Cambridge Azur 640R

Nightfall

Can anybody tell me anything about this Cambridge? Looking to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V667, mainly because HDMI out is broke on it.

http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/4236238022.html

If this doesn't pan out, I was planning on getting the cheapest class D Pioneer that is currently selling for $179 including 2 day shipping on Amazon until I can get an SC unit down the line.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Channel-Receiver-VSX-523-Black/dp/B00BKXCKP4/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

rpf65

If I were you, I would probably keep the Yamaha rather than purchasing the pioneer. Don't really see this as an upgrade. Be patient, and don't buy something just to buy it. No sense in going from entry level to entry level.

Don't know what your looking for, or what you dislike about the current AVR, but I don't see much improvement.

Nightfall

HDMI out on the Yamaha doesn't work. I get sound with an HDMI input but no video through the HDMI out. I've tried everything.

The Cambridge isn't entry level, is it? I see the updated version on Amazon for $2k.

BlueFox

Nightfall wrote: »

The Cambridge isn't entry level, is it? I see the updated version on Amazon for $2k.

That depends on how you define entry level.

kevhed72

If I needed an AVR and the Cambridge worked fine, I would jump on it for under 400.00

Nightfall

With some more digging it seems the Cambridge is unable to decode DTS-HD and in the Sound and Vision review they say that you cannot use a single HDMI cable for both video and audio, that you also have to run a fiber cable for audio? Something about it being HDMI 1.0. Dang. That doesn't make sense though, how could it be 7.1 if you have to use TOSLINK for audio?

kevhed72

Not being able to decode DTS is a major bummer in my book. I wish I could watch (hear) all content in DTS on my HT.

Maybe your BDP decodes DTS and you can bypass the AVR when watching Blue Rays? This may work for you, as you will find zero TV sound with DTS.

tonyb

Have you tried re-setting the receiver ?

tonyb

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ele/4227158803.html

300 BUCKS if your on a tight budget.

Plus there's a Yammie receiver in the FM right now for 150.

Toolfan66

Save up for a nice upgrade..

Nightfall

tonyb wrote: »

Have you tried re-setting the receiver ?

Factory reset, yep.

Nightfall

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Save up for a nice upgrade..

This is probably the right idea. I really want to play Xbox One games and watch Blurays in 5.1 though. Currently the Xbox One is incapable of 5.1 over TOSLINK/SPDIF until a future update at an undetermined time, only over HDMI.

Nightfall

I have to say, I see the VSX-523-k as an upgrade from this Yamaha in most aspects. The Yamaha is rated 90w x 2 so in reality it's probably doing 20-30 watts with all 7 channels driven, where the Pioneer is rated 80w with all channels driven, at least double the power possibly triple. The only thing the Yamaha has is legacy connections. I have no equipment that uses S-Video and I have no need for so many analog inputs. Everything I have uses HDMI, that's it. Now, I'm referring to Home Theater use, but if I were mostly concerned with 2 channel music I probably wouldn't be looking at an AVR anyway, or at least one with HT Bypass would be a requirement.

What am I missing that would make the Pioneer not an upgrade from the Yamaha I currently have? Besides that I'm buying it knowing that it will be replaced in the future for something better. (Wasting money for the instant gratification in that I want 5.1 with my new Xbox right NOW. When I play anything on my new Xbox I have 4 wasted speakers sitting here)

Can I assume the Aventege line of Yamaha has better amp sections than the RX-V line? The one I have now is the weakest amp I've ever owned. For sure.

tonyb

The Advantage line is way better than what you have now. If you like the Yamaha sound, then that's your ticket. However to think that a 200 buck receiver is going to get you any improvement over what you have now, I'd think again.

I understand you need the HDMI, and if that's all you want, cool. But SQ wise....lateral move at best. If you want to upgrade, hit the Yamaha Advantage line or Pioneer SC line.

Nightfall

tonyb wrote: »

However to think that a 200 buck receiver is going to get you any improvement over what you have now, I'd think again.

I understand you need the HDMI, and if that's all you want, cool. But SQ wise....lateral move at best.

Loud and clear. So is having surround sound over HDMI (the only way Xbox One can do surround sound at the moment) worth $179 to me, with all other aspects remaining lateral? It's a tough call. I probably should resist the temptation and save.

recoveryone

I think you guys are over thinking the problem and solution. If the Yammy has a bad HDMI, but works in all other aspects it may be the start of a nice 2ch system. Now for the replacement, if you are looking for a replacement with quality, go on Ebay or CL and look for a older model that still supports all the codecs and HDMI 1.3 minimal. You can find several Pioneer Elite units that would fit your needs and bring more power to the game for under $200.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-Elite-VSX-32-7-1-Channel-110-Watt-Receiver-/131069485119?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item1e8459a03f#ht_36wt_1133

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-Elite-VSX-90TXV-7-1-Channel-770-Watt-Receiver-/301043198285?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item461792a94d#ht_55wt_1133

rpf65

Guess you do have a reason for replacing you Yamaha. You may want to look at accessories4less web site before pulling the trigger on the Pioneer. Not trying to change your mind or anything, but there are probably 10 or so AVR's, factory re-furb, for under $200. Can't hurt to look.