Yamaha RX-V659 or RX-V359?

[DavidJ]

Hi,

This might seem an easy question to answer, but some background first:

I've been poring over Audioholics for months. My ideal home cinema would consist of Axiom speakers (M22v2, QS8s, VP150) and a mid-price subwoofer (something by SVS or HSU), with an Oppo DV-981HD running to a decent Panasonic plasma. The speakers and sub I can build up to, as I already have some old Wharfedale 505.2's I can use as fronts, and some smaller speakers for the other three. I figure my first purchases should be a receiver, followed by a centre speaker.

So, since reading Gene DellaSala's review of the RX-V659, I've decided this would be a good start point. I can't afford an RX-V2700, and I believe money would be best invested in speakers in any case.

In the UK, an RX-V659 would set me back about $600 (I know, shocking isn't it?). But, as the RX-V359's are fairly old, I could pick one up now for just over $200. Okay, so I won't have 7.1, or YPAO, or the option of buying an iPod docking station (I'm quite happy just to plug mine in anyway), but I will still get the Yamaha sound, right?

So, back to my question. Buy an RX-V659, or get an RX-V359, at a third of the price, leaving me with enough left over to get the Oppo? Would the V359 really give me a third of the V659? Sure, I want value for money, but I don't want to skimp either. Having said that, I always thought the V659 would leave me space to upgrade later, if I wanted to. So, as a first receiver buy, do I really need to spend that extra $400?

Opinions, please!

Thanks

David

 

[Nomo]

As you said; it does seem like an easy one.
There really is liitle comparision between the two.
My reasons for the 659 are the YPAO and pre-outs for an external amp.

 

[pzaur]

It all depends on how fast you want all of your components. Personally, I'd forgo either one of those and opt for the Yamaha V661. It's the same cost as the Yamaha V659 and offers a few more things in it. This are the links for the spec charts on each. The comparison option doesn't fully show everything...

Yamaha V661
Yamaha V659

But, if those (659 or 359) are the only two options my vote goes for the Yamaha V659. My thought is to get things in little bits and go beyond what you need right now. Don't sell yourself short on future proofing in some fashion. Upgrade in bits and pieces. Speakers first, receiver, DVD, TV. That would be my order of upgrading. TV prices seem to do nothing but drop with more and more options added on to them.

-pat

 

[DavidJ]

Which receiver?

Thanks Nomo.

I said it would be an easy one, because I assumed most people would say "Get the V659".

External amp? Getting a home cinema in (and established) under the girlfriend's radar will be hard enough, without one day asking her, "Do you really think it's loud enough, darling?" ("No dear, there are still some objets I haven't had to nail down yet.."). Hmm..

And, as Gene said in his review, YPAO doesn't do it all for you, and I wouldn't mind the slog of learning how to set up properly myself. I like that kind of thing

 

[Nomo]

Some one just posted a HTR-5860 in the classifieds. Similar to the RXV-659, maybe a year older (?? I forget??).

 

[DavidJ]

Receiver

Thanks, I'll have a look, but postage to the UK maybe prohibitive.

Still in two minds. Not fussed about HDMI switching, and an Oppo will do my upconversion for me. Don't think we get XM radio here in the UK (could be wrong).

Would buy a V659 but, for the money, the V359 just seems to make more sense. Future proofing is all well and good, but to do that, you need to spend the $$$ to give you the lead in the first place. With new stuff coming out all the time, I'm drawn to just getting a foot on the ladder, building up the speakers, then perhaps upgrading the receiver later on.

Am I wrong? More opinions, the better!

 

[avaserfi]

I think you are on the right track. If given the choice you should spend your extra money on the speakers and get the receiver you can, that will push your speakers, you can always upgrade receivers in a couple years and just get an old model again. It seems that with the way technology changes your receiver is outdated before your speakers are hooked up to it.

 

[Adam]

David,

If the V359 suits your desires for now, then I say get that one. It's like you said, new stuff is coming out all of the time. I'd say save the $400 differential now and use it later on when you upgrade. Every year, receivers have more features for less money. I held off recommending the V359 to you because I wasn't sure if it had enough of what you wanted, but your last post makes me think that it'll work for you.

I like to go cheap or go big because either of those will make me happy. It's going middle of the road that bothers me. If I spend very little, than I don't care if it's not exactly what I want. If I get exactly what I want, then it will be worth the money to me. It's when I spend enough that I don't consider it cheap but yet don't get just what I want that I get upset about the purchase. So, if you can get a good enough receiver for 1/3 the cost, then I say go for it.

 

[mike c]

if you don't need HDMI ... I'd go 659 over 661 because the 659 has a better amp section

659 vs. 359 ... I'd go with the unit with pre-outs ANYTIME. I answered your poll before reading your background. there is no TIME to get a 359 over a 659. in case in the future you need an external amp to power your speakers, only the 6 series has pre-outs for the amps. if you change speakers or feel that the axioms need power for example.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receiver

Also look for the comparable Yamaha HTR series (HTR-5960, 5860, etc.) for a slightly better deal. $600 is a lot for a receiver that is >1 year old and is selling for less than half that in the states.

 

[DavidJ]

Receiver

Well, JC, the depressing truth is that you lucky guys in the US get stuff for roughly half of what we're charged. Even if I bought from the States and paid for shipping, I'd still have to pay 22.5% tax on it, so the saving would be marginal. Just one of those things, I guess partly (or mostly) to do with the fact that the US is such a huge market.

Not sure if the HTR's are sold in the UK, but I'll check..

Mike, my living room is about 13' square (4mx4m), and we have no current plans to move! I don't think lack of power will be a problem. Unless I'm missing something. I very much doubt I'd change speakers, once I've spent a good $2000 (remember, UK prices!) on fronts, center and surrounds. I've read enough good things about Axiom to feel confident they'd be a good investment for me.

Thanks for replies!

 

[tomd51]

Hi David;
I'd agree w/Nomo and Mike C's post earlier here. Try to find a receiver with similar options that is a couple of years old that will not only provide you with a less expensive alternative, but will also have some expandability (e.g. pre-outs, etc.) for future use.

The Yamaha HTR-5860 is a good option if you can find one locally, also look into Denon's AVR-786, 886, 1905, 2105, 1906 or 2106 receivers that are a couple of years old but are very similar in feature set and performance. If you can find an HK 230, 235, 330 or 335 for a reasonable price, they may fit the bill as well. Some of the older Onkyo's like the 702 and 703 can be found much cheaper than a few years ago and these would also give you similar performance and features for the money... -TD

 

[j_garcia]

Given a choice, I will always opt for the most power I can afford, so that means within YOUR budget (sucks that you guys pay more) you have to find what features you NEED and which ones you can live without and then select the right power level for your situation after that.

 

[mike c]

we pay 500+ bucks for the 659 over here. and the 661 haven't even arrived yet (or at least the importer is witholding the 661's til the old 59 series is sold out)

even if your room is that small, I'd still go 659 than 359.
oh and with your square room, you should do some acoustic treatments.

 

[DavidJ]

how much has that last sentence just cost me?

 

[mike c]

oh and with your square room, you should do some acoustic treatments.

how much has that last sentence just cost me?

that one? buy the 659 first, worry about treatments later