guess what? poll!!

[mike c]

i'd like to purchase something that will run my PC setup (the one I'm running now isn't really mine and it interacts with my HT remote control when I turn my other receiver on and off)

Rotel RA-05 vs. Yammy 659

rotel pros:
100 bucks cheaper
smaller unit (footprint and height)
lighter unit (weight on my PC table wise)

yammy pros:
optical in
future use proof (can be used in another system)
bass management
more power

 

[mike c]

hello?

 

[jthomas666]

v

Boy, that's a stumper, all right . . .

Based on the pros/cons you gave, the Yammy is a better performing system, but the size/weight/price are concerns.

So,

1. Can you afford the extra $$? If so, price is no longer an issue.
2. Can you arrange extra space for the receiver? buy a side table, or something along those lines?

Up front, I don't know much about Rotel, but your questions suggest that you think the Yammy is a superior unit. So if you can adjust your computer work area to accommodate the extra size and weight, that would be the way to go. If you can't, and you can't manage with the larger footprint, then go with the Rotel.

 

[mike c]

when you put it that way ...



I can eat the Rotel when I'm hungry

 

[mike c]

low voter turnout.

exercise your right of suffrage ... just put yourself in my position and choose!

 

[no. 5]

although the hair on the back of my neck is going up at the thought of puting compresed audio through it, I will say the Rotel.
It just seems like the Yamaha would be a wasted using it just for the computer, although, if it was used to start another system...

 

[Rob Babcock]

If those are the only two choices I'd chose the Rotel. Although I wouldn't be caught dead paying that for one! I bought an NAD C 320BEE for $200 used in mint condition. Regular readers will know I love buying stuff "gently used." Some stuff if better purchased new, and of course sometimes you just wanna be the first guy to own it; the smell of new electronics is intoxicating!

Btw, unless you have a very good soundcard, anything you buy is overkill, unless of course you have one with a digital output. I use an external DAC with a USB input with my computer. It sounds vastly better than my $2 original soundcard, that's for sure.

 

[mike c]

I have the creative external sound card (yes, it does have optical out) and it also has RCA outs instead of the 3.5mm thingy

 

[jlcct]

Well from the info that I have gathered I would certainly suggest going the Rob Babcock route. An external DAC should make a massive improvement.

As for the Rotel or the Yamaha...umm I want more options. There's always something missing no matter which route you take. The lesser of two evils. My methods seem to be this. Balance out all the negatives divided by all the positives and by the time I'm done with that I end up with some other piece of equipment and wonder if I bought the right thing for the next 12 months.

I'm not helping am I?

 

[jlcct]

Hey Rob, who makes your DAC?

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha HTR

Look for the Yamaha HTR-5960 or 5860. At arround $300, it negates the cost difference between your two options.

 

[mike c]

unfortunately, I dont have access to the HTR series - and also the fact that they are 110v is a no-no to me.