Questions about Yamaha R-S700 Receiver

[Crescendo]

I'm looking to get a new receiver for a dedicated 2 channel set up. I've looked at the Marantz SR-4023 and the Yamaha R-S700 Receivers.

Both are the same price, but I'm thinking of going with the Yamaha because of it's 20 more wpc, a Sirius Radio output, a nicer metal phono ground plug and it's lower THD of 0.02 over the Marantz' 0.08 (assuming specs are accurate). I actually like the look of the Marantz better, but am willing to give up looks over features and performance.

After reading some reviews on the Yamaha, some are saying that it has no bass management for it's subwoofer output. That it can't cut off frequencies below 80hz or something like that. Why would this be an issue? Don't most subs nowadays have their own crossover/frequency controls? I don't have a subwoofer yet, but it's nice to know I have the option if I want to go down that road.

Also, does anybody know if the digital display can be completely turned off on the Yamaha? This could be a deal breaker for me, as I can't stomach looking at bright lights on my gear while listening to music. I already know the Marantz display can be turned all the way off.

 

[Pyrrho]

For the details of what can and cannot be done, visit the manufacturer's web sites and download the manuals and read them.

As far as the differences in power and distortion go, assuming that they are perfectly accurate, it is totally trivial. You will not hear any difference in distortion between 0.04% and 0.08% THD (the rated difference is greater than you say, but still trivial). Also, for power, it takes a doubling of power to make just a 3dB difference, which is slight, but clearly audible. To get 3dB above the 80 watts of the Marantz, it would take 160 watts. The difference between 80 watts and 100 watts is probably not going to be noticed. Of course, this does not mean that they are both equal, as one may be better with lower impedances or whatever, and that could, in the right circumstances (i.e., with difficult speakers), matter. But the differences in these specifications themselves are insignificant.

 

[Crescendo]

For the details of what can and cannot be done, visit the manufacturer's web sites and download the manuals and read them.

In the past, I've done that, and I've not always gotten the answers to my questions, especially with the sometimes confusing and bad translations. Most manuals say that the displays can be dimmed, but do not say if they can be completely turned off. I thought it would be easier just to ask someone who might own this unit or something similar if they knew the answer, since I've heard there are a lot of Yahama fans here. Isn't this what discussion forums are for?

As far as the differences in power and distortion go, assuming that they are perfectly accurate, it is totally trivial. You will not hear any difference in distortion between 0.04% and 0.08% THD (the rated difference is greater than you say, but still trivial). Also, for power, it takes a doubling of power to make just a 3dB difference, which is slight, but clearly audible. To get 3dB above the 80 watts of the Marantz, it would take 160 watts. The difference between 80 watts and 100 watts is probably not going to be noticed. Of course, this does not mean that they are both equal, as one may be better with lower impedances or whatever, and that could, in the right circumstances (i.e., with difficult speakers), matter. But the differences in these specifications themselves are insignificant.

OK... even if it's insignificant as you say, it seems a no brainer to strongly consider the amp with the superior specs on paper and features for the same price. Besides, it's not just the THD and watts that matter to me, but the Sirius output, better phono plug, the CD Direct Amp, etc.

All in all, it looks like better choice. And if I think it might sound better because of those things then it DOES sound better to me. Even if in reality it might not make a difference to a sound measuring device.

Also, you didn't answer the question about the bass management/subwoofer thing, which is what I wanted to know about most of all.

 

[anamorphic96]

In the past, I've done that, and I've not always gotten the answers to my questions, especially with the sometimes confusing and bad translations. Most manuals say that the displays can be dimmed, but do not say if they can be completely turned off. I thought it would be easier just to ask someone who might own this unit or something similar if they knew the answer, since I've heard there are a lot of Yahama fans here. Isn't this what discussion forums are for?

OK... even if it's insignificant as you say, it seems a no brainer to strongly consider the amp with the superior specs on paper and features for the same price. Besides, it's not just the THD and watts that matter to me, but the Sirius output, better phono plug, the CD Direct Amp, etc.

All in all, it looks like better choice. And if I think it might sound better because of those things then it DOES sound better to me. Even if in reality it might not make a difference to a sound measuring device.

Also, you didn't answer the question about the bass management/subwoofer thing, which is what I wanted to know about most of all.

Neither of the receivers above offer any bass management. They are essentially just a full range pre-out signal for the subwoofer. If you want this feature in a stereo receiver you will need to check out Outlaw's stereo receiver.

I would also check out the Harman Kardon 3490 and Onkyo TX-8050 or 8555. They offer a better value in my book with the same performance.

 

[Crescendo]

Neither of the receivers above offer any bass management. They are essentially just a full range pre-out signal for the subwoofer. If you want this feature in a stereo receiver you will need to check out Outlaw's stereo receiver.

I understand that, but if most subs have their own crossover/frequency controls wouldn't that make bass management for a 2.1 system a mute point? Can't you just set the sub to filter out undesirable frequencies?

I would also check out the Harman Kardon 3490 and Onkyo TX-8050 or 8555. They offer a better value in my book with the same performance.

Thanks, I'll look into it. But I'm considering other factors, like availability of matching components with the features I want (stereo only SACD player), reputation, build quality, availability from the right dealer at the right price, etc.

 

[Adam]

I understand that, but if most subs have their own crossover/frequency controls wouldn't that make bass management for a 2.1 system a mute point? Can't you just set the sub to filter out undesirable frequencies?

The benefit of bass management is that it would set a high-pass filter for your main speakers. Without bass management, they would be playing full range and you might not be able to get a pleasing blending with your sub.

 

[bikemig]

Outlaw RR2150

The only stereo receiver I am aware of that has bass management features is the Outlaw 2150, http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html. It can handle a difficult load as well (it does 100 watts at 8 ohms and 160 at 4 ohms), has a usb input for a direct computer connection, and even looks pretty cool, . I haven't pulled the trigger on one yet but I've been thinking about it.

 

[sholling]

Bass management is why I usually recommend an AVR even for 2-channel. If you're in the US you can pick up a re-certified Onkyo TX-NR708 for $400 at Accessories For Less.

 

[Crescendo]

Bass management is why I usually recommend an AVR even for 2-channel. If you're in the US you can pick up a re-certified Onkyo TX-NR708 for $400 at Accessories For Less.

Thanks Sholling, but I think I may decide to invest in some good full range towers and forgo the sub. I don't want to mess up the imaging screwing around with subs (not to mention the cost), and I don't think I really need one with the type of music I listen to anyway. So it won't really matter to me if a stereo receiver has a sub output or not. In fact, I may decide just to go with an integrated if I can get the matching tuner.