B&K AV 507 or Yamaha RX Z1

[brent]

<font color='#000000'>I need you help. I have an opportunity to purchase a new, open box B&amp;K AV 507 for below $2500. I have listened to it recently and thought it was excellent-although the owner's manual appears complex. I am also considering a Yamaha RX Z1. I lean toward B&amp;K but do not know if it has record-out feature, tone controls for each channel or any Music DSP modes. I know RX Z1 has many DSP modes and record-out but are the DSP modes useful for music listening? Does anyone have any opinion on which to choose? I wll use either for music-70% and Home theater 30%. Will be selecting one of four speaker Brands-Monitor, Paradigm, Energy or Def. Technology(Listened to Def. Tech 2002 recently and was mostly unimpressed). I tend to appreciate bright, upfront, crisp mid-range and highs over booming bass. Listen mostly to old rock, classic and new age music. Any thoughts/guidance on receiver OR speakers is most welcomed. Thanks! Brent</font>

 

[Yamahaluver]

<font color='#0000FF'>I have the DSP-AZ1 which is basicaly the same sans the tuner. It has very good amp section and it is absolutely the best when it comes to watching movies. However for music listening I have a Yamaha MX-1 class A amp attached to the main channel of the AZ-1.

Yamaha amp needs very careful speaker matching so I suggest a prolonged careful auditioning before you buy. The on board D/A are of very high quality in the AZ-1 and compares very favorably to my $$$$ Accuphase DP-70 cd player.</font>

 

[gene]

<font color='#000000'>Brent;

If I may offer my 2cents here for what its worth.
The Yamaha is absolutely stellar as a home theater AV Receiver in 7 channel. &nbsp;The added front effects channels are truly missed since I sent it back to Yamaha. &nbsp;However, most of the DSP modes are not ideal for music listening and I actually preferred prologic II and DTS Neo modes in most cases. &nbsp;The RXZ1 will serve most home theater needs quite well.

However, the B&amp;K AVR507 has advantages:
1) Adjustable crossover settings (Essential in my application)
2) A more meaty amplifier section

IF you are running full range speakers in the front, in a reasonably large room with preference to music over movies and have no future plans to add additional amps, I would recommend the B&amp;K AVR 507. &nbsp;Conversely, if you are running all small speakers and listen to more home theater than music, I would lean towards the Yamaha RX-Z1. &nbsp;Both are excellent units with their own associated strengths and weaknesses. &nbsp;

I would suggest doing demos of both at a local hifi shop to see how you like the user interfaces of each as well.

Also, don't forget the RXZ1 sells for over $1000 less than the B&amp;K AVR507 which speaks volumes for the RXZ1 that it could even compete.

At the $4K range, you may also wish to consider the Denon AVR-5803. &nbsp;I am currently reviewing this receiver and loooooooooove it! &nbsp;The user interface is challenging however, but the fidelity is superb.

Hope this doesn't confuse you more than help. &nbsp;

</font>