Yamaha Rx-V659 vs Denon AVR-2106

[desmo900rider]

I was pretty set on getting the Yamaha amp, but I just ran across a great deal on the 2106...

Both 100wpc, both have pretty much the same features, but I can't find any info on the Denon site about it's 4ohm capabilities...I've already talked to Yamaha about their piece being 4ohm stable...

Funny thing is I found the Denon less than the Yammie!

Thoughts?

 

[zumbo]

Yamaha is not going to be 4ohm stable. It may be if you switch it, but then you cut the power in half.

Neither is the Denon.

What are the speakers?

I would look at NAD.

 

[desmo900rider]

4 Magnepan MMGWs and 1 MMGC...

Yamaha told me that thier amp was 4 ohm stable, they told me that it was 100wpc @ 8ohms, and 200wpc dynamic at 4ohms...is this not true?

The Maggies are actually 5ohm...

 

[zumbo]

4 Magnepan MMGWs and 1 MMGC...

Yamaha told me that thier amp was 4 ohm stable, they told me that it was 100wpc @ 8ohms, and 200wpc dynamic at 4ohms...is this not true?

The Maggies are actually 5ohm...

It is capable of driving a 5ohm load, but not ideal. Sounds like someone at customer support opened-up the manual. LOL.

I wouldn't recommend using any entry-level receiver to drive them. Did you purchase the speakers already?

http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/4-ohmspeakersreceiver.php

I read the review from Audioholics on the 659. Looks like it will be fine. That receiver is a bargain. A higher model would be ideal, but it looks as though it will be fine.
From the review:
Editorial Note about the Impedance Selector Switch

I recommend the "Minimum 8-ohms" setting even for 4-ohm speakers of moderate efficiency (>89dB SPL). Yamaha includes a" 6-ohm" setting to satisfy UL heat dissipation requirements when driving 4-ohm loads, as well as easing consumer concerns about driving low impedance loads. These switches step down voltage feed to the power sections which can limit dynamics and overall fidelity. My advice is to keep the switch set to "Minimum 8-ohms" regardless of the impedance of your speakers and ensure proper ventilation of the Receiver. Using the 6 ohm setting will reduce power output to your speakers about 15-20% and thus cause higher frequency of amplifier clipping if driven too hard which can damage your speakers

 

[desmo900rider]

It is capable of driving a 5ohm load, but not ideal. Sounds like someone at customer support opened-up the manual. LOL.

I wouldn't recommend using any entry-level receiver to drive them. Did you purchase the speakers already?

http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/4-ohmspeakersreceiver.php

I read the review from Audioholics on the 659. Looks like it will be fine. That receiver is a bargain. A higher model would be ideal, but it looks as though it will be fine.

Well, my budget won't allow for ideal right now, but I am making sure I have pre outs in case I can add an amp later...

Thanks for the link BTW, I will read through that in a minute here...I haven't bought the speakers yet, but I am pretty set on them...I've heard them driven by a very old, very low power amp and I love them...the Audioholics review of the Yamaha is what steered me towards it, but then this deal on the Denon popped up and I'm wavering...I can tell you that I listened to the Denon 1907 back to back against the Yamaha 659, and I liked the Yamaha better...I was surprised...the Denon was only putting out 85 wpc though, this one has the full 100 of the Yamaha, hence my questions on this...

Thanks for the help BTW...keep em coming!

 

[desmo900rider]

From what I have heard from Magnepan, those speakers seem more concerned about voltage output than wattage output...

 

[zumbo]

EDIT POST #4

 

[PENG]

but I can't find any info on the Denon site about it's 4ohm capabilities...I've already talked to Yamaha about their piece being 4ohm stable...

Thoughts?

They did talk about it on their site.
They claim in the FAQ section:

"11) Can I use 4 ohm loudspeakers with my Denon receiver or power amplifier?

Yes, you certainly can. "
http://usa.denon.com/1854.asp#Q10


In the 2106 manual, page 8, they also warned that the protector circuit may activated if the unit is used for long period of time at high volumes when speakers with impedance of less than 4 ohms are used.

http://ca.denon.com/AVR2106_DFU_ownersmanual.pdf

So you can be sure that the 2106 can run 4 ohm speakers but not at high volumes for a long time especially if the impedance of the speakers can dip below 4 ohms. On the other hand, the unit should be fine and stable driving speakers that claim 4 ohm minimum but nominally 6 to 8 ohms. I suspect the same would apply to the Yamaha model, it is highly unlikely that any mid level receivers could drive 4 ohm (nominal, not minimum) speakers with ease.

 

[desmo900rider]

Thanks! It looks like both the Yamaha and the Denon will be fine, now I just need to figure out which one to go with...

 

[PENG]

Thanks! It looks like both the Yamaha and the Denon will be fine, now I just need to figure out which one to go with...

I would like to emphasize that it is only fine as long as your room is not huge, speakers don't dip below 4 ohms, and volumes set not too high for too long etc. Both units have decent dynamic outputs at 4 ohms but the numbers specified are likely for resistive loads only. The impedance of speaker loads in the 20 to 20,000 Hz range are usually complex, i.e., it contains resistive, inductive and capacitive components. Complex loads are more difficult to drivel.

For best result, it is highly recommended that you add an external amp (at least a 2 channel one) as soon as your budget allows, and use the receiver's pre-outs to work with the power amp.

 

[mike c]

adding a fan of some sort to cool the receiver will help a lot too.

 

[desmo900rider]

adding a fan of some sort to cool the receiver will help a lot too.

GREAT tip!

Thanks!

 

[Jampli]

desmo900rider, I just got a Denon 2106 (floor demo, for about $180) and coincidently had been trying to find if it coud take the Magnepan MMGs. That's how a search in Yahoo lead me here.

It does appear that the Denon 2106 (and similar) can move the MMGs and without burning up ...I hope. Anyway, I am at least a week or two away from making a decision.

Let me know how it goes if you get them...and Good Luck!