Yamaha RXZ9 bad boy receiver

[Aliixer]

Has anyone used the Yamaha RXZ9 as a preamplifier and gone with outboard amps to power their speakers. Owners please describe how you have yours setup. I need any advice on how to get the most of this receiver. thanks

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

What are you driving?

Al,

I think most of us are stumped as to why anyone would spend the amount of cash on that outstanding unit, and use outboard amps. You could have done that with the RXV2500. In any event, it would make an outstanding preamp if you are driving very demanding speakers like electrostats, Ohm Walsh, etc... What speakers are you attempting to drive? Sorry not to be of more help.

 

[Aliixer]

yama. RXZ9

I currently have energy 5.1 satelite speakers. They were fine but really were no match for the receiver, So I purchased BG radia 420i's (the smaller hybrid planar in the series. I have noticed they really don't come alive. So I hooked them up to a 2-channel step-up using old SAE equipment I had. Huge difference. So I wanted to maybe pick up some mono blocks after researching what other people have done. Beyond that I very open to any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

That wouldn't happen to be SAE-TWO, would they? Nice stuff. Do you have the parametric eq with the rotary controls?

 

[Aliixer]

Just to make it clear!

I want this system to rock unbelievablly I have no worries of bothering neighbors. The room is completely dedicated to home theater and music. The only down fall is a crawl space under the house that makes the subs seem very overpowering. Shakes the room to earthquake levels. the carpet is extra plush with rug wall to wall. The walls are treated with acoustic paneling and the windows are heavily draped. and here is my equipment list:

Yamaha RX-Z9 RECEIVER
Denon 3910 universal player
Sony SCD-333ES cd player
fujitsu 55'' HD plasma
Monster HTS3500 control center/surge protector
B&W ASW675 Subwoofer x 2
BG 420I HYBRID loudspeaker front left & right
BG 220I center
B&W LCR6 rears and sides
B&W DM601 presence speaker

 

[Aliixer]

Sae

The amplifier is 200 watts per channel with the analog meters on the front. SAE then sent a afternarket external fan as an upgrade. The amp has push button power on large square button, one for on and one for off. It weighs over 50lbs. I am not sure of the model number however. The preamp that I had for it is no longer working. When I am home i will look at the model.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

One suggestion.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39783&item=5775021248&rd=1

 

[Aliixer]

Sae

This is the front panel of the preamp.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Wow, that is an older unit. This is what I was thinking when you said SAE. It's a receiver, but looks just like their amps and pre amps of the late 70's and 80's.

 

[Aliixer]

Sae

I actually found it on ebay just now!!! It was the preamp I had that broke. I am now wondering how much it may retail for being vintage. I don't want to overbid as many do on ebay just to win a silly auction.

 

[Aliixer]

Also what is your take on the equipment list I provided. I am very new to audio and home theater. I have those old SAE pieces becausemy father gave them to me with some older classe pieces and marantz tubes. I have yet to hook up the older stuff as I can't even figure out the equipment I have. thanks (I have seen your handle on a few posts here so I thought you may have good insight).

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I am not familiar with the equipment you listed, so it wouldn't be fair for me to comment. I couldn't even find those speakers online in english. It sounds like they may not be 8 ohm or very efficient based on your reaction. Where or when did you get the RXZ9 receiver? That's quite a bit of cash there. Does it really not have the juice the SAE does? If that 200watt amp works, then hook it right into the Yamaha and use the Yamaha as a preamp.

 

[Aliixer]

Rxz9

I purchased the RXZ9 at good guys, and the speakers are 4ohm, the receiver states it can only handle down to 6 ohms. So I was looking into mono blocks to power them. But I am open to any suggestions as long as they don't come from good guys, best buy, or circuit city.

 

[ironskull]

outboard the yammy

Has anyone used the Yamaha RXZ9 as a preamplifier and gone with outboard amps to power their speakers. Owners please describe how you have yours setup. I need any advice on how to get the most of this receiver. thanks

That's a waste of an amp. Sell the Z9 and get NAD M15/M25 separates. They pump out the cleanest 160 watts you'll ever hear. Also NAD underrates their products so it's more like 180 watts X 7.
I use my NAD Masters to push a BG 220i center and 520i L/R and KEF back and surrounds. BGs are a little lite in the base so I employ a 12" Velodyne SPL-1200r sub.

 

[ironskull]

Driving BG 420i towers

I use the BG 420i for front mains, BG 220i center and BG book shelf speaks for surround and back.
I drive them with NAD M15/M25 preamp/amp separates and the sound is indescribable.
I recommend an amp that puts out a minimum of 160 w/per channel.
200 watt McIntosh, Krell, Crown, and Lexicon would also be good choices.

 

[mouettus]

Wow... talk about bringing an old subject up from the grave!