How does the sound quality compare between Yamaha RX-Z1 and Outlaw 975?

[Tidan]

I'm looking to replace my Yamaha RX-Z1 with something but can't drop another 3000.00 again on it.
Does anyone happen to have an opinion on the sound quality of the 975 relative to the Z1? I definitely don't want to take too big of a step down SQ wise.

Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I direct mode, they will sound the same when level matched. Don't waste your money. The Outlaw doesn't have any a Subwoofer EQ or Dynamic EQ.

If possible, you might want to try a Denon from Best Buy. In direct mode, the Denon will also sound like the Yamaha. But try the Audyssey Bypass L/R + Dynamic EQ mode with your speakers + subwoofers and see if you like it. If you don't like it, then return the Denon and just keep the Yamaha.

 

[Tidan]

Thanks for the reply!
I'm kinda forced to get something new...my Z1's center amp is having issues (fadeds in and out), and it won't play newer formats like DTS master and the like. It also has no HDMI inputs.
I use an external EQ for my subs and aren't fond of the auto-eq stuff. I prefer to set my stuff up manually anyways.

 

[rnatalli]

I agree, don't bother. There are lots of options out there. I personally like Anthem's MRX line; ARC is top notch.

 

[Tidan]

The MRX is a bit out of my budget. Looking to keep it under 1500.00.

 

[PENG]

The MRX is a bit out of my budget. Looking to keep it under 1500.00.

Wouldn't matter in terms of SQ anyway, unless you believe Anthem ARC works better than Audyssey XT32 for you. In direct, pure direct the Anthem and Denon will sound equally good. Denon/Marantz sells tons more AVR so they benefit from economy of scale and may likely offer more value for the money.

 

[3db]

How about keeping the Z1 as a pre pro and get your self a 3 channel emotiva power amp to drive your three front speakers?

 

[Tidan]

Peng: I don't really like using auto room calibration - I always setup my stuff manually. I also don't like to EQ my mid/highs as my system reproduces these quite well and I prefer the natural/native sound from my system which is why I spent a bit more on speakers I liked the sound of and equipment that will reproduce that sound as purely as possible (within my budget). So room correction isn't something need nor care much about.

3db: I've thought about that and have tried it with good results using my Z1 as a pre and my pioneer elite as the amp. But there are two problems - the Z1 can't decode the newer DTS master and Dolby formats and has no HDMI; and I simply don't have the room in my homemade entertainment system I built. But its a great idea otherwise!

 

[RichB]

The 975 is a Processor so do you already have amps?

If so, you could get a BDP-105(D) and use it as a preamp. No RC of course, but I don't think you will beat the sound quality and network playback features.

- Rich

 

[PENG]

Peng: I don't really like using auto room calibration - I always setup my stuff manually. I also don't like to EQ my mid/highs as my system reproduces these quite well and I prefer the natural/native sound from my system which is why I spent a bit more on speakers I liked the sound of and equipment that will reproduce that sound as purely as possible (within my budget). So room correction isn't something need nor care much about.

3db: I've thought about that and have tried it with good results using my Z1 as a pre and my pioneer elite as the amp. But there are two problems - the Z1 can't decode the newer DTS master and Dolby formats and has no HDMI; and I simply don't have the room in my homemade entertainment system I built. But its a great idea otherwise!

In that case, there isn't much point paying premium for the Anthem, you could choose from the following:

1) Denon AVR-X4000
2) Marantz SR6008
3) Yamaha RX-A1030

All can decode the latest codecs, feature rich and are priced at below your budget of $1,500 and you can add an external amp (2,3,5, or7 channels) if and when you feel the need or just want to. Yamaha may have the best reliability record, and the Denon is most feature rich. No point spending any more than that now as the newer models with the latest features are coming out soon.

 

[Tidan]

Rich: I have two recievers, but the center amp on the Z1 is going out so that won't work. The Pioneer would work as an amp. But if I went the outlaw route I'd get their 975 plus their 7125 amp.

Peng: The Marantz is one I'm looking at, but once again, it has alot of bells and whistles I'd never use. Where as the outlaw 975/7125 combo has minimal features which I believe means they put more time and money into the sound quality.
I really like the sound of higher end yamaha's, but I'm a bit disappointed in the longevity of my Z1. Within 2 years the volume knob stopped working, and after 10 or 12 years the center amp is going out. Not something becoming of a flagship reciever in my opinion. I also don't use any of the DSP or other extraneous features on it so all that stuff just goes to waste.

 

[PENG]

Rich: I have two recievers, but the center amp on the Z1 is going out so that won't work. The Pioneer would work as an amp. But if I went the outlaw route I'd get their 975 plus their 7125 amp.

Peng: The Marantz is one I'm looking at, but once again, it has alot of bells and whistles I'd never use. Where as the outlaw 975/7125 combo has minimal features which I believe means they put more time and money into the sound quality.
I really like the sound of higher end yamaha's, but I'm a bit disappointed in the longevity of my Z1. Within 2 years the volume knob stopped working, and after 10 or 12 years the center amp is going out. Not something becoming of a flagship reciever in my opinion. I also don't use any of the DSP or other extraneous features on it so all that stuff just goes to waste.

I am impressed with the 7125 too so if you can get both for $1500 then go for it. Just because it does not have many bells and whistles does not mean it would sound better. It looks like you can get the pair now for under $1,400 but don't expect it to sound better than your Z1 and then you maybe in for a nice surprise, or not. It is a great deal regardless. I am sure I won't be the only one surprised at your tough luck with the Z1. I just don't see much failure reports of Yamaha units on the internet.

 

[Tidan]

Thanks Peng.
If it even sounds close to as good as the Z1 I'd be content. Doesn't have to sound better persay - the Z1 has pretty phenomenal sound in my opinion!
I just don't want to take too big of a step backwards and I want it to be good enough that I look forward to listening to my DTS music and watching movies without being distracted by lack of detail and clarity.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks Peng.
If it even sounds close to as good as the Z1 I'd be content. Doesn't have to sound better persay - the Z1 has pretty phenomenal sound in my opinion!
I just don't want to take too big of a step backwards and I want it to be good enough that I look forward to listening to my DTS music and watching movies without being distracted by lack of detail and clarity.

If you only use Direct mode, then it's all lateral moves from one AVR or Pre-pro to another. The Outlaw would sound as good as any other in Direct mode.

 

[PENG]

If you only use Direct mode, then it's all lateral moves from one AVR or Pre-pro to another. The Outlaw would sound as good as any other in Direct mode.

100% agree, a lateral move, but that power amp will have more power for MCH applications than the Yamaha.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

100% agree, a lateral move, but that power amp will have more power for MCH applications than the Yamaha.

I agree. The difference among these components will be the power amp if all he ever use is Direct mode. And if he is like most typical people, he probably won't hear any audible differences even if the Outlaw has more power.

And if he only uses Direct mode, I can fully recommend the Outlaw combo.

 

[Tidan]

Will the direct mode utilize my speaker distance and channel level settings? I notice on this Pioneer that I'm using temporarily in place of my Z1 that if I disable mcacc, it disregards all my distance and speaker level settings - which is a bummer. I'm not sure if the direct or pure-direct modes disable those items.
But regardless, on the Pioneer, I disable all the other mcacc options - eq, phase, tone, etc... And it still doesn't sound as good as my Z1.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Will the direct mode utilize my speaker distance and channel level settings? I notice on this Pioneer that I'm using temporarily in place of my Z1 that if I disable mcacc, it disregards all my distance and speaker level settings - which is a bummer. I'm not sure if the direct or pure-direct modes disable those items.
But regardless, on the Pioneer, I disable all the other mcacc options - eq, phase, tone, etc... And it still doesn't sound as good as my Z1.

Direct mode will retain all distance and speaker channel levels on the Denon, so I assume it would be the same with other AVR.

I don’t use room correction for my main speakers either. I use Audyssey Bypass LR + Dynamic EQ. So it only EQ the subs and DEQ.

 

[Ponzio]

The MRX is a bit out of my budget. Looking to keep it under 1500.00.

I would think this would do the trick.
Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-A2020 9.2-Channel Network AVENTAGE AV Receiver (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

or for just a bit more you can have the latest & greatest.
Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-A2030 9.2-Channel Network Aventage Audio Video Receiver: Electronics

Withstanding your Z1, Yamaha has a reliability reputation second to none. Not one of my Yamaha receivers to date has failed (RX-V1070, RX-V4600, RX-V2600 & RX-V2700) and the first one I owned, from 1985, is being used by my nephew and shows no sign of letting up. Point of fact I just purchased a used RX-A3000, due to arrive Tuesday, on Audiogon and didn't think twice about it.

I get the impression that you want to get separate's and that's fine but as someone stated earlier you're not likely to hear any audible difference.

You also stated that "I use an external EQ for my subs and aren't fond of the auto-eq stuff. I prefer to set my stuff up manually anyways." The 2 Yamaha models above give you the ability to go into "straight analog" mode to satisfy your needs in that department.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[PENG]

You also stated that "I use an external EQ for my subs and aren't fond of the auto-eq stuff. I prefer to set my stuff up manually anyways." The 2 Yamaha models above give you the ability to go into "straight analog" mode to satisfy your needs in that department.

Good luck whatever you decide.

I think he knows that but probably think if the unit is full of bells and whistles then it is not what he considers money well spent if those things are not going to be used. The logic is there except for the effects of economy of scale.