Denon vs Yamaha

[FrankP]

I'm quite confused by some of the options listed since much of this terminology is still new to me. I have been trying to determine which of the following A/V receivers would best fit my needs:

Yamaha RX-V2500 or Denon AVR-4806

I really like the Yamaha RX-Z9, but it's over my budget. I've looked at the AVR-5803 -- it too is a bit pricey and seems to be an older model. I keep hearing good things about the AVR-4806, but there's doesn't seem to be anything to really get hold of my attention and I'm not sure if it will ever really exist. The AVR-3803 doesn't support THX, so I've eliminated that one.

One of my confusions comes from the Audioholics ratings. The Yamaha RX-V2500 is listed as not supporting DVD-A/SACD. What does this mean exactly? If I have a DVD player that can play SACD, will the sound not be up to SACD performance?

Sorry if these questions sound dumb -- I'm very new at this.

 

[Mega2000]

the 2500 can handle DVD-A and SACD's. The Denon's 3805 and above have a direct link for SACDs and DVD-A. With the 2500 or just about any yamaha 750 and above you have to run 6 interconector cables (for the 5.1) for the direct link you need to also have a Denon universal player or you have to run the 6 cables.

the Denon 3805 is one step below the 4806 and is a little more than the v2500, it just has a lame LCD touch screen remote.

I have a 2500 and I have no complaints.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Check reviews on this site, but the bottom line is that the Denon 2805, 3805, and the Yamaha 2500 are all excellent top quality A/V receivers. The exact qualities that you are looking for musically or for theater likely exist within one of them and the price on them runs from 900-1100 bucks or so.

 

[Duffinator]

The AVR-3803 doesn't support THX, so I've eliminated that one.

I wouldn't eliminate any receiver based on THX certification. It's more marketing than substance and basically means that the manufacturer has paid a fee (that's passed on to the consumer) to have THX on it's equipment. There are many receivers that would meet the THX certification if the manufacturers wanted to pay for it.

 

[DECIBEL_KING]

Thx

Hi,

I have a yamaha receiver and I find when listening to a movie that the DSP mode sounds better than the THX select mode. Have others experience this as well or maybe my setup is messed.

 

[MDS]

I would disagree that THX certification is more marketing than substance. THX certification requires rigorous testing and adherence to performance standards set by THX and that is a good thing.

I would agree that lack of THX certification should NOT be a primary concern because as noted there are many receivers that are not THX certified but would meet the criteria if the manufacturer had chosen to submit it to THX for evaluation.

Buy a receiver that meets your needs for power, inputs, features, ease of use, and price point. If it is also THX certified, that is a plus.

 

[Xsound]

I just purchased a receiver (within the last month) I was looking at the 3805, the rx-v2500, and the pioneer elite vsx56txi. There were things I liked about each.

I am a sucker for more badges and certifications, so I liked the THX on the Yammie and the Pioneer (the Pioneer also has EQ tuning in music modes from AIR studios - George Martin of Beatles production fame). I realize that primarily THX is a certification for acheiving certain output, but I have also seen that there is some post-processing tuning that comes with THX.

I also liked the USB and firewire inputs on the 56.

I liked the possibility of bi-amping my front speakers with the 3805.

When I auditioned all 3, I realized that I would be happy with any of the 3. They really were great. I thought I could tell a slight difference in the soundstage bewteen the 3, but I wasn't able to conduct A/B blind tests. After I saw that I would be happy with any of the 3, I took RLA's advice, find the features that are most important to you, and then choose by remote interface.

I didn't care for the Denon remote, even though it looks cool. So I narrowed it down to the vsx-56 and the rx-v2500. The rx-v2500 can be had on-line for around $700, while the 56 is always around $1000. That canceled the 56. Then I realized that I could get everything I liked on the 56 except the USB and the Firewire (which I really, really wanted) on the 54 for the same price as the 2500, plus I could bi-amp my front speakers.

In the end I went with the Pioneer Elite vsx-54tx. I am very happy. I got THX certification, AIR studio tuning, the ability to bi-amp my front speakers, and a very simple remote. Even though I had never programmed a remote before, I had all of my electronics promgrammed into my remote in less than 15 minutes (probably less than 10 minutes really). Plenty of power, very happy

 

[FrankP]

I haven't even considered the pioneer before -- I'll have to look into that one.

I want to thank everyone for their replies -- it's been VERY helpful so far. I'm wondering why no one has mentioned the denon 4806? I have a little bigger budget and could probably afford around $2500. I have emailed denon asking for information since there seems to be so little available -- haven't heard back yet.

 

[Mega2000]

if you have a Tweeter near you they have all three recievers in stock (v2500, 3805, and the vsx-56tx)

as far as I know the 4806 isn't in stores yet but I could be wrong.

 

[shokhead]

Dakmart,2805 for $671

 

[WoodieB]

I've got a Denon 2805 that I'm completely happy with. I'm sure that if I had gotten the equivalent Yamaha, I would have been equally happy. The 2805 has ample power for my needs, a functional remote, excellent flexibility, good features, etc. Sounds great, but you won't go wrong with either brand.

 

[sjdgpt]

I haven't even considered the pioneer before -- I'll have to look into that one.

I want to thank everyone for their replies -- it's been VERY helpful so far. I'm wondering why no one has mentioned the denon 4806? I have a little bigger budget and could probably afford around $2500. I have emailed denon asking for information since there seems to be so little available -- haven't heard back yet.

The 4806 is the new kid on the block. Since it was just recently announced, it most likely hasn't hit the shelves of your friendly neighborhood audio store. And from the early info on this site, the 4806 looks like it is going to kick some serious audio butt.

Just a note, as you move up in price from the Denon 2805, to the 3805, to the 4806 and then to the 5805 the primary reason for each step is an enhancement of the features (bells and whistles that make life soooo nice), and a progressively better internal power supply, noise isolation etc. There is a slight increase in power at each stage, but the amount of power increase that is obtained between each step, or even from the 2805 to the 5805, is not enough to be audible or to justify the price increase.

In my opinion, the 2805 is the cost effective model of the entire group... the point at which the price increase of each model exceeds the benefit received. In other words, the point of diminishing return. That said, if somebody was giving me the 4806 or 5805 I would gladly take the unit off their hands.

If you got the bucks, grab the 4806 when it hits the shelves. Just remember, spending money on the AVR is only a good decision if the speakers are sufficient to show off the AVR, and you have the source material (SACD) that needs the speakers and AVR to do it justice.

 

[shokhead]

I kinda think the 2105 is a hell of a buy.

 

[The_Captain]

Hi,

I have a yamaha receiver and I find when listening to a movie that the DSP mode sounds better than the THX select mode. Have others experience this as well or maybe my setup is messed.

I have experienced the same thing. Especially since I hooked up the front presence speakers. I have had my 2500 for a couple of months now and couldnt be happier. I will say that with THX working I can give the volume knob an extra nudge without it getting too harsh or bright and for some movies it is a must. If I get to eager with the volume using the DSP modes, the soundtracks are a bit forward. However, IMHO, the added width and height of the soundfield draws me into the space much more effectively than the THX mode. So, no, your setup is juuuust fine.

 

[marky]

don't forget about the harmon kardon 7300. this baby is a monster!!! i've always liked the sound of HK. its about $1300. i suggest buying that and use the $1200 to buy 2 mono amps if u need more power but i doubt u going to need it unless ur driving huge speakers rated at 3db. i would've gotten it if i had the cash but i went with the rxv 2400 for $650 last year which i thought was a steal since it was listed at abut $999 at the time. with a $2500 budget, y not go seperates?