Best of the Best: Yamaha Face-off

[KIRKLIN]

Hey Guys!,

I need some help. I purchased the Yamaha RX-Z1 about a year ago when I relocated. During the move, the movers . . . lost a crate - the crate that had my Yamaha DSP-A1. Wouldn't ya know, the moving company informed me . . . the missing crate has been found. The DSP-A1 is as beautiful as ever (the gold model). Now that I have both, I'm not sure which to hang-on to. Running both (in different areas of my house of course) seems overkill.

Any suggestions on which to keep and why? I know the RX-Z1 is . . . bigger, has a little more power, and I'm hoping - genuinely new IP chips (not just new names). I'm aware of the rear center speaker difference. Other than that (I have my favorite DSP modes, and both have them) - which one would be a better . . . "keeper"?

Thanks!

Kirklin

 

[Tomorrow]

Hey Guys!,

I need some help. I purchased the Yamaha RX-Z1 about a year ago when I relocated. During the move, the movers . . . lost a crate - the crate that had my Yamaha DSP-A1. Wouldn't ya know, the moving company informed me . . . the missing crate has been found. The DSP-A1 is as beautiful as ever (the gold model). Now that I have both, I'm not sure which to hang-on to. Running both (in different areas of my house of course) seems overkill.

Any suggestions on which to keep and why? I know the RX-Z1 is . . . bigger, has a little more power, and I'm hoping - genuinely new IP chips (not just new names). I'm aware of the rear center speaker difference. Other than that (I have my favorite DSP modes, and both have them) - which one would be a better . . . "keeper"?

Thanks!

Kirklin

IMHO you should keep the DSP-A1 (and donate the Z1 to the nearest RJBUDZ Memorial Audiophile Museum and Airplane Hangar. Address available upon request).

 

[KIRKLIN]

Do you mind my asking why?

You pose a most interesting response. I too lean in the direction you suggested. I posed the same question to Gene (Audioholic's president) and he gave the opposing suggestion . . . keep the RX-Z1. Mind you, he had great things to say about both - and if you read his article/review on the RX-Z1, he references the DSP-A1 most admirably/respectfully. Other than the RAV2000 remote control and the rear center, I don't detect any major differences that would put the RX-Z1 ahead. Truth-be-known, I don't use a rear center AND I have a harmony remote that controls my entire system - quite well, might I add.
Again, may I have more details/reasons behind your recommendation?

Thanks,

Kirklin