RX-V1500 or RX-V659

[Tmyer]

I'm trying to decide between the Yamaha RX-V1500 and RX-V659 and haven't found an in-depth review of the 1500 but found plenty on the 659. Sure, I probably couldn't go wrong either way, but I'm curious about the few differences I noticed. The 1500 has 120 watts/ch vs 100 watts/ch for the 659 however, per the Audiohaulics review the 659s power is actually underrated. The 1500 is THX select certified. The 659 appears to have a few newer features such as XM and neural surround and is 2 years newer.

Since the 1500 is about $100 more than the 659 which has the better value and why? Is the THX certification worth anything? And is there a noticable difference concerning the preamp and power amp sections between both units?

 

[MichaelJHuman]

There are a number of articles on THX certification. They might be worth reading.

Power wise, I don't think you're going to see a big difference between the 1500 and the 659. You could look at their comparative dynamic power if that matters to you.

Odds are they both sound pretty similar.

I would ask yourself if XM ready is important to you. I would look at the number of inputs. i would look to see if both have the same video upconversion options.

 

[Tmyer]

THX certification

I've read some about THX certification and based only on what I've read here are my thoughts.

THX certification costs money, 80-120 hour time investment at the test lab as I've read. Therefore, this certification cost is passed on to the consumer when buying the product. For that the component is quaranteed to meet THX specs. However, since I haven't personally compared THX vs non THX products I don't know for sure what this means relating to user experience. I was curious for the folks that evaluate a lot of products if this certification is a part of their purchase criteria?

 

[rexracer]

here are my thoughts, for what they're worth. I faced a similar situation. I could have gotten a 2500 for $100 more than the 659. I looked at the specs, and the only advantage to the 2500 really, was a bit of power, THX, and HDMI. Untill they solidify HDMI (and I get HDTV) I think it's more fluff than anything. THX would be nice, but I don't really think it would add anything to the 659 exept $$. It's probably capable to be certified, hardware wise. The power difference is probably not noticable, unless you're trying to go deaf.
The 659 has many feature and connectivity advantages. I bought the 659, mainly due to the better features. And I got it for $369.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would just look at features you want and decide; either one should power your system adequately. For the $100 difference, I would go with the 659 but that’s just me.

 

[baseman]

For the $100 difference I just DID go with the 659 and couldn't be happier. Then again I don't have HDTV either and I'm not even sure what THX is...

 

[Kaduvakuttan]

Hi,

I am using 2500 & 659 . 2500 is too good one except the heating effect. 659 is cheaper but added new features, there is very less THX movies, so 659 is good option

kad