Yamaha RX-V / HTR

[calim]

First off, I have to admit that I'm incredibly new to this whole "home theater" thing. What I know about stereo systems, speakers, receivers, etc, is laughable. That said, I've been researching heavily this past week with the intent to buy myself a decent home theater system, one intended to be used almost exclusively will movies. Granted, there will be some marginal music usage, but 90% of the time it'll get used to watch DVDs.

I've settled on the BIC line of speakers - the DV84 towers, DV62 bookshelves, DV62CLR center, and eventually the 1220 subwoofer. I'm having some difficulty deciding on a receiver, though.

I've pretty much figured out that I want the Yamaha RX-V550 or the Yamaha HTR-5850. As far as I can tell, these are the exact same systems, albeit with different faceplates. I have to admit I like the RX-V550 face more, but... I'm unable to find it locally for anything less than $450. I can find the HTR-5850 online through an authorized Yamaha reseller (B&H PHoto).

The Yamaha website claims that the RX-V series is ONLY purchasable through authorized brick and mortar stores; if you buy them anywhere else, the warranty is null and void. Is there any truth to this? I don't want to spend more than ~$300 for the receiver, and I want to get the warranty... so... do I have to go with the HTRs?

Any suggestions, comments, or advice you may have would be much appreciated. I'd like to order this as soon as possible, so... Please keep in mind that because I'm new to this I'd be happy to also hear any comments on my choices for speakers and receivers.

I appreciate your help, and I apologize for sounding like a total newbie (deservedly so).

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Straight from the horses mouth.

What Is The Difference Between The RX-V Line And The HTR Line?


There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods, the same manufacturer's suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units.

There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality front panel construction.

The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz.

The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales, phone sales, or internet sales.

The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail, by phone, or at authorized internet retailers.

All transactions must be done through the authorized Yamaha dealer network. Any purchase made from an unauthorized dealer/retailer voids the Yamaha manufacturer's warranty.

I had the same reservations and when I buy will buy the 5890 because it's less expensive on line.

 

[calim]

Yeah, I'd found that too. I was just wondering if there was... well... any truth to it.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I've looked at all the info on their site (and others) and havent found any reason not to take it for the truth. I'm sure somebody else on this forum will be of some of help. I've had more questions answered then created here.

Good luck,
SBF1

 

[Nomo]

The only real difference, aside from cosmetics, is the HTR-5850 lacks Zone 2 pre-outs. I believe this is true in the RXV657/ HTR-5860 comparision as well.
That limits, it's Zone 2 capabilities.
If you take a close look at the back panels of both recievers you'll see the difference.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/backs/RXV557B.htm#

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/backs/HTR5850B.htm#

This gives the RXV series a pretty big advantage.

 

[richard270687]

Hi,

Good reference back to Yamaha...

I guess if THD is 0.06% across the 20-20kHz spectrum for the RX-V unit compared with 0.07% at only 1 kHz for the HTR... this would suggest the RX-V is a superior unit for audio(lower overall harmonic distortion and across a broad spectrum.)

But I guess Yamaha wouldn't come out and say HTR is a worse unit... would turn potential buyers away... HTR cos it has the label of worse, RX because of the price differential in retailing from boutiques.

In truth, I am wondering whether this just suggests that the HTR hasn't been tested or is not publishing figures across the spectrum (possibly inconsistent performance... lower QA/QC costs)... that said, am not sure many people would hear the 0.01% difference.

Hmmm... always the danger in looking for infinitessimal differences in the numbers... the Zone 2 is perhaps the bigger issue... depends on what people want.

 

[GlocksRock]

You can get the RX-V line online nowadays from authorized dealers. JR.com is an authorized dealer, that's where I got my RX-V663. I would hope audioholics is an authorized dealer, especially since they are listed on one of yamaha's surveys.

 

[dm_4u]

The only real difference, aside from cosmetics, is the HTR-5850 lacks Zone 2 pre-outs. I believe this is true in the RXV657/ HTR-5860 comparision as well.
That limits, it's Zone 2 capabilities.
If you take a close look at the back panels of both recievers you'll see the difference.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/backs/RXV557B.htm#

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/backs/HTR5850B.htm#

This gives the RXV series a pretty big advantage.

Absolutely...HUGE advantage.

 

[Nomo]

Wow, Back from the dead.
This sucker is over three years old.
I'm not sure if the comparisons I linked are even valid between the RXV and HTR series' any more.

Edit: or if the links themselvses are. Not.

 

[3db]

Hi,

Good reference back to Yamaha...

I guess if THD is 0.06% across the 20-20kHz spectrum for the RX-V unit compared with 0.07% at only 1 kHz for the HTR... this would suggest the RX-V is a superior unit for audio(lower overall harmonic distortion and across a broad spectrum.)

But I guess Yamaha wouldn't come out and say HTR is a worse unit... would turn potential buyers away... HTR cos it has the label of worse, RX because of the price differential in retailing from boutiques.

In truth, I am wondering whether this just suggests that the HTR hasn't been tested or is not publishing figures across the spectrum (possibly inconsistent performance... lower QA/QC costs)... that said, am not sure many people would hear the 0.01% difference.

Hmmm... always the danger in looking for infinitessimal differences in the numbers... the Zone 2 is perhaps the bigger issue... depends on what people want.

a.) Like the 2nd poster eluded too which came straight from Yamaha, just becuase they are specced differently doesn't mean that the HTR series is any less of a performer than their RXV brethren. How could they perform differently. They have the exact same amplifiers in both series.

b.) Even if there was a difference, you wou;dn't be able to hear the .01% harmonic distortion.

c.) Truth is they test differently. I'm not sure why although it was mentioned by the 2nd poster. It doesn't make sense to me either.

d.) Zone 2 would be a selling feature over the HTR. However, its been my experience that the RXV are sold in specialty stores while the HTR series are sold in big box stores. The RXV are sold at a higher price over their HTR brethren becuase of the higher overhead costs, a specialty store has.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha models

I think the Yamaha models you are referring to are quite old and not readily available. I have the HTR-5860 model and it is over 2 years old.
The current model is the RX-V663 for about $400. Look for slightly older RX-V661 or HTR equivalent in your $300 price range. These models have newer features like HDMI audio precessing and pre-amp outputs.