Yamaha RXV-559 vs. Denon AVR-1507

[wired73]

Hi all-

I'm officially new to the forums, but have been reading through past posts with interest.

I want to buy an AV receiver while the Boxing Day sales are still on, and have found these two comparable in terms of specs and price (the Denon has a larger price reduction). I've talked to the guys at the local 'expert store,' but they really only talk specs, and I want your opinion on the sound quality difference (I'm not in the big leagues obviously, so they won't hook everything up for me to listen).

Any opinions on sound difference between these receivers, or between the Yamaha and Denon brands in general? I am most interested in listening to music (classical, jazz, folk, pop), and HT next... Would love to hear what you have to say.

Thanks

 

[gmichael]

Hi all-

I'm officially new to the forums, but have been reading through past posts with interest.

I want to buy an AV receiver while the Boxing Day sales are still on, and have found these two comparable in terms of specs and price (the Denon has a larger price reduction). I've talked to the guys at the local 'expert store,' but they really only talk specs, and I want your opinion on the sound quality difference (I'm not in the big leagues obviously, so they won't hook everything up for me to listen).

Any opinions on sound difference between these receivers, or between the Yamaha and Denon brands in general? I am most interested in listening to music (classical, jazz, folk, pop), and HT next... Would love to hear what you have to say.

Thanks

Not a lot of difference between these two. Sound is close. Bells & whisles are close. Depenability is close. Which one can you get a better deal on?

 

[wired73]

The Denon is cheaper. It also seems to have a cleaner interface on the remote, whereas the Yamaha has a cleaner face on the actual unit. I would like to be able to listen at lower levels (won't be cranking them up often). Do you know if either one is better for this?

 

[gmichael]

The Denon is cheaper. It also seems to have a cleaner interface on the remote, whereas the Yamaha has a cleaner face on the actual unit. I would like to be able to listen at lower levels (won't be cranking them up often). Do you know if either one is better for this?

About the same. They both have a rep of sounding one way or another (Yammie bright, Denon warm) but that's all bull now. The newer models sound about the same.

 

[wired73]

I've noticed that rep from the postings I've been reading. People seem to have very definite preferences over one or the other, but I am just getting started. I can't listen to music on my damn computer speakers anymore! I guess from what you're saying, you really think neither one is better...

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha receivers

I would recommend stepping up to the Yamaha RX-V659 / HTR-5960 model. It includes pre-amp outputs, more power, and automatic setup.
Not sure what the prices are up there, but they go for $300-350 US online.

 

[gmichael]

I've noticed that rep from the postings I've been reading. People seem to have very definite preferences over one or the other, but I am just getting started. I can't listen to music on my damn computer speakers anymore! I guess from what you're saying, you really think neither one is better...

Better is a point of view here. Niether is a big step over the other. But JCP has a good point. Moving just one step up in the Yamaha line (maybe the Denon too, not sure) will get you the pre-outs. These can be important down the road if you want to upgrade with seperate amps. You could get a lot more power without changing your receiver. It's good to think ahead.

 

[tjlmbklr]

I have a Denon AVR 1705 about 1 1/2 years old that will soon be replace by an upgrade to either a yamaha RX V2600, or the denon AVR 2807. There isn't a thing wrong with it, other then my urge to always impulse buy and realize I want the next step up, or in this case a few steps up. So I will be selling mine for very cheap if you woud like to make me an offer.

 

[tomd51]

Moving just one step up in the Yamaha line (maybe the Denon too, not sure) will get you the pre-outs. These can be important down the road if you want to upgrade with seperate amps. You could get a lot more power without changing your receiver. It's good to think ahead.

I believe you'd have to step up to the 1907 for the pre-outs, but that's definitely a good suggestion to ward of upgradeitis... -TD

 

[wired73]

Hey all-

Thanks for all your advice - it was helpful. I decided to go with the Denon AVR1507 in the end, because it was so close to the Yamaha RXV-459, but the price was better. I really toyed with the idea of jumping up the line(s), but frankly it's not in the budget right now. However, feeling good about the savings, I bought a nice pair of PSB Alpha Bs to use as fronts (also a great deal) Down the road I want to add the rest of the surround setup (I am still in student land here, so the setup has to be gradual). Do you think I could move these to the back eventually and buy something bigger for the front?