Yamaha RX-V2500 vrs Marantz SR8500

[Marco]

I have to make a decision between these two models. I live in Costa Rica and we do not have access to a lot of products. I had a Yamaha RX-V2400 but it was stolen from my house; I did not have the chance to experience the Yamaha power. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Marco

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

You are talking about a $650 receiver versus a $1600 receiver. Are you kidding? If pricing in your area is similar, no contest.

http://us.marantz.com/shop/_templates/Proddetail.asp?model=25&cat=15

 

[Marco]

Specs of both receivers are quite similar. Marantz SR8500 $1,450 and Yamaha Rx-v2500 $1,300

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

If you like Yamaha, wait until this fall when their new line comes out (2600??). This Marantz is brand new and is still selling in the states for around $1400. The Yamaha can be had here for under $700. The specs are similar, but IMO the build quality, power supply, and warranty are much better with the Marantz. That Yamaha is getting dated and new products are being released, while the Marantz SR8500 is brand new technology. No comparison dollar for dollar, although both are fantastic units. If you said the Yamaha was $750, it would make the decision that much easier.

 

[Takeereasy]

I don't think you, can make a wrong choice here, but one isn't as right as the other. Just so you know that Yamaha is a much cheaper unit than the Marantz in North america. For me to get that unit in Canada would be well over $2000, I can get the Yamaha for around $1000. The Marantz, at least the North American version, seems to be a better receiver in my opinion. The Yamaha seems to be a great receiver too, but the better value points to the Marantz.

 

[vdefrancjr]

The rx-v2500 can be had for $675 shipped anywhere in the USA (check e-bay and/or www.pricescan.com). i started my journey about 2 weeks ago in compairing the same exact units as you and set my mind to getting the Marantz.

 

[RLA]

You are talking about a $650 receiver versus a $1600 receiver. Are you kidding? If pricing in your area is similar, no contest.

Hmmmm
$650 for the Yamaha 2500 then lets say $1000 for a nice amp and use the RVX 2500 as a Pre/Pro I'll take that option please Sir or even the 2500 and a decent 2 channel amp

PS the RXv2500's Pre-outs are some of the best we have heard on any receiver at any price Infact this receiver betters some fine Home Theater Pre-Amps

 

[vdefrancjr]

Hey RLA

What about the matchup of the Yamaha 2500 vs the Marantz 7500 or the 8400 if any of them could be had for approx the same price (give/take $50)

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

That's a tough one! I think it's your call there. Does the newer Marantz have any features the others don't that you will need in the near future? The Marantz 8500 is one amazing receiver, so for arguments sake, I did the following:

I was comparing the Marantz 7500 to the 8500 and the major differences were the HDCD decoder, the HDMI inputs and outputs, a copper chassis, 20 more watts, and a toroidal transformer in the 8500.

The 8400 has the toroidal transformer, copper chassis, discrete amplifiers, and 5 watts over the 7500. The 7500 has no HDMI inputs or outputs, nor does it have a toroidal transformer. My vote goes to the 8400 out of the two.

The Yamaha RXV2500 has the most watts at 130x7, discrete amplification, YPAO speaker setup, and Clint's thumbs up on one of the best values under $1000 for any receiver. Yamaha's website features Clint's review 1st. Here it is: www.yamaha.com/yec/products/reviews/pdf_reviews/RXV2500_review.pdf

Now, if you have access to ubid and can pick up the Marantz 8400 for $550 or under, my vote goes to the Marantz 8400. It has a 3 year mfg. warranty which can't be beat. If you are only talking a $50 difference, I would "consider" the Yamaha. Hope that helps.

 

[vdefrancjr]

hello in my over zelious approach to over anal-ize (yes i said it) i missed the oppertunity to get the 7500 as it has been sold.

I guess i need to learn that i am slpitting hairs here and that wanything i have will be better than what i had ........ (and to that fact at this point, i have nothing seeing as my sony is dead) lol

great breakdown on the comparision. I think the 8500 would be a trip, but i'd rather put 400~500 saving in my pocket so that leaves me with the 8400 or the yamaha 2500. That review makes me want to go out and by it right now. Any reviews you know of on the 8400?

What stinks is not having the chance to audition both at the same place on the same set of speakers and this is what i find to be challanging. i mean, if i am spning $700 and i want to be sure ......


So from your post, You (personally) would take the 8400 over the 2500? Just curious. Changing gears now, that puts the 8400 $100 less than what i can get the 2500 for....... hmmmmm....

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I would buy the Marantz 8400 at $475 over the Yamaha at $650. If the Yamaha were $475, I think I'd still take the Marantz due to it's smooth sound and excellent ability with music. I think it has the better transformer and copper chassis. I also feel Marantz is one of the more respected names in audio, especially for music.

Reviews are tough to find on the newer Marantz. Here's what I've got to far:

http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_329769_1593crx.aspx#reviews

http://hometheater.about.com/cs/audiocomponents/fr/aafprsr7300a.htm

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/marantz_SR-18.php

some consumer reviews here: www.epinions.com/Receivers--reviews--marantz

This used to be the place to get Marantz equipment for a good price. As you can see, it's still pricey stuff http://www.accessories4less.com/amazing/items.asp?Cc=RECEIVER

 

[Marco]

Yamaha 2500 in Costa Rica sells for $1,000 and the Marantz 8500 for $1200, strange, ah!!!. There are no 8400´s left.... that means I am back to the original post.
If you ask me, I rather go for the Marantz receiver, since the distributor in Costa Rica also sells Polk speakers and they are making me a good "combo". Yamaha distributor for Costa Rica carries Bose, and I had a bad experience with the tiny cubes before.

 

[zumbo]

Yamaha 2500 in Costa Rica sells for $1,000 and the Marantz 8500 for $1200, strange, ah!!!. There are no 8400´s left.... that means I am back to the original post.
If you ask me, I rather go for the Marantz receiver, since the distributor in Costa Rica also sells Polk speakers and they are making me a good "combo". Yamaha distributor for Costa Rica carries Bose, and I had a bad experience with the tiny cubes before.

I believe you would be happy with a Marantz/Polk combo.

 

[SonyHawk5]

I have a 2500 and I'm happy with it. I've owned Yamaha for over 25 years (have an old CR-1020 that still runs and sounds great, albeit with a slight, annoying electronic popping problem) and have no qualms about their quality and dependability. The only thing that I'd watch out for are the connections on the back. My 2500 has way too many composite jacks and too few of the latest technologies. For example, I have an HDMI Sony HDTV and there is no HDMI connection on the 2500 which means that I have to fun an optical to pass the audio. Also, there is no digital coax connection for CBL/SAT forcing me to go optical or pick one of the non-matching ports. I've connected my iPod via "MD" and I don't consider 40 gigs a "mini" disk. No big deal, but just something to keep in mind...double check all your other gear and make sure that you have the all the connections you intend to run.

 

[SonyHawk5]

I have a 2500 and I'm happy with it. I've owned Yamaha for over 25 years (have an old CR-1020 that still runs and sounds great, albeit with a slight, annoying electronic popping problem) and have no qualms about their quality and dependability. The only thing that I'd watch out for are the connections on the back. My 2500 has way too many composite jacks and too few of the latest technologies. For example, I have an HDMI Sony HDTV and there is no HDMI connection on the 2500 which means that I have to fun an optical to pass the audio. Also, there is no digital coax connection for CBL/SAT forcing me to go optical or pick one of the non-matching ports. I've connected my iPod via "MD" and I don't consider 40 gigs a "mini" disk. No big deal, but just something to keep in mind...double check all your other gear and make sure that you have the all the connections you intend to run.

That should be "run" not "fun." Oh, BTW, I paid nearly $1000 for the 2500 less a volume discount (everything purchased from same outfit - Ultimate Electronics - now going OUT of business in Texas!). I prefer package deals but ask why they're offering it. "There ain't no such thang as sumthin' fer nothin'!"