Yamaha RXV2500

[threewheel42]

I dont think most people would notice the difference... other sound differences between the amps might be more evident...and it probably depends on your speakers and how they match to each amp section.

 

[ucsftor]

yamaha 2500 vs. Denon 2805

I am about to buy a new receiver. I priviledge quality of sound for DVD-A and clarity of the conversation in a movie. Which one of those two receiver will fullfill my needs? Thanks

 

[lgo51]

Dolby Digital EX Decoding error?

Has anyone else noted that the RX-v1500 and RX-V2500 mis-decode some DVDs that are known to be "EX" format? For example, Star Wars Episode II.

 

[raywong]

Probably silly question but help with speakers for the RX-V2500?

I'm seriously considering the RX-v2500 although I'm also comparing it with the Pioneer or Denon stuff. However, given that I have a budget (for the AV rec) of about US$1000, the v2500 looks pretty impressive.

The problem is speakers.... budget is unfortunately a constraint & therefore I'm looking for an 'affoardable' set of satelite speakers hopefully in the range of US$700-US$900 that can compliment the V2500 reasonably well. I know I'll be 'shot' by many for doing it this way but my thinking is to invest on the receiver first & then later on when there more dosh, to get a better set of speakers. The thing is, the speakers should of course be in the 7.1 config. I understand that the Mordaunt-Short, Mission or maybe even Jamo speakers could be good enough? How about Yamahas? Anyone has any views of Energy speakers?

Anyway, anyone has any suggestion for this, I would sincerely appreciate any advise..

Thanks!

 

[threewheel42]

satellites

My RxV2500 is powering infinity IL40s in front and matching center and def tech bipolar surrounds and model 93 in ceiling effect speakers... all were affordable on ebay (brand new).

works great sounds great.

 

[wafflebird]

Speaker selection

Ray,

Greetings. I have a 2500 and am extremely happy with it.

You may get people who say yes and who say no about buying backwards as you say (Better receiver opposed to less quality speakers) either way you go you can always upgrade. We are fortunate to live in todays day and age where so much is available, and the quality is really great. Know this, whatever you get will sound so much better than not having surround, SO MUCH BETTER. You can look at the Best Buy and Circuit City web sites and they have some decent deals on 7.1 systems. And do not overlook the power of the internet, better deals abound on it. If you have a question about a certain manufacturer or speaker look it up on Google. Put the speaker model number in + reviews and you should find out all you want to about it. Never overlook the importance of "Customer Reviews" either.

It would be best if you purchased speakers rated for at least the same output of the receiver, I doubt you will ever push them that hard but it is a good idea just the same. A lot of people have a lot of varying ideas about which speaker system you should go with, the best thing to do is take the time and travel around your area and audition as many as you can. Don't be afraid to look at a little higher price ranged speakers as well. When it comes time to purchase you may be surprised at what Salesmen will do to get the sale.

Make sure that the subwoofer will do what you want it to do, do not overlook the importance of this speaker. I could reccomend brands to you but each and every persons tastes are different, you know what you like. But I will guarantee you if you devote the time to this you will be very pleased with the result. Good luck!!!!!

 

[raywong]

Thanks guys... appreciate the feedback.
To be honest, at this point in time, I'm really not 'fussy' about the speakers although I do agree with you (Wafflebird) that the choice of speakers is very subjective. However, given my 'situation' where I'm limited by budget, I'm just wondering what there is out there that would match this amp, at least as a starting point while still trying to maintain the 7.1 config.

Nevertheless, your advise is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Leprkon]

Ray

Prior to Christmas, both Mordaunt Short and Energy had very desirable systems right at the $ 1 K price line. Both companies moved their bottom end lines up a notch, and are now about 20 % higher.

you might take a look at the Canton Ergo LE125 package at accessories4less.com, which runs right at $ 1K USD.

A somewhat less expensive, but definitely bang for the buck, is the $ 499 Athena package at onecall

http://ww3.onecall.com/PID_23123.htm

you could use that set-up for your 7.1 surrounds and purchase a couple of floorstanding FS-1's for $ 200 each or the S3 bookshelf speakers for $ 449 a pair to use for your main drivers.

both are worth looking at.

CORRECTION: It was Mordaunt and Rocket that had price increases. My apologies to Energy.

 

[raywong]

Leprkon,
Thanks for the advise. The Athena system does look pretty impressive. My
only problem is whether I can find it here in Malaysia! ;-)

The other issue is space, so unfortunately, I'll have to settle for a satelite type setup & believe it or not, currently the one I'm using most (I've a separate system in the family room), is based on the Logitech z-680 & to be frank it's actually quite impressive. Nevertheless, it's time to upgrade but given the space constraint, it does look like I'll need to go for something similar, that is, satelite type of speakers.

Right now, I'm considering the Energy speakers (simply because a friend is also in the business of AV & he's carrying this brand - hoping to get a good deal!). Alternatively, I'm also considering the Yamaha NS-P436 or maybe even the Jamo A210 with the A2Sub & this was retailing (prior to bargining!) for about US$500 as a 5.1 set. The challenge is to figure how how to get 2 more!

Has anyone actually had a chance to listen to any of these speakers? Also, given that the RX-V2500 has a rating of 170w, these speakers above obviously lower, but I assume since we usually don't crank it up, it shouldn't a problem... or would it?

 

[Leprkon]

Also, given that the RX-V2500 has a rating of 170w, these speakers above obviously lower, but I assume since we usually don't crank it up, it shouldn't a problem... or would it?

you actually have less chance of damaging the speakers with too much power than with too little. A normal amp will begin producing alot of distortion toward the higher end of its power curve. The distortion tries to make the speaker more in two directions at once, causing it to blow. It's very easy to blow a set of speakers rated for 300 watts using an amp that only produces 50 per chanel.

A powerful amp, on the other hand, will produce a cleaner signal to the speakers, keeping them happily moving in only one direction at a time. Your speakers would much rather have too much clean power than any amount of distortion. Just use common sense in running up the volume and your speakers will be fine.

As an aside, I'm guessing that the overseas version of the 2500 has different specs, or that you are assuming 6 ohm loading. The US version has only 130 watts per channel.

 

[raywong]

Leprkon,
You're right!... it is 130 & I've no idea where I got the impression it was 170w... my bad..

In any case, thanks for the advise... your explanation was very good & quite honestly given my obvious lack of knowledge in this, it's very helpful.

Now I feel comfortable for considering a lower rated speaker..

 

[raywong]

Leprkon,
Just got off the phone from my friend & I think he's offering a pretty good deal (but then again, it's just for me... ). I can get the Energy Encore series + 2 additional speaker making it 7.1 for about US$1500. Alternatively, the Take 5.2 series + 2 additional speaker for about US$1000.

Despite the higher costs, I'm inclined towards the Encore series, but I'm interested to know your view on this. Should I take the plunge?

 

[Leprkon]

Leprkon,
Despite the higher costs, I'm inclined towards the Encore series, but I'm interested to know your view on this. Should I take the plunge?

when it comes to electronics, I find it's always better to take the plunge now if you can reasonably make it happen. it beats the heck out of spending the next 4 or 5 years wondering how good things could have been... I don't know how many times I cheaped out, then went and got what I really wanted less than six months later.

I think it will be money well spent and you will really enjoy your new toys.

 

[BAC]

Bi-Amp Curious

I saw this question asked 2 times before, but haven't seen any reply:
Can the RX-V2500 be bi-amped like the Denon 3805 can? If the 2500 cannot, then this to me would be an advantage to the 3805 that might sway my desicion as to what buy. That, and the no sub-out in direct mode w/ the 2500.

 

[Duffinator]

I saw this question asked 2 times before, but haven't seen any reply:
Can the RX-V2500 be bi-amped like the Denon 3805 can? If the 2500 cannot, then this to me would be an advantage to the 3805 that might sway my desicion as to what buy. That, and the no sub-out in direct mode w/ the 2500.

I don't know why you wouldn't be able to. You can bi-amp a Harman Kardon 7200 using almost the exact same procedures as the 3805. The key is having two unused powered channels that can power a second zone. The 2500 does so it should work. But I'd wait to hear from a 2400/2500 owner that has tried it successfully. BTW, I have my 3805 bi-amped to my Mirage 595is speakers and did not notice a big difference.

 

[raywong]

when it comes to electronics, I find it's always better to take the plunge now if you can reasonably make it happen. it beats the heck out of spending the next 4 or 5 years wondering how good things could have been... I don't know how many times I cheaped out, then went and got what I really wanted less than six months later.

I think it will be money well spent and you will really enjoy your new toys.

Frankly... I couldn't agree with you more... either you find that you don't like it... but still live with anyway.... or you'll have a blast of a time!

It's funny that you brought out the issue of 'toys' as my colleague & I was just talking about it...

Quoting him... "The only difference between boys & mens toys.......is the price.."

I don't think I could have put it better...

Leprkon,
I sincerely appreciate your advise & it has been have very helpful. I've pretty much made up my mind & am going for it. Nevertheless, your advise has been influential... so thanks... !!!

 

[DSMCasey]

I think the correct way to say it is "The difference between men and boys is the price of thier toys" I've also heard it with size instead of price.

 

[raywong]

Yep.. that sounds right... I knew it didn't quite rang that well..

 

[Controller2k]

Hi there. Long time reader, new poster. (Most of my posting is at the avs forums, but the reviews here are incredible.)

I have a RXV-2400 and was concerned about the wpc rating because I have decent sized room (23X12X12 celing). You can see my equipment list in my signature.

A few things I changed to make the 2400 sounds as loud and crisp as my old Denon 5800:

1) I added a subwoofer. Now I have two, which help make the sound harder to locate, but also allow for more output with less distortion.

More importantly, they...

2) Take a huge strain off the amplifiers by me having all the speakers run "small", despite the fact that two of them can easily reproduce low bass.

Am I correct in thinking that the 2400 has more than enough power to really crank out the volume without distortion using the subs to take so much of the strain off the main amp? I think the 120wpc x 7 obviously isn't a all channels powered (probably closer to 55 in that case). But even 55 wpc is enough considering the subs, and considering that rarely are all channels actually blasting with sound that needs all that wattage anyway.

Such is the argument of the authors of this site...

I digress. My point was that powered subwoofers and setting speakers to small do a lot for the sound and the wattage needed from an amp/reciever.

 

[raywong]

Hi,
Just about to commit to the purchase until I was told that I can actually get the Athena Micra speakers here as well! Not to mention, cheaper as well (when compared to my original plan of getting the Energy Encore series. So, really my question is (& in some ways Controller2k did answer it), is would the Athena Micra series speaker be suited for the RX-V2500?

Also, I discovered that (by reading the manual of the v2500 I got online) that for a 'full' system, you'll need 8 speakers + 1 center + 1 sub! 8 being 2 front, 2 front presence, 2 rear & 2 rear presence. I was going for the 7.1 config (without the 2 front presence) & I'm told that unless I have a very big room (which I do not have) have front presence wouldn't make a diff since the distance between the speakers is negligeble.

Therefore, in summary, the potential change of plan is as follows :
Yamaha RX-V2500
Anthena Micra Front R+L, Rear R+L, Presence R+L, Center & Sub.

as opposed to the Energy Encore series for the speakers. My only concern is that the Micra is rated at 100w as opposed to the v2500 which outputs at 130. Based on this thread, I believe this is in fact 'better' & that it wouldn't be a problem.

Any views anyone?