RX-V1800 or V663/863 or other suggestions?

[pfastovsky]

Hi

I just blew out my subwoofer channel on my old Marantz RS 8000 (it was my baby) and I am looking for a replacement. I saw a big thread on the Yamaha 663 and it looks nice but its definitely not the most sexy out there. I can afford something up to the V1800 price range ($1200) but I hate to spend money unnecessarily but it does look sweet. I am using this to drive Axiom 2xM22s, VP150 Center and 2 QS8s and my screen is a sharp 52D92U.

Inputs will be HDTV (does upscaling the 480 signal really work?) and a HTPC so the 2 HDMI ports on the 663 is a little concerning with no expandability.

Thanks
Peter

 

[Nomo]

Check out the deals at the Audioholics store. You may be able to get an 1800
for under a thousand.

 

[pfastovsky]

Is the RX line due for a refresh?

Another thought, with the 66x line being refreshed do you think we would see a RX-V1850 soon?

I wish Audiholic's price on the 1800 was cheaper. Alot of other places are offering it for 880-940.

Thanks
Peter

 

[Nomo]

Most likely the next model will be the RX-V1900.
But I'm guessing that won't be out till Fall of this year.

Most of the places offering the 1800 for that cheap are not authorized online vendors, and Yamaha will not honor the warranty.

 

[Seth=L]

The RX-V663 and others are considered part of the RX-V*800 series, they came after the higher models.

 

[majorloser]

If you need the extra HDMI then go for the RX-V863.

 

[pfastovsky]

You think the Rx863 is a better option than the RX-1800? I dont really need the 2nd subwoofer out as I am not throwing audio across multiple room.

 

[majorloser]

I believe the 1800 gives you an extra zone (3), an extra HDMI and a little more power over the 863.

The 863 has a couple extra features like Bluetooth, Sirius-ready and HD radio.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/avreceivers/rxv_rxz.html?CTID=5000300

 

[pfastovsky]

Well I did it

I went for the 1800 in the end. Audioholics provided a coupon that brought the price down significantly. Plus these forums are awsome so they won my business.

 

[Nomo]

I went for the 1800 in the end. Audioholics provided a coupon that brought the price down significantly. Plus these forums are awsome so they won my business.

Good Choice.