Yamaha 659? 2500?, or Onkyo 603??

[podunkjeep]

So after reading the reviews here, I was all set to buy the V659, and I stopped by Tweeter to take a look at the unit. They don't carry the Onkyo 603 I was considering.
The folks at Tweeter kindly pointed out that they had the V2500 on sale for less than $500.
My understanding is the 2500 lacks HDMI, and ipod direct connectivity, but it is a "better" quality receiver overall.
I'm hoping you experienced and knowedgable members might share your opinions and help me decide which of the three is best.
Thanks!!!

 

[Nomo]

None of the 3 receivers you mention are HDMI capable.
Between the 2500 and 659; the 2500 has 30 more wpc and THX certification.
The 659 has XM and Ipod connectivity where the 2500 does not.
Both the Yamahas have pre-outs for all channels which the Onkyo lacks.
Lack of pre-outs for me is a deal breaker.
If you are in need of XM and Ipod connection the 659 is IMO the way to go.
If not, and you simply need a solid receiver, go with the 2500.
Again, IMO.
If HDMI is important you'll need to look at the Yamaha 1700 or 2700. Or the 70X series Onkyos. There's a pretty steep price increase in jumping up to those models.

 

[Tod]

The RX-V2600 has HDMI too, and is only about $300 more than the 2500 at the moment.

 

[samba]

I was just about to post a similar question!!!! I have an old yammie rv 901 (circa 1996) which I use to power some axiom m22ti speakers and a Klip sub (10 inch, which I bought on sale at BB over the weekend 50% off!- great sub for the money).

Anyways...

I went looking for receivers in the $500 range. Was set on the rx-V659, but left Tweeter with a rx-v2500 which I got for their sale price of $500 this weekend. I love the sound of the 2500, better than the old receiver. Even my girlfriend agrees . But I'm having buyer's remorse and wonder if I should go with the V659 for Ipod connectivity. This is kind a silly anyways, becuase I'm one of the few human beings out there who does NOT own an Ipod or like device. So, please chime in here and tell me if I shoudl keep the v2500 or go for the v659. Also, the audioholics review of the 659 was very good, listing power into 2 channels at 8 ohms about 120 watts...vs 135 or so watts for the v2500.

Also, is there a way to connect an Ipod or similar device to the v2500?

Thanks.

 

[jcPanny]

iPod connection

With the appropriate cable, you can connect an ipod to the stereo analog inputs on any receiver including your RX-V2500. If you would have bought a newer model like the 659 and spent an additional $100 for the iPod dock, then you would be able to control your iPod with the receivers remote.

If you have a PC in the vacinity of the receiver, you could stream lossless audo files (FLAC, etc.) to the receiver with a digital optical or coax connection and end up with a less expensive and higher fidelity solution.

 

[jthomas666]

The same thing happened to me. I walked into Tweeter to get the 659 and walked out with a 2500 for $25 more.

It's a phenomenal piece of hardware. You will not be disappointed.

 

[samba]

With the appropriate cable, you can connect an ipod to the stereo analog inputs on any receiver including your RX-V2500. If you would have bought a newer model like the 659 and spent an additional $100 for the iPod dock, then you would be able to control your iPod with the receivers remote.

If you have a PC in the vacinity of the receiver, you could stream lossless audo files (FLAC, etc.) to the receiver with a digital optical or coax connection and end up with a less expensive and higher fidelity solution.

Thanks. Is that cable a 1 pin into 2 RCA cable? I think I actually have one of those...had no idea I could hook it up to the recevier that way. thanks

 

[podunkjeep]

I came "that" close to getting the 2500, but decided to sleep on the decision. I have since bought the Onkyo 703 for the same price and got the dedicated ipod dock too ($100). The automatic speaker calibration with the microphone worked wonders in a very awkward room (26 foot ceiling), better than I think I might have done manually, and I am so far very pleased.

Thank you all for your replies!