Vintage Yamaha CR-240 v Denon 1610
EndersShadow
Posts: 17,590
Thinking out loud here a little bit so bear with me. I am debating going backwards on my home office rig. I let a buddy borrow my Dad's Yamaha CR-240 awhile back since I had a Denon 1610 for my office. I am wondering what everyones thoughts are on switching the two out.
First of all I know the CR-240 is only supposed to be 20 wpc whereas the Denon is 75. However the Yamaha from my limited listening is very under rated. Since I mostly just listen through 4 speakers and realistically could take it down to two (since I am trying to sell one pair anyway), I am wondering if I shouldnt sell the Denon.
I purchased it with the goal of making my office rig a mini HT, but thats not gonna happen. Currently I use HDMI to send music from my computer to the Denon then video to the Monitor.
I could still use HDMI or DVI for the monitor and then use RCA's for the audio.
My question is for stereo listening what if anything would I be losing? I believe that my motherboards soundcard (Supreme FX) isnt that great so I might lose out there since the DAC in the Denon could be better (but I dont know one way or the other).
The main problem is I dont really want to invest too much money here in something like a dedicated sound card (but would have some from the sale of the Denon), but think I would probably have to in order to get the best sound from my computer to the Yamaha. The way to run things now would be through a 3.5 to RCA splitter from the soundcard (since its a 5.1 soundcard).
Also I was hoping to go 2.1 at some point and would there be a way to connect everything up with a sub in the mix or is that not happening with the Yamaha?
Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other?
The speakers it would be driving would either be a set of Primus 162's or Studio Monitor 185's.
First of all I know the CR-240 is only supposed to be 20 wpc whereas the Denon is 75. However the Yamaha from my limited listening is very under rated. Since I mostly just listen through 4 speakers and realistically could take it down to two (since I am trying to sell one pair anyway), I am wondering if I shouldnt sell the Denon.
I purchased it with the goal of making my office rig a mini HT, but thats not gonna happen. Currently I use HDMI to send music from my computer to the Denon then video to the Monitor.
I could still use HDMI or DVI for the monitor and then use RCA's for the audio.
My question is for stereo listening what if anything would I be losing? I believe that my motherboards soundcard (Supreme FX) isnt that great so I might lose out there since the DAC in the Denon could be better (but I dont know one way or the other).
The main problem is I dont really want to invest too much money here in something like a dedicated sound card (but would have some from the sale of the Denon), but think I would probably have to in order to get the best sound from my computer to the Yamaha. The way to run things now would be through a 3.5 to RCA splitter from the soundcard (since its a 5.1 soundcard).
Also I was hoping to go 2.1 at some point and would there be a way to connect everything up with a sub in the mix or is that not happening with the Yamaha?
Anyone have any thoughts one way or the other?
The speakers it would be driving would either be a set of Primus 162's or Studio Monitor 185's.
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
Post edited by EndersShadow on
Comments
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The CR-240 is 20 wpc per FTC; it's not under-rated at all. Draw your own conclusions about more recent massmarket equipment :-) It is pretty bare-bones and uses a generic "STK" integrated output module.
The CR-240 is a nice entry level Rx of its era; the earlier generation of Yamaha receivers, using mostly discrete components, though, are superior. Look for a CR-820, 1020 or 2020. Nice, nice sounding (and looking) hardware.
(top to bottom: CR-820, a later R-1000, CR-1020)
(this is a CR-2020)
Easy to add a powered subwoofer to a vintage two-channel Rx. -
Thanks. I might give it a test just to see, nothing lost either way.
I dont really need much from it since its just for stereo listening, but also like to listen loud sometimes, so that might present a problem.
Also good to know that I can add a powered sub later with little issues. That was one holdup for me.
Anyone else feel free to chime in too."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Don't get me wrong, I quite like the 240; my daughter had one in her room for years. Indeed, it's still there (even though she's grown up and gotten married in the interim)!
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Yeah, I was quite impressed with how it made some Sony Floorstanding speakers sound. These same speakers sounded like crap with my Sony HTIAB reciever which supposedly had more power.
I am going to keep the Primus 162's which are pretty easy to drive and try them with both. Thinking the Yamaha might win so I can sell the Denon for a couple hundred to get my upgrade fund moving in a more positive direction."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
The vintage Yamahas have a very accurate neutral sound. They go really well with Polk Audio loudspeakers of their era (broad hint, there) :-)
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mhardy6647 wrote: »The vintage Yamahas have a very accurate neutral sound. They go really well with Polk Audio loudspeakers of their era (broad hint, there) :-)
LOL....well the Infinitys will be staying for a bit, but I am not against vintage polks either...and since its MY OFFICE I can get low WAF speakers (which the vintage polks tend to be) and be fine.
I am wanting to get into the Vintage stuff at some point and go listen. Have some local Polkies with gear that would prob let me listen to it, its just a matter of scheduling time to do so."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
EndersShadow wrote: »...and since its MY OFFICE I can get low WAF speakers (which the vintage polks tend to be) and be fine.
heh. I hear you. You should see what's in my living room; my wife is a saint. -
mhardy6647 wrote: »heh. I hear you. You should see what's in my living room; my wife is a saint.
The dream is when we build our dedicated home theater I am going to build a false wall for the screen that has two nice big massive hollow sides to allow me to put any WAF lacking speakers (Think SDA) in there and then cover with accoustically transparent fabric.
In the meantime downstairs it needs to be black if possible (or if not black, able to be refinished such)"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Think Altec. Think "Voice of the Theatre". 'nuff said :-)
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mhardy6647 wrote: »The vintage Yamahas have a very accurate neutral sound. They go really well with Polk Audio loudspeakers of their era (broad hint, there) :-)
Sorry to bump a super old thread, but curious if anyone knows if the CR-240 is common ground?"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Older CRs, like the ones mhardy mentions above and my CR-800 are all common ground. I can't imagine that a CR-240 would not also be.
While I'm at it. I must say that I have a pretty decent Denon AVR 2807 (110 x 7, supposedly). And my CR-800 (50 watts x 2) cranks it out better than the Denon (which was over a 1000 dollar AVR, new?). One of my primary FM go to-s, these days, is my CR-800 and a pair of ADS L520s (it's like they were made for each other).
Give the Yammie a try and see what you think. As for me, I prefer the Yammie vintage sound to the Denon AVR for 2 channel. Though the AVR 2807 is a great surround receiver--does movies fine!
Here's an interesting fact. The CR-800 and the Denon AVR-2807 are almost the 'same' weight?
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
I ran Yamaha equipment for years, and especially liked their preamps (C60/65, C-80/85) and cd players (CDX1100). Also had Yamaha PX-3 and PF-800 turntables.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Older CRs, like the ones mhardy mentions above and my CR-800 are all common ground. I can't imagine that a CR-240 would not also be.
While I'm at it. I must say that I have a pretty decent Denon AVR 2807 (110 x 7, supposedly). And my CR-800 (50 watts x 2) cranks it out better than the Denon (which was over a 1000 dollar AVR, new?). One of my primary FM go to-s, these days, is my CR-800 and a pair of ADS L520s (it's like they were made for each other).
Give the Yammie a try and see what you think. As for me, I prefer the Yammie vintage sound to the Denon AVR for 2 channel. Though the AVR 2807 is a great surround receiver--does movies fine!
Here's an interesting fact. The CR-800 and the Denon AVR-2807 are almost the 'same' weight?
cnh
Just trying to think things out. Debating possibly going SDA's in my HT for my fronts (paired with a LSiC for now, then later on a CSi5). I use a Carver 705x amp which hopefully could handle SDA's, however I might just go 2 channel with them and use either the Yamaha CR-240 OR my HK3490, just wanted to make sure I could try both and not blow things up if I go that route....."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Curious as to which SDA you may be considering powering w/ the lower end Yamaha. I'm pretty sure the newer HK would be better suited there power wise. Nothing against the Yammy, I have a CR-640 that I'm using currently as an office computer rig that I like alot. It has pushed some Monitor 7's pretty good, but it does have 45 WPC I believe vs the 220's 25 WPC. This pair of 7's and the Yammy are prob going on CL this week to help fund the crossover purchase for another set of 7's and I picked up a Sansui 4000 intg recvr last night that will take over computer rig duties. Are you still coming to Chatanooga (can't spell it) anytime soon? If so we might be able to get together in Knoxville or something. Good luck w/ the future SDA's and hope your health is doing better.2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.
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Curious as to which SDA you may be considering powering w/ the lower end Yamaha. I'm pretty sure the newer HK would be better suited there power wise. Nothing against the Yammy, I have a CR-640 that I'm using currently as an office computer rig that I like alot. It has pushed some Monitor 7's pretty good, but it does have 45 WPC I believe vs the 220's 25 WPC. This pair of 7's and the Yammy are prob going on CL this week to help fund the crossover purchase for another set of 7's and I picked up a Sansui 4000 intg recvr last night that will take over computer rig duties. Are you still coming to Chatanooga (can't spell it) anytime soon? If so we might be able to get together in Knoxville or something. Good luck w/ the future SDA's and hope your health is doing better.
1C's. Gotta talk to the wife to see if she would be ok with me selling/trading some items away to get them.
The HK may be what they end up connected to if I get them, I just know that Yamaha seriously has impressed me before. It is a 20 wpc one so it doesnt have a ton of power. With that said my office is quite small so it doesnt really need that much wattage to sound too loud.
I am not in Chattanooga yet. Still live in Indianapolis, IN. Plan is to move to Chatt once the job market is a bit better for looking and once my wife completes school (so like 3 years give or take). HOWEVER I am heading down to visit my uncle in Chatt for 10 days starting November 18th - 28th so maybe we can meet up sometime while I am down there.
Health is doing a little better after this weekend. Gotta live Cipro."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Good to hear you're feeling better.
I have powered my SDA-2Bs with that HK receiver and it can do the job. Doesn't put out the big sound that separates would but OK for the interim! Are you saying that the CR-240 has pre-outs? Because that is certainly an option.
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
all of the crap I posted to this thread and nary a photo of the titular receiver.
Let me just rectify that...
The CR-240's anchoring this pyramid of entry-level Rx's of the late 1970s...
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Good to hear you're feeling better.
I have powered my SDA-2Bs with that HK receiver and it can do the job. Doesn't put out the big sound that separates would but OK for the interim! Are you saying that the CR-240 has pre-outs? Because that is certainly an option.
cnh
The CR-240 doesnt have pre-outs from what I remember. The HK however obviously does.
And yes I am glad to be feeling better, we will see what the doc says Wendsday however..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
No, you are correct.EndersShadow wrote: »The CR-240 doesnt have pre-outs from what I remember. The HK however obviously does.
or, if you prefer: Yes, it doesn't.
(can you tell I used to be in politics?)
Good to hear you're feeling better - y'all take care now!And yes I am glad to be feeling better, we will see what the doc says Wendsday however... -
Yamaha CT-800 tuner, CA-800 integrated, and now with a TC-720 cassette (TC-320 pictured) with a pair of peerless Polk 7A's in the retro system! The YP-D10 turntable was sold to a friend.
Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
Yeah I love the look of the CR-240 for my 2 channel setup for sure. Nothing like old school.....
The goal of the HK was to allow me to run decent stuff for now, then to eventually get a external amp, then sell the HK and get a decent pre followed by a Logitech Squeezebox Touch..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
SComp-
love that yammy tt-- now back to enders thread sorry
ps - I like eye candy2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer. -
SComp-
love that yammy tt-- now back to enders thread sorry
ps - I like eye candy
LOL, no worries. I like eye candy too.....
P.S. the HK 3490 may be getting traded in for some better NAD gear that should make for some good tunes
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
