Should I upgrade AVR

[mjcmt]

Though I've had a HT system off and on for many years I still consider myself a beginner, especially compared to some here.
I have preowned 12 yr old Yamaha rxv2700, 140 wpc 7.1 avr in 3.0 system w/ front R/L speakers biamped. Its the best sounding avr I've had, even compared to Yamaha Adventage 740 I had 3 years ago. Only sources are Sony smart HDTV and Yamaha Bdp. Though processing my be dated, amp section is superb.
What would it take to better this, and is it necessary with my basic inputs and output, using Dynaudio center and Monitor Audio R/L spks in our townhome. (I'm aware I broke the golden rule of match speakers but it has a nice HQ full bodied and spacious sound to my ears.) Like many here I purchase preowned or refurbished to get the most bang for the buck.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[BMXTRIX]

There are many people who will get on the 'upgrade' bandwagon, but in reality, there is very little reason to do so unless circumstances force you into it. Amplifiers have a sound that some like, others don't, and those with golden ears complain about ad nauseam.

The obvious greatest downfall of the older system is that you can't take advantage of the newest HD codecs and can't handle the newest UHD resolutions.

Now, with a limited system setup that you are using, this is your call. If you don't miss the upgraded sound of HD audio, and your Blu-ray Disc player is not a UHD version, then call it a day and enjoy what you have. There are also UHD BD players which have dual HDMI connections so you can route audio and video separately from each other, just in case you do have an older AVR.

I'm all about getting the most mileage for your money if you can, and if it ever breaks down, or you really want to try out HD audio and the joy (and headache) of 4K video, then there is a pretty penny or two you can drop on new gear that supports all of it. But, doing so, when you really are happy where you are at, seems like it is a waste. As well, you know you really are happy, so it doesn't make a ton of sense to spend good money at this point.

A personal aside, which is a point that bugs me, is that it drives me nuts that the major manufacturers don't make lower priced, full featured AVRs which don't include amplification. In my setup all I need it a few HDMI inputs and processing and I could run it to separate amplifiers. This would allow people to upgrade their AVRs more often without the incredible expense that seems to go along with non-amplified AVRs, or those which include 7.1 pre-outs.

Enjoy what you have. Upgrade only if you want to. Don't let the industry lead you along.

 

[ryanosaur]

At 12 years old, you may well benefit from updated electronics.
I did this: from old Onkyo HTIB AVR to my Marantz.
What I noticed was improved signal quality and lower distortion. Even using the same old HTIB speakers at first. The Subwoofer was the most obvious change. I was able to run it hotter on the Marantz then ever before. The distortion from old AVR would cause the cabinets to rattle. Not with the Marantz... until I really bumped it.
That said, how big an SQ improvement? Likely very subtle. Most of us here tend to agree that the electronics won’t usually offer any changes to SQ. Good equipment should not color the signal.

It may be worth perusing the previous years AVRs, like the Denon 3500 or 4500, a similar Marantz... I’m not as familiar with Yamaha, but they are still very highly respected.

 

[ryanosaur]

There are many people who will get on the 'upgrade' bandwagon, but in reality, there is very little reason to do so unless circumstances force you into it. Amplifiers have a sound that some like, others don't, and those with golden ears complain about ad nauseam.

The obvious greatest downfall of the older system is that you can't take advantage of the newest HD codecs and can't handle the newest UHD resolutions.

Now, with a limited system setup that you are using, this is your call. If you don't miss the upgraded sound of HD audio, and your Blu-ray Disc player is not a UHD version, then call it a day and enjoy what you have. There are also UHD BD players which have dual HDMI connections so you can route audio and video separately from each other, just in case you do have an older AVR.

I'm all about getting the most mileage for your money if you can, and if it ever breaks down, or you really want to try out HD audio and the joy (and headache) of 4K video, then there is a pretty penny or two you can drop on new gear that supports all of it. But, doing so, when you really are happy where you are at, seems like it is a waste. As well, you know you really are happy, so it doesn't make a ton of sense to spend good money at this point.

A personal aside, which is a point that bugs me, is that it drives me nuts that the major manufacturers don't make lower priced, full featured AVRs which don't include amplification. In my setup all I need it a few HDMI inputs and processing and I could run it to separate amplifiers. This would allow people to upgrade their AVRs more often without the incredible expense that seems to go along with non-amplified AVRs, or those which include 7.1 pre-outs.

Enjoy what you have. Upgrade only if you want to. Don't let the industry lead you along.

As an aside, I do totally agree with this, too. BMX’s rationale is spot on and very pragmatic!

 

[mjcmt]

There are many people who will get on the 'upgrade' bandwagon, but in reality, there is very little reason to do so unless circumstances force you into it. Amplifiers have a sound that some like, others don't, and those with golden ears complain about ad nauseam.

The obvious greatest downfall of the older system is that you can't take advantage of the newest HD codecs and can't handle the newest UHD resolutions.

Now, with a limited system setup that you are using, this is your call. If you don't miss the upgraded sound of HD audio, and your Blu-ray Disc player is not a UHD version, then call it a day and enjoy what you have. There are also UHD BD players which have dual HDMI connections so you can route audio and video separately from each other, just in case you do have an older AVR.

I'm all about getting the most mileage for your money if you can, and if it ever breaks down, or you really want to try out HD audio and the joy (and headache) of 4K video, then there is a pretty penny or two you can drop on new gear that supports all of it. But, doing so, when you really are happy where you are at, seems like it is a waste. As well, you know you really are happy, so it doesn't make a ton of sense to spend good money at this point.

A personal aside, which is a point that bugs me, is that it drives me nuts that the major manufacturers don't make lower priced, full featured AVRs which don't include amplification. In my setup all I need it a few HDMI inputs and processing and I could run it to separate amplifiers. This would allow people to upgrade their AVRs more often without the incredible expense that seems to go along with non-amplified AVRs, or those which include 7.1 pre-outs.

Enjoy what you have. Upgrade only if you want to. Don't let the industry lead you along.

Thanks,
Yes, That would be a dream for me, separate power amp of high quality, with basic prepro I can upgrade regularly. What I like about my avr is the high quality amp section of this 12 yr old $1700, 2nd from tolt model.

 

[mjcmt]

At 12 years old, you may well benefit from updated electronics.
I did this: from old Onkyo HTIB AVR to my Marantz.
What I noticed was improved signal quality and lower distortion. Even using the same old HTIB speakers at first. The Subwoofer was the most obvious change. I was able to run it hotter on the Marantz then ever before. The distortion from old AVR would cause the cabinets to rattle. Not with the Marantz... until I really bumped it.
That said, how big an SQ improvement? Likely very subtle. Most of us here tend to agree that the electronics won’t usually offer any changes to SQ. Good equipment should not color the signal.

It may be worth perusing the previous years AVRs, like the Denon 3500 or 4500, a similar Marantz... I’m not as familiar with Yamaha, but they are still very highly respected.

Thanks for your feedback. I surely can see that you heard a big upgrade in SQ. Usually htib systems have cheap avrs and speakers tailored to compliment each other.

 

[snakeeyes]

Yamaha RXA2080 is the other option.

I have the RXA2060 and it replaced my RXV3300.

 

[Pogre]

Thanks,
Yes, That would be a dream for me, separate power amp of high quality, with basic prepro I can upgrade regularly. What I like about my avr is the high quality amp section of this 12 yr old $1700, 2nd from tolt model.

Pick the right receiver and that could still be an option for you if you choose down the road. The 3500 / 4500 series Denon receivers are deeply discounted right now and come with a full set of pre outs.

 

[mjcmt]

Yamaha RXA2080 is the other option.

I have the RXA2060 and it replaced my RXV3300.

Other than features did you notice a SQ improvement?

 

[mjcmt]

Pick the right receiver and that could still be an option for you if you choose down the road. The 3500 / 4500 series Denon receivers are deeply discounted right now and come with a full set of pre outs.

Thanx, my avr has pre outs, so if I go the separates route I could buy multi channel amp first.

 

[snakeeyes]

Other than features did you notice a SQ improvement?

Same sound quality. The RXV3300 was a fantastic AVR in 2003 though.

 

[mjcmt]

Same sound quality. The RXV3300 was a fantastic AVR in 2003 though.

Good info. Then my 2700 which was 2nd from top should be the same as 2060 minus features. This confirms what Bmxtrix said earlier.

 

[Pogre]

Good info. Then my 2700 which was 2nd from top should be the same as 2060 minus features. This confirms what Bmxtrix said earlier.

Sure. If you're happy with what you have now, swapping out receivers probably won't give you anything along the lines of a sound quality upgrade but would get you into the current decade technology-wise. We don't normally recommend upgrading amplifiers or receivers, but in your case I would consider it if for any reason to get updated.

 

[little wing]

I went from a Yamaha RX-A2500 that I enjoyed for about 8 years to a 3060 about 3 years ago. I heard a clear improvement in sound. I can't say for sure why, I'm not sure it was the amps...maybe the DACs? I don't know. But clearer, deeper, it was just better. I upgraded because I bought a 4k TV and needed to run everything through the AVR to simplify things. I'm still very happy with the 3060. Only you can decide if upgrading is right for you, but for me, I'm glad I did. If you could find something like a 2060 or 3060, you won't be missing much in the way of features that a 70 or 80 series has.

 

[Gmoney]

Mike, Do it! get you a new AVR! you only live once bro! You don’t want to be on your Deathbed going damn I should’ve got that new AVR. see little Wing got his new AVR!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

You guys asleep at the wheel? Where’s the subwoofer talk? Lol

 

[snakeeyes]

You guys asleep at the wheel? Where’s the subwoofer talk? Lol

Well if the receiver doesn’t have at least Dolby TrueHD decoding, I’m recommending upgrade. LOL

 

[little wing]

You guys asleep at the wheel? Where’s the subwoofer talk? Lol

That's a whole other conversation... LOL, but you got a point. People here love their bass. My puny Rythmik F12 lights up my small room, but most people would call that one anemic I'm sure...

But to mjcmt - like Gmoney said, go for it! You only live once. Just don't go below a Yamaha 1060 series, IMO.

 

[3db]

I'm have one Yamaha AVR with no HDMI and two with HDMI. All sound great but I'm looking to upgrade one at a time to allow pass through of 4K video htrough the AVR just to simplify the connections a little. If it werent for 4K, I would remain status quo.

 

[snakeeyes]

I'm have one Yamaha AVR with no HDMI and two with HDMI. All sound great but I'm looking to upgrade one at a time to allow pass through of 4K video htrough the AVR just to simplify the connections a little. If it werent for K, I would remain status quo.

My 2003 gear worked well for 13 years but I think being able to stay somewhat current is a good thing. Ultimately my 4K Samsung TV purchase tipped the scales for me in 2016.