Buying a new a/v rec., starting to be overwhelmed by stats.

[knobturner75]

Hello all.
I'm a new member here. So far I really enjoy this site. Now to the point. I got my money back from Uncle Sam and it is burning a hole in my pocket. My wife has given me permission to buy a new receiver, since my Sony has pooped out on me. I've been seriously looking at the Yamaha HTR-5890, but I really like the look of the Yamaha RX-V1600. I also like the look and the name/reputation of the Harmon Kardon AVR 635. I like the idea of the THX certification and soundfields, which the HK doesn't have. I have also looked at Onkyo, Denon, and Pioneer. I think that I may actually buy the RX-V1600, but I want to make sure that I'm getting the best receiver for the money. I am looking to spend about $700 on a new receiver. I mostly watch movies and play games on a PS2. Occasionally, I listen to music as well. I am wanting a 7.1 receiver. I like the HDMI input/output, but it is not important at this time. I just want to make the best choice I can, so I can use this receiver for several years to come. My Sony is only about 4 years old and the center channel only works when it wants too, which usually means about half way through a movie, if that far. My dad had the same type of receiver and his rear channels quit working. He replaced his with a 6.1 Yamaha receiver and is extremely happy with his decision. I have just read so much trying to decide, that I have actually confused myself and now I'm not sure of what to buy. I would appreciate any input. I'm afraid to say this, but here goes. Any suggestions of good brands with comprable or better features not mentioned, that are in my price range, would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[mike c]

the 1600 is already very good but if you can afford the 2600, you get:

a little bit more power
video upscaling
a better on screen display called "GUI"
and other bells and whistles
more on the differences here:
http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/1600_2600.htm

audioholics review here:
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaRXV2600receiver1.php

the HK is famous for having great sound and lots of power but if you want the THX badge and THX DSP modes etc. etc., nothing beats the yamaha in features (for the money)

 

[muncybob]

I wouldn't get too hung up on the "sound fields"...I have an older Yammy RX-V1500 and I use only the THX for certain movies and the DTS(normal surround, etc.)...mike c makes some good points too on the upscaling which may not be important to you now but when the HDtv/DVD really takes off you may wish you had it?? I've owned 2 Yammys(one struck by lightening) and been very happy...did have a Sony but drove it too hard(entirely my fault!) and fried it in a little over 2 years. Live & learn! From what I've read the Dennon's appear very good too in the receiver line.

 

[MacManNM]

Hello all.
I'm a new member here. So far I really enjoy this site. Now to the point. I got my money back from Uncle Sam and it is burning a hole in my pocket. My wife has given me permission to buy a new receiver, since my Sony has pooped out on me. I've been seriously looking at the Yamaha HTR-5890, but I really like the look of the Yamaha RX-V1600. I also like the look and the name/reputation of the Harmon Kardon AVR 635. I like the idea of the THX certification and soundfields, which the HK doesn't have. I have also looked at Onkyo, Denon, and Pioneer. I think that I may actually buy the RX-V1600, but I want to make sure that I'm getting the best receiver for the money. I am looking to spend about $700 on a new receiver. I mostly watch movies and play games on a PS2. Occasionally, I listen to music as well. I am wanting a 7.1 receiver. I like the HDMI input/output, but it is not important at this time. I just want to make the best choice I can, so I can use this receiver for several years to come. My Sony is only about 4 years old and the center channel only works when it wants too, which usually means about half way through a movie, if that far. My dad had the same type of receiver and his rear channels quit working. He replaced his with a 6.1 Yamaha receiver and is extremely happy with his decision. I have just read so much trying to decide, that I have actually confused myself and now I'm not sure of what to buy. I would appreciate any input. I'm afraid to say this, but here goes. Any suggestions of good brands with comprable or better features not mentioned, that are in my price range, would be appreciated. Thank you.

I would get a yamaha 2500 off of ubid for $400. Better audio than the 1600, 1/2 the price

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

I would get a yamaha 2500 off of ubid for $400. Better audio than the 1600, 1/2 the price

Ill second that. If HDMI is not that important...This is a GREAT deal.

 

[knobturner75]

Thanks for the great ideas. My original idea was to buy the Yamaha HTR-5860 at my local BestBuy for $511. I thought that I would check online for prices. I found that I could buy the 5890 for less online, and I was happy with that. Then my wife and I helped a friend move, and my wife liked the idea that our friend had all Sony equipment, receiver, tv, and speakers. Since that comment was made, I found that I had a little more permission for new equipment (even though Yamaha doesn't make a tv ). So then I thought I would buy 2 of the Yamaha NS-555 and the NSC-444 along with the 5890, but.......that RX-V1600 looks sooo good and it is on the higher end of the Yamaha line and cost about the same as everything else I was planning on buying. So this gives you more of an idea of what my I'm looking for. I'm like most everybody, million dollar dreams on a spam budget.

 

[knobturner75]

What about the Boston AVR7100? Video wise, it is similar to the Yamaha HTR5890. As I said, at this point, and not for about 2 years, I don't need the HDMI. I can't say that it will really bother me to bypass the receiver with my HDMI when I get to that point. I really would like a great quality receiver, which the boston is supposed to be and right now it is almost the exact price of the RXV1600 at onecall. Darn my wanting the best equipment available. It is so easy to bust my budget and dream too big.

 

[mnnc]

What about the Boston AVR7100? Video wise, it is similar to the Yamaha HTR5890. As I said, at this point, and not for about 2 years, I don't need the HDMI. I can't say that it will really bother me to bypass the receiver with my HDMI when I get to that point. I really would like a great quality receiver, which the boston is supposed to be and right now it is almost the exact price of the RXV1600 at onecall. Darn my wanting the best equipment available. It is so easy to bust my budget and dream too big.

I would bet the Boston7100 at $699 against any $1000 recv'r. Build quality is superb as is the sound. Does not have latest ins/outs however if you can live without or bypass recvr and connect directly to monitor with hdmi/dvi then it is a hands down kickarse unit. Basically a Sherwwod-Newcastle branded by BA. Do a google search on Sherwood 965.

 

[GlocksRock]

I would get a yamaha 2500 off of ubid for $400. Better audio than the 1600, 1/2 the price

How do you figure the 2500 has better audio than the newer 1600? The 10 extra watts/channel won't make it sound better, and the 1600 uses Burr Brown DAC's on all channels. I'm sure they both sound similar, but from the things I have read, the 1600/2600 should sound better.

 

[MacManNM]

How do you figure the 2500 has better audio than the newer 1600? The 10 extra watts/channel won't make it sound better, and the 1600 uses Burr Brown DAC's on all channels. I'm sure they both sound similar, but from the things I have read, the 1600/2600 should sound better.

The 2500 is a very good unit, I don't think the DAC's are going to make a huge difference in SQ. The 10 extra watts are 10 extra watts. It's going to sound better because the $400 or so he saves by getting the 2500 can go towards better speakers.

 

[GlocksRock]

It may sound better because of better speakers, but you said the 2500 has better audio than the 1600, and I want to know the reasoning behind that statement. And you won't even hear the 10 watts/ch. difference, especially when you take into account the actual RMS power specs, that 10 watts is probably more like 1 or 2 real watts.

 

[joebob]

I just went through the same process and I ended up with the 2500. I was between the 2500 and 2600, but the hdmi and other features did not seem worth it at this time. When the hdmi version becomes more stable it will make more sense to pay for that feature. I would not consider the HTR line. They are cheap looking and contain cheaper components. Be careful who you buy from. If you buy from one of tha auction houses, you will not have warranty service. Fine if there are no problems; but I didn't want to take the chance. I got mine at Sound Advice (same as Tweeter) for a little over 700 with a 10 % discount mailer. Now I have the 2 year warranty, worth the extra to me. I also considered the Denon 3805, but they didn't have any units left.

 

[jcPanny]

Matching components

Then my wife and I helped a friend move, and my wife liked the idea that our friend had all Sony equipment, receiver, tv, and speakers. Since that comment was made, I found that I had a little more permission for new equipment (even though Yamaha doesn't make a tv ). So then I thought I would buy 2 of the Yamaha NS-555 and the NSC-444 along with the 5890, but.......that RX-V1600 looks sooo good and it is on the higher end of the Yamaha line and cost about the same as everything else I was planning on buying. So this gives you more of an idea of what my I'm looking for. I'm like most everybody, million dollar dreams on a spam budget.

FYI,
For astetic purposes, it might be nice to have equipment in the AV rack that matches (receiver, DVD, cd changer, etc.). In some cases, like Denon iLink, there might be proprietary connections that could be used from the matching receiver to DVD player.
However, electronics are the forte' or manufactures like Yamaha, Sony, and HK and not speakers. I would recommend that you research and read reviews on several speaker manufactures including Axiom Audio, Paradigm, PSB, Klipsch, etc. Also note, it is not necessary that the sub be purchased from the same manufacturer as the speakers and companies like SVS and HSU specialize in subwoofers. Keep in mind that the speakers will have a bigger impact on the audio quality of your system then any of the other components so you should budget accordingly.

The Yahama RX-V receivers you have listed are all great options and will pair well with a good speaker system.

 

[knobturner75]

I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and order the RX-V1600 from ebay. I did go ahead and buy the 3 year warranty, because after I ordered the receiver I read a posting warning of the warranty from Yamaha not honoring some online retailers. As for speakers, I really want to upgrade them, but one thing at a time. At the moment, I have a Jensen 5 speaker set-up. I am looking at ordering 2 of the Yamaha NS-555. They have received very good reviews from customers on this site and at epinions.com. I did luck out one day and walk into Circuit City to find a Velodyne 10" sub on the open box, clearance table for $180, which normally sold for $250 there. I really like the sub, but would also like to update or just add a 12" to my system. Just like how to eat an elephant, it is one bite at a time.

Thank you everyone for the input.