Yamaha RX-V4600 & RX-Z9 questions

[Jack N]

I currently have a Yamaha RX-V3300 that I use to drive speakers and external power amps. With so many speakers, calibrating the system is a rather large undertaking. Even though the receiver isn't that old, I'm considering an upgrade to take advantage of the automatic calibration feature. Just that feature in itself is a large incentive for me to upgrade. I was considering the RX-V4600 but it sounds like it has the same front presence/rear surround short coming that the RX-V2500 has. If I understand correctly, you can choose to have either the front presence speakers turned on, OR the back surrounds, but not both at the same time. Would someone let me know if I've got that correct, please? Also, the RX-V4600 is still coming up short on the pre-out jacks. So I've ruled out the RX-V4600. The RX-Z9 like the RX-V3300 has the correct number of pre-outs, but I haven't read anything that suggests that the front presence/rear surround short coming has been taken care of. (I might have missed it in the review). Can someone let me know if this has been corrected, or do I need to wait for the next new model release?

 

[Aliixer]

The RXZ9 has the ability to run both the rear surrounds and the presence speakers at the same time. I own the unit and can say it is a masterpiece. the unit is a powerhouse with little competition. The ypao automated speaker calibration was very easy to use and accurate. I only had to recalibrate the sub after the test run. The only downfall I can find with the unit is the lack of HDMI switching. Waiting for a replacement to the RXZ9 might take a while. The only improvements they plan for the future on their flagship is:

1.HDMI switching
2. updated ypao
3. increase in power to 200 watts per channel (I wish).

How much were you looking to spend?
There is always the Denon 5805 powerhouse at $6000.00

Let me know what you come up with in your research.

 

[Jack N]

Thanks for the info.

I thought of the Denon but it lacks the front presence channels. I'd rather have those than the extra surrounds.

I certainly agree with you on the HDMI. A rather large oops on Yamaha's part as this certainly has the potential for being one of the major standards in the near future. Seems like Yamaha is frequently a step behind the competition. It's got to cost them sales as it forces people to look to their competitors for what they want.

Is the heat from your Z9 a problem for you?

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Have you thought about this?

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR1000&class=Receiver&p=i

Not sure if this will suit your needs but I like the ability to upgrade for the future

 

[surveyor]

Have you thought about this?

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR1000&class=Receiver&p=i

Not sure if this will suit your needs but I like the ability to upgrade for the future

That's a gorgeois avr reciever!
However; it would be a shame for me to not use it or many of the other flagship recievers amps.
Since I have an amp (Outlaw 770) that I'm sure can dance with any flagship recievers amp, including the Denon 5805. With exception that the afore mentioned denon sports 10 channels of amplification!
It would be interesting to compare the TX-NR1000 pre-amp0 to the RX-V2500's.
Thanks for the input.

 

[Jack N]

Have you thought about this?

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR1000&class=Receiver&p=i

Not sure if this will suit your needs but I like the ability to upgrade for the future

I agree with Surveyor that it's a nice receiver, however it has the same channel layout that the Denon has - it's lacking the front presence channels. Just out of curiousity, what's the MSRP?

I'm still open to suggestions for other receivers.

For those who have a Z9, I'd like to know how much of a problem the heat generation is.

 

[nickbardom]

I also like Yamaha receivers and I am just waiting for the new flagship because I want HDMI switching(with OSD) and all speakers working together, so the 4600 won't do the job. Any tips for when the new Yamaha flagship will come out folks?

 

[Aliixer]

No idea, I have been waiting as well. However I own a Z9, and the heat issue is not a problem. For the power output of this machine the heat is understandable. I have called Yamaha and asked when a new flagship is due and they say their won't be a repacement for a while. They would not specify if one was in the working.

As for HDMI, I just run the cables directly from my cable box and denon 3910 to the TV. I use the macro control on the remote to handle the video switching. It works well and I have one less connection to make.
So the Yamaha RXZ9 is still one of the best flagships out there, if not #1.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Just out of curiousity, what's the MSRP?
QUOTE]


Retail I think is 4200 (crutchfeild is selling it for 4999)...I found it for 3600 at an on line authorized dealer. I love that you can add processor cards...with that much money spent it is nice that they are planning/preparing for future upgrades.

 

[The Dukester]

I visited the local Yamaha dealer at my home in SC today. He seems to think the updated Z9 will be out after the first of the year, but not sure. He did say there is an updated 2500 coming out next month and expects new features like HDMI connections and other features found on the Z9 to be on there. I would check with your local dealer for more info. I did not ask him about running all the speakers at one time.
The Z9 is pretty killer! He also has Rotel, Sony and soon to become a Mac dealer. He has compared them all and likes the Z9 best. For one, he says it has AC/3 and he has a bunch of Laser discs he still plays.

 

[surveyor]

I visited the local Yamaha dealer at my home in SC today. He seems to think the updated Z9 will be out after the first of the year, but not sure. He did say there is an updated 2500 coming out next month and expects new features like HDMI connections and other features found on the Z9 to be on there. I would check with your local dealer for more info. I did not ask him about running all the speakers at one time.
The Z9 is pretty killer! He also has Rotel, Sony and soon to become a Mac dealer. He has compared them all and likes the Z9 best. For one, he says it has AC/3 and he has a bunch of Laser discs he still plays.

Thats interesting! I am about ready to purchase the RX-V2500, but maybe I should hold off for a while?
Thanks for the information.

 

[nickbardom]

I also have a lot of LDs and the AC-3 RF input is very important. I hope the RX-Z9 substitute comes with it too.