RX v659 or HTR 5890

[wyllisx1]

I need to buy a different receiver. UPS LOST the one I had already bought. I've gotten most of the money back but am still awaiting approximately 100.00.

So now I can afford either of those. The 5890 will be B stock at 400. The room is about 2300'. I do want 7.1 & preferably 2 zone output since I'll really be running 5.1 for movies & will have just music in my bedroom. Running the wires will be a pain but one I'm willing to endure.

I keep considering HDMI & can't see the need right now since my tv is standard def & won't be upgraded for awhile. Of course if I hit the lottery....

The speakers are all AV123s. Classic 750s (4 ohms) for the mains RSC200 (bigfoot 8 ohms) for the center. RSS300s (8 ohms) for the surrounds & I'll use the RS250 MKIIs (6 ohms) in my bedroom. My sub is a HSU VTF3 MK3 man do I love that sub!

There's enough wire to run 7.1 if I want to move the bedroom speakers out to the main room.

The 659 has great reviews but the extra power that the 5890 purports to has is intriguing. The ability to add an amp for extra power later is a nice option with both even though money isn't.

This will be run 85-90% HT but the bedroom speakers just music.

Thanks for the opinions.

 

[Nomo]

The "extra power" of the 5890 is simply due to the the way Yamaha decided to rate them. (A trick of the numbers)
The amp sections are the same in both and the difference is mostly in the appearance and, if I recall correctly, a slight difference in the zone output. The advantage going to the RX-V.

Admittedly, without checking, it seems you should be able to find a better deal than $400 on either of your chioces.

 

[wyllisx1]

Thanks Nomo.

I hate marketing scheme's just for the sake of marketing schemes. The best deal I could find for the 5890 was the b stock at 400.00. But that seems to be a moot point now anyway.

I've found the 659 for anywhere from 249.00 to 300.00. I was leaning towards it anyway. Now if it can be shipped by FedEx I'll be much happier.

 

[Nomo]

I prefer the RXV myself.
Be careful where you buy it.
The RXVs are not in intended for internet sales. This translates into no yamaha warranty.

 

[enkidu]

I prefer the RXV myself.
Be careful where you buy it.
The RXVs are not in intended for internet sales. This translates into no yamaha warranty.

Not sure if this would be considered and authorized sale, but amazon has the RXV659 for sale through WholeSaleAV for $318 shipped to the sf bay area. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F97AFY

 

[Adam]

Not sure if this would be considered and authorized sale, but amazon has the RXV659 for sale through WholeSaleAV for $318 shipped to the sf bay area. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F97AFY

You can check out a list of authorized Yamaha dealers at their site here. I might have overlooked it, but I didn't see WholeSaleAV on that list.

 

[100r1]

I purchased my RX-V659 from Amazon / WholesaleAV several months ago. The unit actually ships from a Distribution warehouse (not wholesaleAV), the RX-V659 came with all warranty information / cards etc..

I also took advantage of Amazon $ 30.00 credit for getting a Amazon credit card, so my 659 cost less than $ 300.00 delivered. The 659 arrived at my doorstep in 3 days after ordering.

So far I'm very happy with the 659, I'm driving full range 6ohm speakers in a 5.0 setup. Your 4 ohms may create a lot of heat if you drive them to ear piercing levels for extended time. When I first got my 659, I played a lot of "test" DVD's I got off the AVS forum link. These DVD's had cuts from various movies (Master & Commander, Ice Age etc.) for showcasing LFE, Subwoffer, Special effects etc. At listening levels -5 to -0 (very loud) I encountered several times of thermal shutdown. NowThat I have gotten the Awe & Spectical out of my blood stream and now listen to sane levels, I have had no thermal shutdowns.

The 5890 is no more powerful than the 659, it's only the way Yamaha rates the amplifier section for different markets.

The Yamaha's DSP is excellent and I like the fact That I can at a later date add external amplifier power to all channels thru the pre-outs. For $ 300.00 the RX-V659 is a bargain, I don't know how long they will be available as the RX-V661 seems to be the replacement model.

 

[Adam]

Just because the unit comes with a warranty card and info doesn't mean that Yamaha will honor the warranty. It needs to be purchased from an authorized dealer in order for them to honor it.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not against saving some cash. I just want enkidu to understand the issues. If a warranty is important to you, then I'd suggest calling Yamaha to ask if a particular dealer is authorized if you're not sure if their online list is up to date.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receivers

First, for $400, look for a new Yamaha receiver model like the RX-V661. It is the newer version of the RX-V659 and includes HDMI. I think the HTR-6060 is also comparable.

The HTR-5890 model you list was produced two years ago which is why you can't find it new or from many retailers. At the time, it was a step up from the HTR-5860 model that I have and comparable to the RX-1500.

If you want to get a b-stock or refurbished receiver, look for an RX-V1600 on ubid for about $400. It will have plenty of power and includes HDMI. Otherwise I would recommend a new RX-V661 or 659.

 

[wyllisx1]

Thanks for the advice guys. BTW jcPanny I went with the Av123s on your advice & very much appreciate it too.

I'll be going with the 659 since $ is a concern at the moment. I really don't have a need for HDMI now & don't see it being an issue any time soon.

I'll be replacing a Yammy rx v430 that I've had for years without any problems. The warranty doesn't concern me that much since the 659 will be so inexpensive anyway. Also the last time I had any stereo repair work done I had to wait 2 months for the repair to be completed. Then again maybe the new way is replacement of the receiver no questions asked. I don't believe that to be the case.

I did go through Amazon since the overall cost was only 30.00 more for new. Passed on the Amazon card offer. I just don't need another credit card. Still pissed off at my girlfriend who pressured me into getting a Toys R Us card to save 20% on some X-Mas shopping.

 

[louthewiz]

I still have the 5790 and it is still going strong with my power hungry polk audio speakers, but I now have added 5 channels of amplification and this thing rocks the house, I also realy like the THX feature since it tames bright sound and I like the tons of features it has..