated in the review it will drive just about any amp made to full power without distortion.

 

[Denis29]

If you only used it for a preamp it would still be a great deal. As Gene stated in the review it will drive just about any amp made to full power without distortion.

I may very well use its built-in power amps. I mean, I'm really no snob when it comes to amps, and I don't own any notable piece of equipment when it comes to amps. But I *am* happy about having a choice in that department.

I terms of amps... I have an Onkyo A-RV401, which is a 100-Watt beast, and I enjoy how it sounds. I have an Alesis RA-100, and I think it's absolutely lovely (though right now, I'm working to repair one of its channels which developed a problem). And I have a Kenwood KA-3500 which I am currently recapping. Sure, those are perhaps mud for those who have B&K, Bryston, vintage Marantz, etc - but I find them enjoyable, and I would like to hear the difference of using them with a quality pre-amp.

 

[lsiberian]

that receiver is the best pre-processor I know of component quality-wise. It's worth $500 on ebay normally. $200 would have me secretly buying it.

 

[Denis29]

that receiver is the best pre-processor I know of component quality-wise. It's worth $500 on ebay normally. $200 would have me secretly buying it.

Right now, RX-V2600 is going for $300 on eBay with no bids yet:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200455542462

I am watching it out of curiosity to see what it sells for. I am a bit surprised that there aren't any bids on it yet...

Sometimes I think eBay is in a kind of lull and other times you have people jumping on top of each other bidding for questionable items. Market timing? Tax time approaching?

 

[Seth=L]

Right now, RX-V2600 is going for $300 on eBay with no bids yet:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200455542462

I am watching it out of curiosity to see what it sells for. I am a bit surprised that there aren't any bids on it yet...

Sometimes I think eBay is in a kind of lull and other times you have people jumping on top of each other bidding for questionable items. Market timing? Tax time approaching?

They've been selling from $250 up to $350 depending on condition and what's with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-RX-V2600-7-1-channel-910-Watt-Receiver-NR_W0QQitemZ150424441930QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item2305fed44a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-RX-V2600-7-1-channel-910-Watt-Receiver_W0QQitemZ260571767447QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item3cab49a297

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-RX-V2600-7-1-channel-910-Watt-Receiver_W0QQitemZ140390663946QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item20afef870a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-RX-V2600-7-1-channel-910-Watt-Receiver-LIKE-NEW_W0QQitemZ290419474605QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item439e5980ad

When Yamaha released the RX-V1600 and RX-V2600 they where reinventing the line and they pulled out all the stops on the RX-V2600 in particular. It's measured preamp performance rivals high end preamp/processors that cost significantly more.

For $200 and you don't have to worry about shipping damages I'd say it's a great deal. Use common sense and reason when buying from individuals on craigslist and make sure to fully test (all channels) and make sure digital inputs are functioning (sometimes logic boards take hits from surges and the analogous parts continue to function while the digital parts fail). Basically check everything you possibly can.

BTW, tax time has passed. If you don't jump on that receiver now it will be gone. There's also a possibility that it's already gone (can't count on people to immediately take their listing down since it's not a priority unless their phone is ringing off the hook). On craigslist, even in doubt, you should always contact the person as soon as you see the item. If they leave a phone number call it immediately. If they just leave an email address send them an email telling them you are very interested and maybe leave your phone number. Do not haggle about the price when in doubt, you risk losing their interest just by attempting to do it and it may already be an excellent deal as it is. There's no harm in having your foot in the door, it's not as if they can "make" you buy it just because you called or emailed them. And above all, be careful. Be careful of the person, and be careful of the item.

 

[Denis29]

I am the owner of the RX-V2600 for $200!

I could never afford this thing new, but sure as I'm typing this, the unit is LIKE NEW, absolutely pristine - just like the seller said (just a few scuffs on the side of the case and that's it). So far, everything I tried works perfectly.

It's the most advanced unit I've ever had, so I'm still trying to figure out how to use everything...

Basically, you HAVE to use this unit with some kind of monitor? I wanted to set speaker levels and such stuff, but it looks like you can only do all this config thru a GUI. Since I'm only using this for audio and don't have a TV in my room, I guess I will look for a monitor. Can a computer monitor be connected to this thing just for the purpose of using the GUI?

 

[Seth=L]

Concerning the GUI and setting the receiver up correctly. A monitor would practical only if it has a HDMI or DVI input. Otherwise you'd have to put an odd or expensive adaptor in line. It might be worthwhile to try to find an old 13" tube TV on craigslist that has a basic set of AV inputs (yellow, white at a minimum), which I'm sure you can find for cheap.

 

[T2T]

Basically, you HAVE to use this unit with some kind of monitor? I wanted to set speaker levels and such stuff, but it looks like you can only do all this config thru a GUI. Since I'm only using this for audio and don't have a TV in my room, I guess I will look for a monitor. Can a computer monitor be connected to this thing just for the purpose of using the GUI?

That is essentially correct. It's pretty hard to set up a Yamaha with just the remote control and the receiver's interface. With the receivers that I've owned, I've used the monitor out on the receiver and connected it to the analog input on my LCD television.

 

[GlocksRock]

Great price, just know that it doesn't pass 1080p over HDMI, nor does it support 7.1 PCM over HDMI, those things aside it's a fantastic receiver, I used to own the RX-V1600 and only updgraded due to the two issues I mentioned.

 

[Denis29]

Yay Monoprice has S-video/RCA to VGA adaptor that's around $40.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4722&seq=1&format=4#feedback

I like this because I have a computer monitor just nearby, so this gives me an elegant way to switch between the two on a need basis.

Great price, just know that it doesn't pass 1080p over HDMI, nor does it support 7.1 PCM over HDMI, those things aside it's a fantastic receiver, I used to own the RX-V1600 and only updgraded due to the two issues I mentioned.

To tell you the truth, I am not educated about HDMI or have any equipment to support HDMI, so this doesn't bother me at all. Since we're on the subject... what's the utility of supporting 7.1 PCM over HDMI? I'm guessing this is for digital signal from cable or satellite TV?

Also I've noticed...

That Yamaha sure does run hot! I'm guessing this is normal since it has this much amp power all in one box... I might have to clip on some kinda little fan on top of the case where the amp block is. Has this been general experience of others here as well?

 

[GlocksRock]

I never noticed my unit running extremely hot, but you can set the internal fan to continuous, just read the manual about how to enter the advanced setup mode. When I left that setting off, the fan never turned on, so I guess even though it was kinda hot, it was still well within the normal operating temps for that unit. I would just make sure it has good ventilation and leave it at that, no real need for extra fans, unless you just want more peace of mind.

 

[Seth=L]

You are correct in regard to its lack of ability to pass 1080p, however I do believe you may be incorrect regarding the receiver's ability to process 7.1 LPCM. The receiver has HDMI 1.1 repeating architecture meaning it should. I know it does at least 5.1 LPCM as well as legacy Dolby and DTS formats over HDMI.

As the OP has noted this is for audio use only it will work perfectly for their application. Even if he just uses the analog sections of the receiver it's an astounding preamp for $200 and it looks nice too.

 

[Seth=L]

Since we're on the subject... what's the utility of supporting 7.1 PCM over HDMI?

Mostly practical for Blu-ray and simplified connection schemes. The audio on Blu-ray discs is higher resolution than DVD.

Also I've noticed...

That Yamaha sure does run hot! I'm guessing this is normal since it has this much amp power all in one box... I might have to clip on some kinda little fan on top of the case where the amp block is. Has this been general experience of others here as well?

The RX-V2600 has a fan inside with a potentiometer on it. If the receiver get's too hot the fan will engage. The fan sits between the power transformer and forces air through a heatsink tunnel mounted horizontally inside the receiver. Note that the fan pulls hot air away from the transformer, pushes it through the heatsink tunnel and up a funnel on the top right of the receiver maybe six inches from the front facia. Make sure this area is ventilated. I would be sure that the receiver has at least 3 inches of breathing room.

If putting a fan on it will put your mind at ease you could do it, however I don't believe it would be necessary. If you do put a fan on it you can use one of the 12v triggers on the back of the receiver to power the fan. The nice thing about using the 12v trigger is the fan turns on and off with the receiver. I would probably put the fan over the funnel with it pulling air out. of the receiver. Check to make sure it doesn't cause the other fan inside the receiver to spin (could ruin the fan on the inside if forced to spin).