Denon or Yamaha

felipe

Hi all. I'm thinking of replacing my current Sony AVR (str dh520). I'm looking at denon or Yamaha. My question is which brand would be the better choice? They both seem very reputable. Any input would help. Thanks. I have polk tsi100 fronts polk cs10 center and Polk psw110 sub.

billbillw

That's like asking which truck is better, Ford or Chevy. Both Denon and Yamaha make good receivers, each has their strength and weaknesses. For years, I was a Denon man. Then I was Onkyo for many years. Now I am a Yamaha owner. My choices were made based almost solely the price/feature ratio which of course is dependent on what type of deal you can get. I would look at all the brands including Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo and Pioneer. Get the one that is the best deal for the features you need and/or want. There is usually a sweet spot in the middle of each lineup. Also, consider some of the refurbs from AC4L.com. Usually, the refurbs are as good or better than new. If the refurb warranty is too short (some only have 90 days), consider adding an extended warranty for 1 or 2 years.

tonyb

What don't you like about the Sony, or your system, that's making you look elsewhere ?

Polkie2009

Although I've run a Yamha AVR 663 for years,has worked flawless. I've learned through this site that the Pioneer Elite SC avrs are really excellent units. What is your budget, looking for new or used? There's always some good deals on avrs in the flea market also.

felipe

I got the Sony because of its feature/price ratio and that my other components are Sony ( TV,ps3) hence the use of bravia sync. However, lately the sync feature has been glitchy and I'm having problems with the hmdi standby pass thru feature...the picture would turn to static, or the picture n sound would cut out for a period of time. Gets kinda annoying after a while.

Polkie2009

I bet that is annoying. :frown: Could this possibly be a handshake issue? HDMI cables in decent condition and making good contact?

felipe

My budget is about 300. New or used it doesn't matter as long as its in good to great condition.

felipe

I'm thinking it could Bea handshake issue. I've tried all of my hdmi cables in the house and it does the same thing..its not a connection problem as they all fit nice and secure. I'm thinking it could be a problem with sonys HDMI setup on their AVRs. Had a str dh510 before and this problem was a lot worse with that one. Didn't think my current one would have the same issue. Anyways, I found out that the denon Avr 1613 is on sale for 299.99. Researched it and it got a lot of good reviews from experts and customers alike. Any thoughts?

drummer86

If new or used doesn't matter you can buy refurbished Denons on accessories4less. Like other have stated, both are good companies so just find which models have the features you're looking for and do a little research on them. There may also be some features you didn't know you wanted so feel free to ask questions.

When I purchased my receiver I just had no idea how important room correction software like Audessey, MCACC, and YPAO are and what the differences between them were.

tonyb

The Denon is fine for the system you have now, but it will limit you down the road should you upgrade to bigger speakers. If you don't plan on getting any big floor standers in the near future, the Denon should work well for you.

felipe

OK thanks y'all for your input. I don't plan on getting any big floor standers...too bulky lol. I'll post when all is done.

sgtmick63

I have been using Yamaha receivers since 1975. I have never had any problems with them. They have all sounded great. I started with a CR-1020 and now have a rx-a 2010. you won't be disappointed.

felipe

Well I ended up getting the Denon AVR-1613 new at a great price. I got it all hooked up and calibrated using the audyssey setup feature. WOOW!! What a difference in sound compared to the Sony AVR :-) It is clean and clear...vivid and good depth...and the bass...another woow! I'm hearing bass tones and notes I didn't hear before. Way to go Denon :-)

boston1450

Congrats felipe. Im sure that does sound very nice compare to the Sony you had. ? Do you have the TSi's on stands ? Are you running rears for 5/1 ? Ive owned a few Denons (not the newer ones) DRA435r with Klipsch SB1's in our bedroom & we love our Denon. Its a small unit but does the job fantastic..keep us updated on your impressions of how it is,as you enjoy your new Denon

felipe

Thanks :-) . Yep I have my tsi's on self-made speaker stands. They are 33 inches in height and weigh about 24 lbs. each. As of right now I'm not running rears...just have the 3.1 setup lol.

boston1450

Nice set up. We run 3/1 in our bedroom with our Denon DRA435r @ 55wpc & love it. The TSi line of speakers are fine speakers. Easy enough to add some TSi200' & put the 100's to the rear & have a nice system at a decent price. Im hoping myself to be doing a 5/1 sometimes next spring when i can move some gear around my house. It will be a budget system & dont need a WOW system, as we dont really watch tv too much & small living room too boot. Room/space is a issue with the SDA's. it all takes time. I have plans on going with a Denon or a HK. They seem to last a long time & meet my needs. Enjoy your new receiver. Keep us updated on you impressions of it. Randy

Chewie

I just got a refurbed Denon E300 for $250 with a 1 year warranty. Sounds good so far.

Chewie

No issues with my Denon E300

j1mmy

I'd suggest a marantz receiver. Better than anything denon in the sub $1000 arena.

felipe

Nice :-). I'm enjoying my denon. I got the previous version (1613).

RamZet

Yamaha all the way if you had to chose between the two.

but if you wanted to get something even more awesome try out harmankardon. Very powerful/clean units.

http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/AVR-1650/AVR%201650_HK_US?skuId=AVR%201650_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly cant beat that for $350.

Good luck hunting.

felipe

RamZet wrote: »

Yamaha all the way if you had to chose between the two.

but if you wanted to get something even more awesome try out harmankardon. Very powerful/clean units.

http://www.harmankardon.com/estore/hk/us/products/AVR-1650/AVR%201650_HK_US?skuId=AVR%201650_HK_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly cant beat that for $350.

Good luck hunting.

I heard that Harmon/kardon avrs get really hot....

felipe

boston1450 wrote: »

Nice set up. We run 3/1 in our bedroom with our Denon DRA435r @ 55wpc & love it. The TSi line of speakers are fine speakers. Easy enough to add some TSi200' & put the 100's to the rear & have a nice system at a decent price. Im hoping myself to be doing a 5/1 sometimes next spring when i can move some gear around my house. It will be a budget system & dont need a WOW system, as we dont really watch tv too much & small living room too boot. Room/space is a issue with the SDA's. it all takes time. I have plans on going with a Denon or a HK. They seem to last a long time & meet my needs. Enjoy your new receiver. Keep us updated on you impressions of it. Randy

Hey all. I recently upgraded to a 5/1 setup. I picked up a pair of Polk r40s at no cost to me (given to me from a friend) and those act as my mains and moved the tsi100s to the rear. Even though the r40s are "vintage", the Audyssey system seemed to integrate them fairly well...they sound timbre-matched now :-) This Denon so far is exceeding my expectations...can't wait to "open" up the system to see its limits :-)

inson71

Congrats on the Denon. I have owned different Denon gear over the last 26 years, and I have never had any problems. In fact, I still have my PMA-500 integrated amp I bought new in 1987. Good choice and enjoy!