Yamaha/Denon. . .depends on speakers?

[littleb]

My first attempt into the world of surround sound was a Yamaha HTR AVR. After I purchased my Axiom set up, M22s, VP100, QS8s, I decided to upgrade the receiver. I picked up Denon AVR 1083 online. I thought this would make for a very good system. Boy, was I wrong. I ended hooking up my old Yamaha and giving the Denon to the boy. It turns out the boy likes the Denon paired with his PSB speakers. And this son of mine tells me the problem is my Axiom speakers, not the receiver. To me, my Axioms sound much more alive and detailed with that old Yamaha. With the Denon, everything sounded recessed, drab and muddy. I played around with the settings, crossovers, etc. for months before I came to this conclusion. Has anyone experienced anything like this with his Axioms?

 

[mustang_steve]

Could it be a DSP setting on the Yamaha?

I know those settings are awfully addictive. I refused to use them for a long time, and now that I have, it's made a junkie out of me...must...have...more...DSP modes!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Some guys swear entry level receivers have a signature sound right out of the box. The old rumor was Yamaha, Pioneer, Sony, and JVC were bright, while Denon, Marantz, and Harman Kardon were flat.

The only way to tell is to bring two units home and try them out with your gear.

 

[littleb]

I didn't care for the way 2 channel sounded with the Denon/Axiom M22s. You can use words like dull, drab, lifeless, etc. I keep questioning whether it's the fault of the receiver or the speakers. With the Yamaha, the sound I am experiencing seems to be just the opposite. Somewhat in your face, even sharp, if you will. Again, I wonder if it's the speakers or the amp. I guess I'm searching for a better alternative for my speakers, and I don't know where to look. By the way, I don't use the dsp modes. I use straight stereo or DD for DVDs.