Music:Yamaha or Onkyo?

[Namec]

Hello everybody,

Choosing a receiver but mostly for music.

Looking into many reviews and opinions I narrowed my choice on a Yamaha RX-V657. Everybody's love Yammies for HCinema, but for music some reviews and many users consider them hard and graceless as the volume goes up.

Regarding many aspects I like the Onkyo TX-SR603 as an alternative but can't really find good reviews about how it sounds, beyond the happy users of "ebays" and similar. It's more expensive +/- USD 100 locally.

Experienced persons advised to Denon or Marantz, they can sound good but I don't like them...no need to insist on this.

How graceless is Yamaha and how good is Onkyo?

Comment, put review links...etc,

Thank you all,

PS: Speakers I'll use a 5.1 Wharfedale 9 set.

 

[Kai]

Hi Namec,
I have the Yamaha RX-V659 receiver and love it. It has just a bit more power than the 657. I like the sound, power and control options. It sounds great when playing cd's or just listening to the radio. When I listen to a cd, unless there is company, I usually have the volume cranked up. Can't say I notice any weakness.

 

[Nomo]

How they sound is a matter of taste. The Onkyo's lack of pre-outs for an amp is a short coming IMO.

 

[The Numenorian]

I concur with Nomo. It's all a matter of opinion.

I have an RX-V2500- great receiver, and enough pre-outs to satisfy an upgradable system, easily. I'd get a Yamaha for that alone, and use it as a processor. Just make SURE you buy from a respectable buyer...you don't want the receiver breaking down and having to deal with pricey, warantee-less repairs.

 

[Namec]

Kai, what do you mean with "cranked"? (sorry, i'm in europe )

The comments i've been collecting are not about lack of power, but more like a less warm and agressive sound like...could they find very high on mids (1khz) ...

I didn't made an every feature comparison, but the features (as well the pre-outs) looked to be pretty the same at first sight:

http://www.eu.onkyo.com/products/product_en_163713.html

I agree it's a matter of taste and appreciate the good advise about on-line cheating retailers. But it's many people stating the same...

Thank all for the support

 

[mtrycrafts]

The comments i've been collecting are not about lack of power, but more like a less warm and agressive sound like...could they find very high on mids (1khz) ...

Don't be confused. Be aware that audio as in much of consumer marketplace, there is much mythology. Assigning a specific sound to a line of amps, is one of them.

I would suggest picking one that meets your other needs, ability to drive the speaker load, having the right inputs, outputs, having the right processing capability, etc.

 

[Nick250]

Kai, what do you mean with "cranked"? (sorry, i'm in europe )

"Cranked" means really loud.

While I have a Denon receiver, I am sure I would be perfectly happy owning a Yamaha instead. My point of view is that the quality of sound is speaker and room dependent and that the receiver does not play that much of a role in what you hear. In all other matters, I agree with the previous posters.

Nick

 

[Kai]

Yes "cranked" means really loud.
I do not find the Yamaha to "overpower" any particular sound range. Though I am no audiophile, merely an enthusiast. Whether I am listening to Frank Sinatra or AC/DC I find the Yamaha does a good job for my ears and listening preferences.

 

[Namec]

Sometimes we should go ahead and buy!

The idea of "myth" is very pleasant, maybe some reviews are not fairly critic towards a common consumer perspective. I understand a magazine review has to find little details, otherwise there were pointless for the audiophile.The same goes for advises we receive from experienced persons in foruns

I found a very humble review from Australia for Yamaha:
http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/yammy_receivers.htm

Nick, agree that speakers could determine more the sound you get thant the rest. Whardefale are pointed as having a very pure and smooth sound and I'll give them a chance.

The truth is, Yamaha has more than I need in features for +/- USD 300 and I was pretty sure of it until I read reviews. Onkyo looks nice but is around USD400.

Very appreciated for your opinions

More opinion is welcome,

 

[3db]

What is your budget like? How much do you want to spend?

Hello everybody,

Choosing a receiver but mostly for music.

Looking into many reviews and opinions I narrowed my choice on a Yamaha RX-V657. Everybody's love Yammies for HCinema, but for music some reviews and many users consider them hard and graceless as the volume goes up.

Regarding many aspects I like the Onkyo TX-SR603 as an alternative but can't really find good reviews about how it sounds, beyond the happy users of "ebays" and similar. It's more expensive +/- USD 100 locally.

Experienced persons advised to Denon or Marantz, they can sound good but I don't like them...no need to insist on this.

How graceless is Yamaha and how good is Onkyo?

Comment, put review links...etc,

Thank you all,

PS: Speakers I'll use a 5.1 Wharfedale 9 set.

Is your choice between Onkyo and Yamaha your final choices? If not and if you have the budget, I would forgo the two of these for NAD, especially if your main listening habits are music. NAD may lack some of the features of the others but in my opnion, but when it comes to reproducing music, NAD has the others beat by a country mile.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Is your choice between Onkyo and Yamaha your final choices? If not and if you have the budget, I would forgo the two of these for NAD, especially if your main listening habits are music. NAD may lack some of the features of the others but in my opnion, but when it comes to reproducing music, NAD has the others beat by a country mile.

You are correct, but in all fairness, I don't think his $399 budget will buy the NAD.

 

[Namec]

...precisely. I can order Yamaha by EUR378 and Onkyo by EUR458. NAD may sound great but looks like a brick and the underfeatured T743 costs EUR495

Go ahead and convert it to USD x1,28

Yamaha is very close to help me paying the Wharf set...

cheers

 

[JMO_PWR]

Although going against what you said if music is the game Marantz is a must when considering a receiver.

However out of Yamaha and Onkyo id go with Yamaha anyday. Heard Onkyo's music performance and wasnt impressed. Apparently there strong point is Movies. I wouldnt even attempt to buy one over Yamaha, Marantz, Denon, HK or Pion Elite.

You should take a good look at what yamaha have to offer.

Goodluck.

 

[Namec]

My full respect and apreciation for your opinions.

I'm not totaly eyes closed, and Harman Kardon is a bit easier to purchase than Marantz. My idea was always a complete package of features, as I learn more I've strong tendencies to get interested in other a/v stuff.

Before spending the money I'll give a chance to Marantz/Denon and look at the specs side by side to make a final decision. If both are movies expert I'd rather the Yamaha of course.

Many thanks for your time,
Regards

 

[JMO_PWR]

Main reason i suggested Marantz, is because of your appreciation for music. I wouldnt recommend denon for this as they are made in japan and have a differant approach to sound processing. One that not many music fans appreciate. Depending again on your tastes of course.

If you were 50/50 movies/music then i would recommend Denon, Harmon Kardon or perhaps a Yamaha RX-V2600 as well as marantz however musical wise it is almost a crime to surpass marantz' touch.

 

[mtrycrafts]

If both are movies expert I'd rather the Yamaha of course.

Many thanks for your time,
Regards

Receivers are not designed to meet one market, movies over another market, music. It is well designed int he first place, or it is not.

 

[toquemon]

Both Onkyo and Yamaha are acceptable receivers for movies and music...

In wich part of Europe are you?

Maybe you can get a better deal with a native manufacturer... In England, Italy, France, Germany, etc. a great variety of high-class manufacturers exist, so maybe you can get something nice for the same money.

 

[Namec]

Both Onkyo and Yamaha are acceptable receivers for movies and music...

In wich part of Europe are you?

Maybe you can get a better deal with a native manufacturer... In England, Italy, France, Germany, etc. a great variety of high-class manufacturers exist, so maybe you can get something nice for the same money.

Nah.....! I'm in Portugal, some foreign brands have here their factorys but they don't retail. I'll keep searching for the Internet vendors, however there some phisycal big media markets with very good prices and I'll surely make some tour.

JMO_PWR: Surprised about your opinion that Denon can sound the same as "japanese", because portuguese audio fans assure that it's much better handling music.

Regards to all

 

[soundhound]

sorry to say, neither will sound good for music. it's a sad fact that a/v receivers in that price range produce flat, lifeless music that is nearly impossible to listen to. the yamaha has pre-amp outs, so that is it's saving grace for music if you have something decent to pre-amp it out to.

before either of those, though, you should consider NAD, harman, and even denon. and if you don't think you need 5.1/7.1, definitely consider a 2.1 audio receiver over an a/v, or just a good amp (e.g., NAD C320BEE) to run your CD player, and get surround separates later. music reproduction will be much better that way than with either of the a/v HT receivers you mentioned.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Nah.....! I'm in Portugal, some foreign brands have here their factorys but they don't retail. I'll keep searching for the Internet vendors, however there some phisycal big media markets with very good prices and I'll surely make some tour.

JMO_PWR: Surprised about your opinion that Denon can sound the same as "japanese", because portuguese audio fans assure that it's much better handling music.

Regards to all

You may be interested in the Spanish link
http://www.matrixhifi.com/pruebasciegas.htm