Yamaha 2500 or 2600??

[newtoitall]

Hi Folks,

Just a couple of quick questions.

I needed a receiver to trial a couple of pairs of speakers, I wanted the Yamaha RXV 2600 but the shop only had an RXV 2500, they are ordering a 2600 for me and gave me the 2500 for a week to try.

1. Is the 2600 worth $500 more than its predecessor keeping in mind that upconversion and HDMI are not priorties?

2.Will a 2500 or 2600 drive a 4 ohm speaker?

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Audioholics]

1. Probably not
2. Yes, unless you intend to play at insane levels for extended periods or you have a room that is too big for the speakers.

 

[billy p]

Imo

#1 no because that's the only reason it cost more plus it's xm radio ready .
#2 yes but it would be much harder on the receiver and in 7.1 I myself wouldn't without the backup of more power .

 

[newtoitall]

Thanks guys,

Maybe i'll stick with the 2500 and put the extra $500 toward a better set of speakers
The reason I asked about driving 4 OHM speakers was I was thinking about Magnapans or some others that are harder to drive. As can be seen in another thread I am having a hard time trialing speakers.

Thanks again,
Frank

 

[Nick250]

Thanks guys,
Maybe i'll stick with the 2500 and put the extra $500 toward a better set of speakersFrank

newtoitall, without a doubt adding $500 to the speaker budget is the best thing you can do. Most especially the two front main speakers.

Nick

 

[tomd51]

Good thinking...

Putting the extra $500 towards better speakers or an external 2 channel amp for the mains would be a better value in the long run than going w/the 2600.

And if you decided to look at a used amp from AudiogoN or elsewhere, you could likely find a decent 125-200w, 2 channel amp for less than $500, allowing you to take what's left over and put them towards speakers. You could even grab a Behringer A500 brand new for less than $200 that would give you ~180-200W/ch for your mains. I picked up a pair of these amps to evaluate for a bit and they are great performers for the money.

Another advantage of the external amplification is that it would take the load off the receiver's amp section if you did decide to go w/4 Ohm speakers so you could drive it fairly hard without any worry... -TD

 

[jcPanny]

4 ohm speakers

Frank,
Keep in mind that it is much more difficult for the Yamaha or any receiver to drive 7 channels of 4 ohm speakers than a pair of 4 ohm fronts and 6-8 ohm center and surround channels.
If you want to go all 4 ohms, look into an outboard amp. With the $500 you saved, you could get the Emotiva LPA-1 amp which will deliver over 200 Watts into 4 ohms x 6 channels.

 

[GlocksRock]

have you considered going with the RX-V1600 over the 2500? It's still less than the 2600 and has most of the same features except upscaling.

 

[Tod]

I'm far too lazy to check, but I believe the 2600 and 2700 also have the ability to bi-amp the fronts with 2 of the "extra" channels, while the 2500 doesn't. You should check into it since that's definitely an advancement that could help your situation.

I'm about to buy a 2500 myself, but there's really nothing in the 2600 that I absolutely need (want, yes...need, no), and I'm not worried about the power issue which is why I don't know right off the top of my head.

 

[Flea]

2500

The 2500 has good internal amps and processing. The 1700 does not have GUI. The 2500 is nice but I had no need for HDMI. If I were you I would get a 2500 and save for an external amp. And for a real treat, run an external EQ on every channel between the 2500 and the Amp. As long as you have good speakers. I prefer 4ohm. It will light up your system like you would not believe. That's what I did. I like music though. loud.

 

[joebob]

I'm far too lazy to check, but I believe the 2600 and 2700 also have the ability to bi-amp the fronts with 2 of the "extra" channels, while the 2500 doesn't. You should check into it since that's definitely an advancement that could help your situation.

I'm about to buy a 2500 myself, but there's really nothing in the 2600 that I absolutely need (want, yes...need, no), and I'm not worried about the power issue which is why I don't know right off the top of my head.

You can bi-amp with the 2500 using the A and B terminals, not sure how much, if any, improvement you would get.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha A AND B

The A and B speaker terminals on Yamaha receivers connect to the same (Front) amp channels. Thus, you could bi-wire using the A and B terminals but this will have no audible benefit. Also, I am not sold on the benefit of biamping speakers with a receiver unless you have a flagship model.
If you want more power, connect an outboard amp to the pre-amp outputs on your Yamaha.

 

[Tod]

The A and B speaker terminals on Yamaha receivers connect to the same (Front) amp channels. Thus, you could bi-wire using the A and B terminals but this will have no audible benefit. Also, I am not sold on the benefit of biamping speakers with a receiver unless you have a flagship model.
If you want more power, connect an outboard amp to the pre-amp outputs on your Yamaha.

I checked on Yamaha's website, and my memory was correct. You can bi-amp with the newer two models. What the hook-ups are, they didn't say. But I'm assuming that both of the above posters are correct - bi-amping is possible but not with the A/B switch.

 

[Flea]

I am a audio junkie. I replace my reciever every two years. Now, if you are looking for the long haul I would get something with HDMI. I have a friend who just purchase a new Sharp LCD. He says that it dosen't even have component video hookups. Perhaps manufactures are doing away with component video. Don't get me wrong, it won't happen anytime soon but if you are going to keep it five years or more.........

 

[Rick Hunter]

Hi Folks,

Just a couple of quick questions.

I needed a receiver to trial a couple of pairs of speakers, I wanted the Yamaha RXV 2600 but the shop only had an RXV 2500, they are ordering a 2600 for me and gave me the 2500 for a week to try.

1. Is the 2600 worth $500 more than its predecessor keeping in mind that upconversion and HDMI are not priorties?

2.Will a 2500 or 2600 drive a 4 ohm speaker?

Thanks,
Frank

Frank, Don't waste your time or money I just purchased a Yamaha RX-V2700 and it is superior to the 2600 0r 1600, You can purchase a new 1700 that has more features and performs better than the 2600.

Rick

 

[tomd51]

Just out of curiosity Rick, in what way is the 2700 superior to the 2600, besides what's on the spec sheet? -TD

 

[newtoitall]

Yes I really would like to know the difference between the 2500,2600and 2700 or 1700 other than HDMI, are there any real technical advancements between these models that would make me pay more for a newer version?

I only have a day or so left before I have to make a decision.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[tomd51]

I wouldn't worry too much, Frank. The 2500 is an excellent unit for the money, from both an audio and video standpoint.

If you pair up some nice speakers with this and possibly some external amplification, you'll be hard pressed to do much better w/out dropping a lot more money.. -TD

 

[newtoitall]

Thanks Tom,
That's what I thought, it's just nice to hear it from a few others more qualified than I to make that call

2500 it is.

Frank