Yamaha RX-V3900 vs RX-Z7 vs RX-A2000

[Misha322]

I am looking to upgrade my 10 year old Yamaha receiver now that I have a 50" Plasma TV, HD Cable box and PS3, and use a couple of HDMI cables. I also like to listen to internet radio.

The three that caught my eye are Yamaha RX-V3900, RX-Z7 and RX-A2000 which offer similar things at around the $1,000 price tag. I am sticking with Yamaha just out of personal preference as I love the one I have now and it still doing great.

I am leaning more towards the RX-V3900 as it has great offerings for only $800 from Amazon. Yes RX-V3900 and RX-Z7 ($1,200 on Newegg) have HDMI 1.3a vs the 1.4a on RX-A2000 ($1,400 Amazon). But if I will have Ethernet input on the receiver I don't see why i would ever need to send audio back from the TV to the receiver. Also, i don't see my self ever getting the 3D TV.

Between RX-Z7 and RX-A2000 I feel for extra $200 why not go with the newest model. That leaves RX-V3900 vs RX-A2000, with a price difference of $600, i don't see RX-A2000 having enough of the edge to warrant that premium.

Please weigh in and help me decide.

 

[GlocksRock]

Or just get the RX-V1900 for $650 from newegg, as it's basically the RX-V3900 minus the networking.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115139&cm_re=yamaha_receiver-_-82-115-139-_-Product

But the 3900 is a great choice and is what I would get over the RX-A2000.

 

[3db]

I agree with GlockRocks advice.

 

[Misha322]

I actually like the network capability. I do have a question about it if anyone knows. How exactly dose it work, can I access any radio station for on-line radio? Can I access shoutcast stations?

 

[GlocksRock]

I would go to the yamaha website and check out the manual for the 3900, some people don't have good luck with the networked receivers. I don't need one since I have a htpc hooked up to both of my setups so I just use that for streaming internet music.

 

[waxey]

I also agree with glocks rocks but if you want the net working capabilities go for the rx-v3900. Amazon has it for $799.00 That's a pretty good price ; $150.00 more than the rx-v1900.

 

[Herr Eickhorn]

I want to keep the debate simple.

The root purpose of a A/V receiver is to provide good sound.

With that in mind, wouldn't you want the one that does that the best? If so, isn't the RX-A2000 the clear winner? With its HYBRID POWER SUPPLY,OPTIMIZED POWER AMPLIFIER LAYOUT, DOUBLE BOTTOM CONSTRUCTION, H-SHAPED CROSS-MEMBER FRAME, SPECIALLY DESIGNED 5TH FOOT, HIGH QUALITY DACs, ULTRA LOW JITTER CIRCUITRY,CUSTOM DESIGNED PARTS, HIGH GRADE TERMINALS, ZIP TIES TO GROUND, etc. it should EASILY outperform the older Yamaha's.

The PRIZE is the SOUND. Stay focused on that and your decision should be easy.

 

[3db]

I want to keep the debate simple.

The root purpose of a A/V receiver is to provide good sound.

With that in mind, wouldn't you want the one that does that the best? If so, isn't the RX-A2000 the clear winner? With its HYBRID POWER SUPPLY,OPTIMIZED POWER AMPLIFIER LAYOUT, DOUBLE BOTTOM CONSTRUCTION, H-SHAPED CROSS-MEMBER FRAME, SPECIALLY DESIGNED 5TH FOOT, HIGH QUALITY DACs, ULTRA LOW JITTER CIRCUITRY,CUSTOM DESIGNED PARTS, HIGH GRADE TERMINALS, ZIP TIES TO GROUND, etc. it should EASILY outperform the older Yamaha's.

The PRIZE is the SOUND. Stay focused on that and your decision should be easy.

Yes lets stay focused and look away from all that marketing hype and look at the out power verses the input power draw. You'll notice that the 3900 wins over the A2000 in that ratio. The 3900 amp section/power supplies are very formidable and can be bested by only the RX-Z series.

 

[Misha322]

Denon AVR-4810

So i see also a lot of good posts about Denon AVR-4810, but it most deff a bit out of price range, but seems a few people were able to pick one up for under 2k.

 

[Misha322]

Denon AVR4810

So what you guys think about picking up Denon AVR4810 for 1,900? Good deal?

 

[GlocksRock]

That's not a bad deal, but I'd probably pick up a brand new AVR-4311 for $2k instead, but that's just me.

 

[ichigo]

It's amazing. The 4311 is going for $2k on Amazon and the 4310 is $1,160.

That's a $800 premium for hdmi 1.4

 

[PENG]

So what you guys think about picking up Denon AVR4810 for 1,900? Good deal?

I would think so. I paid $2K for my 4308 at the time when it was the lowest price I have seen advertised, including the US. The only difference now is the 4810 has to complete with the 3D ready models. If you are sure you don't need a 3D AVR then I think for $1,900 the 4810 is unbeatable. I bet you even ADXX would agree with me on this.

If you read the review of the thing by HTM you will be disappointed with its ACD lab measurements as it tripped at 36W or something. However, I can assure you that it is not because it has a smaller P/S (in fact larger) than the 4310 and my 4308 that tested over 100WPC X7 by the same reviewer. Read the 2 & 5 channel tests, do the math and you will know why I say this. As an AVR, the 4810 is a power house, at its price point, only Onkyo/Integra flag ship models are its equal.

In terms of SQ, based on specs that counts the most, the 4810 may be slightly better the Z7 overall, but in real world applications I think they will sound the same to most people in pure direct mode, everything else being equal.

If you can in fact get a new one for 1900 and has full Denon warranty, go for it, unless you need 3D..

 

[GlocksRock]

It's amazing. The 4311 is going for $2k on Amazon and the 4310 is $1,160.

That's a $800 premium for hdmi 1.4

The 4311 offers more than just HDMI 1.4

 

[PENG]

I think the XX11 series don't have the ABT VRS any more. To me, it would be a smart move (if true), I always thought it was a waste of money to worry about upscaling PQ that is not noticeable without the help of test materials on most home applications.

 

[ichigo]

The 4311 offers more than just HDMI 1.4

Asside from offering 2 more channels while still being limited by the same power supply, what else?

 

[Misha322]

Would you say that Denon AVR-4311 best compares to Yamaha RX-A2000 or A3000? And which you like more?

 

[GlocksRock]

Asside from offering 2 more channels while still being limited by the same power supply, what else?

The newest Audessy, preamp mode, upcoming firmware to support Airplay, and as you said, 2 more channels that would work really well with Dolby PLIIz.