I have a Rx-v1400 and had the opportunity to test a DSP-A1 in my house. Just to put it in simple words in the music department there is no comparison between these 2 units. The DSP-A1 sound fuller, cleaner, warmer and more powerful than the 1400, with my Polk Rti-12. I believed that the my rx-v 1400 sound good, but a “one on one” comparison between these two units, the rx-v1400 sound kind of thin. I never thought it will be that much difference. On the good news, with equalization the rx-v1400 can improve the sound but still the DSP-A1 sound better. On the hometheater side, I felt that the Rx-v1400 was a little better with the channel separations, and reveal a little more detail. Also the DSP´s of Yamaha have improved a lot , most of the DSP´s of the dsp-a1 are useless for me, to much effect .So even a 7 year unit (top of the line) can sound better with music. The RX-V1400 has a lot of great features, and good sound for hometheater, but the DSP-A1 has far better refined sound. I will sell my Rx-v1400, I buy this DSP-A1. I know is a old unit but can pass the sound. Paz
