What would you get? DENON AVR-5803A or a Yamaha RX - Z9

[Ratherton]

I am trying to see the reviews on these two monsters and I was wondering what everyone else thinks? Would you all get one of these and which one or would you go for something better? I really do not care about the receiver part but I do think these are good DSP receivers.


What would you get?

 

[gene]

Having reboxed the Z9 and reconnected the 5803 I can personally say the Z9 will be sorely missed. I almost can't function without DSP Adventure Mode for movies and PLIIX for music and old analog video sources

Denon is introducing some new whoppers at Cedia, including a replacement to the 5803 so you may wish to sit tight.

 

[happy540i]

Two months ago I was in the same situation you are in right now. I was debating if I will get the 5803A or the Z9. The question you should ask yourself is that will the receiver be used more for movies or more for music? The DSP modes on the Yamaha is by far the best. I still have a Yamaha (DSP-A1) in the other room and I had this system for 5 years as my main system. I have no complaints with it. The sound in both music and movies is fantastic. After the Audioholics review of the Z9 came out, I decided to purchase the 5803A because I did'nt need all the features that came with the Z9. Even with the DSP-A1, I hardly change the settings on the system. Having both the Yamaha and Denon, MY OPINION is that the Denon sounded better and cleaner. It is warm not bright compared to the Yamaha. The DSP mode is not bad either. Also another thing to consider, the subwoofer does not work on the Yamaha in Direct/Pure Direct mode. One advantage the Yamaha have is the video processing. Again as I stated earlier, Do you need this feature? Another thing to consider, your speakers. I am using powered, bi-amped main speakers. It is like having separates because I am not using the power amplifier section of the 5803A. FYI, I was using the same set of speakers with the Yamaha that's why I can compare them side by side. Hopefully I was able to help you make a decision on what to purchase.

 

[Ratherton]

So you all would go for the Z9. I would say that I plan to use it more for movies than listening. Not cheap though? Any other recommendation on another brand or should I stick to these two?

Thanks,

 

[gene]

Its hard to make an intelligent recommendation when one doesn't know the following:
1) Your room size and dynamics
2) Your speaker configuration, brand and models
3) Your budget
4) Your primary objectives (which sounds like home theater)

There are cheaper alternatives depending on your needs but as far as DSP processing goes and having one digital connection for all formats the Z9 is a hot ticket right now.

In addition you have to make sure you have plenty of ventilation for this beast as it runs extremely hot.

 

[Ratherton]

Sorry...

I basically have right now (starting the long term investment) a pair of Klipsch floor speakers RF3's. I rather buy the amp and go from there.

 

[Ratherton]

The room is relatively small 16 feet by 16 feet. I do want to emphasize that I want to do things right the first time. My budget is buying things little by little. I do feel that the Z9 is a lot of money.

 

[Ratherton]

Any comments on the Z1?

 

[nm2285]

Maybe you see something I don't, but IMO, you don't need the flagship models. Why not get something like the Denon 3805 or the Yamaha 2400? Many of the same features and you can save some BIG money. You said you're not as worried bout the receiver part of the unit-these will provide you all the basics you need here. The amps should be more than enough to drive the Klipsch (they're awfully efficient), but I think it'd much better for your budget and for overall performance to get one of these receivers and add an external amp later if you wish.

Any reason you couldn't go this route?

 

[Ratherton]

To be honest, I like the bells and whisles on the flagship amps. But I guess you are right on the $$$$ part. I have been looking like crazy a good comparison between the flagships and the model that follows. I have run with little luck.

For example: I like the remote on the dennon (I admite I have lost base on technology for a while), I like all of the DSP programs on the Z9, I like the YPAO, etc.

I appreciate any further comments.