What is the "BL" listed after the 1800 & 3800

[sengert]

Hello all!

Maybe this is an easy question but it is one I'm willing to post!!! What is the difference from Yamaha RX-V1800 and a RX-V1800BL? Or RX-V3800 and RX-V3800BL? The Yamaha website doesn't clarify the situation, but some vendors including my local brick and mortar shop has it listed with the BL moniker.

It may just be a call out for color BL for black versus the on again off again silver color schemes of the past... But if it is an indication of a particular revision of the receivers I'd like to know that before I go and plop down my 1.5k!

Thanks in advance for your responses!!!

Sengert

 

[mike c]

BL usually means black color

it would seem silver is the default color ... and then when BL is added, it's black.

but no, there's no newer version of the 1800

 

[Jack Hammer]

Seconding what mike c said, the "BL" is added to differentiate the black model from the silver model.

Jack

 

[sengert]

Thanks!!!

I figured as much, but felt justified in asking, eh?!?

Any thoughts on if the 3800 is really worth the extra $400?

I am about to do a full hardware upgrade to our home system and the only things that will be kept are the Magnepan mains and the Velodyne sub. We will be getting a new receiver, matching DVD/SACD/CD player, new HD TV and new surround speakers to complete the bunch. Eventually a PS3 or other bluray will be added along with an upgrade to HD cable/satellite TV.

I very much like the Yamaha equipment. I'm running an older Sony ES set-up, and yes have been under driving my poor Maggies for a long time now, but the budget just was never their to move up.

My other considerations have been the Sony STRDA4300ES, Integra DTR7.8, or Denon AVR2808CI... The Yammies just seem to have the most going for them though, especially with Audioholics selling them at VERY good pricing.

Ahhh, I digress... Well thanks again, for the fast response and for any other thoughts that you will share on my dream come true!!!

sengert

 

[mike c]

here's a comparison chart for the 1800 and 3800
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/av/products/comparison/index4.html?pName=rxv1800

it all depends on your needs.

3800 has:
network functions
USB input
better GUI (but who needs this really?)
a tiny bit more power
some zone 2 options

 

[MDS]

It's a good question and does come up from time to time. Most companies seem to use simply 'B' to designate Black but 'BL' isn't too far a stretch from that.

Now the real question is, who in their right mind would actually choose silver?

 

[mike c]

Now the real question is, who in their right mind would actually choose silver?

errr. i never buy black equipment if i can help it.

if both are available, i always go for silver

 

[Midcow2]

so it's not BarcaLounger ??

BL usually means black color

it would seem silver is the default color ... and then when BL is added, it's black.

but no, there's no newer version of the 1800

H'mm, I was wondering why my BarcaLounger never showed up!

 

[Jack Hammer]

...Now the real question is, who in their right mind would actually choose silver?

Actually, IIRC, back in the 70's silver was the color to have. All my dad's equipment was silver, as was most other peoples I recall. When everything starting coming out in black in the 80's, I remember how much he would say it made everything look cheap. I'm sure it will change again at some point.

Jack

 

[Midcow2]

or Sansusi's gold color

Actually, IIRC, back in the 70's silver was the color to have. All my dad's equipment was silver, as was most other peoples I recall. When everything starting coming out in black in the 80's, I remember how much he would say it made everything look cheap. I'm sure it will change again at some point.

Jack

Yes in the 70s most receivers were a silver or platinum-like finish except Sansusi was gold and McIntosh was black with analog meters just like today.

Still have a 1060 Marantz and a Fisher Audio digital tuner. Both still work! The look more platinum than silver.

My paper coned off-brand speakers failed log ago. I kept them around for awhile because they made pretty nice end tables even though a couple of the cones in each speaker were shot and they sound as bad as Bose!; but in surround you could tell that much. You know that direct/reflecting technology 8 small speakers facing forward and one facing backwards against the wall.

 

[mike c]

i hate the previous yamaha gold color though ...

 

[PENG]

I think the 1800 is a better deal from the money stand point but I would still take the 3800 mainly because of its network capability.