Yamaha RX-V863 vs. RX-V665

[KevInCinci]

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver this Christmas and am looking both the slightly older Yamaha RX-V863 and this year's RX-V665. Both are in the $500 range, which is my target. I like the additional HDMIs of the 665, but the reviews here seem to be less-than-stellar, whereas everyone has always seemed to like the Vxx3 series. I realize I could get the 663 for even less, but I like a few of the 863 features better, but am just not sure if the newer stuff in the 665 outweighs the smaller power supply, etc.

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Kevin

p.s. I realize Denon and Onkyo have some great alternatives, but I prefer to stick with the Yammies.

 

[XEagleDriver]

The 863!

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver this Christmas and am looking both the slightly older Yamaha RX-V863 and this year's RX-V665. Both are in the $500 range, which is my target. I like the additional HDMIs of the 665, but the reviews here seem to be less-than-stellar, whereas everyone has always seemed to like the Vxx3 series. I realize I could get the 663 for even less, but I like a few of the 863 features better, but am just not sure if the newer stuff in the 665 outweighs the smaller power supply, etc.

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Kevin

Kevin.

I would go with the 863 due to the more robust power supply and documented user satisfaction, unless you will only use it as a prepo and know you will be using separate external power amps.

The 665 has an extra HDMI and an extra subwoofer output.

The 863 has binding posts for all speakers (not the cheap wire push ins the 665 uses for the Zone2/Presence) and one more Optical input.

I would put more value on the 863's HD FM radio (free) capability vice having the 665's XMHD radio (not free) capability. Unless you live in a very rural area with no/poor HD FM coverage and sat. radio is the only game.

I was quite disappointed in the compromises Yammy took with the lower end of the X65 line this year. Cutting the weight from 26 to 19 lbs while staying with a Class A/B amp design means sacrifices were made!

My 2 cents

XEagleDriver

 

[Nomo]

+1 on the 863.
The few extras on the 665 don't outweigh the lightening of the power. IMO.

 

[KevInCinci]

It's too bad Yamaha went the way it did for the 665 series, since I'd like the extra HDMI (don't need the extra sub currently). Ah, well, the 863 it is.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[jazzyd910]

If live by an abc warhouse the 863 you can get it for 299

 

[GlocksRock]

Get the 863 for sure, it's much nicer than the latest offerings from Yamaha.

 

[Rocket88]

I picked an 863 a year and a half ago, great receiver!

 

[rnatalli]

I'd also have to go with the 863.

 

[KevInCinci]

The 863 is on its way...and the price has dropped under $500, so that was nice. Unfortunately, I'm not near an ABC Warehouse and their website doesn't have any available. A 2ish hour drive to the nearest one wasn't in the cards, but thanks, Jazzyd910, for the suggestion.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

[GlocksRock]

You will like that receiver very much, I have the RX-V663 and have been very pleased with it.

 

[m_vanmeter]

Vann's is a very reputable dealer - and free shipping

edit: should have added...Vann's is a Yamaha authorized internet dealer, so there is no problem with warranties

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538899230/yamaha-rx-v863bl?v_c=GoogleBase&ne_ppc_id=914&ne_key_id=6205909

 

[hereisnowhy]

I'm late to the paty Kevin, I'm in cinci, was gonna suggest you come by and give my 863 a run through the paces... seems you have already made the right choice though...

 

[VTX1800N1]

If live by an abc warhouse the 863 you can get it for 299

Hmmm... is that in-store only? I checked their website and it is not listed at all...

Found it in their in-store clearance section. Several stores with 1 or 2 units still available. Anyone know if their prices are equal at all stores and if they will ship clearance items?