Opinion on Receivers

janmike

I would some opinions on 3 different receivers. I am not very technical with this, so please be mild. I will use it for both stereo and home video. I am not able to go to any dealer and audition them.


The 3 I am pondering:

Denon AVR-2805
Denon AVR-1083
Yamaha RXV1500

Any other suggestions in this price range would be welcome. I guess this would probably confuse me even more.

Thanks for your help and understanding.

Michael

ninerbj

Am I missing something? I was looking into the AVR 1083?? Is there a Denon 1083?


Either way...my vote goes to the 2805. If I may ask...what kind of price can you get for the AVR-2805 at the top of the world??

Brad

janmike

I received an e-mail from a company on ebay re: the 1083
http://brandnamez.com/merchant.ihtml?step=4&pid=1685&id=88


I can purchase the 2805 for under $600, ebay of course.

Michael

Toxis

the Denon 1083 is Denon's specialty line. It's the exact same thing as last year's 3803 but has a different number. They do this because not all companies can carry the full line of denon so they limit them by only giving them the specialty line, this also helps with competition between denon companies.

Between those, i vote the 2805 as well. The Room EQ is pretty cool. Other than that, I'd go with the 1083.

shiu

If you need more "all channel driven" power, take the 2805.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Originally posted by shiu
If you need more "all channel driven" power, take the 2805.

How do you figure that? The 1083 delivers 110 WPC...it's a much beefier amp sections than the 2805...

My advice: If you're going to be using this only as a preamp in the near future, then grab the 2805, but if you're planning on using the receiver alone with no additional amp for a while, then go with the 1083 becuase it's a better amp section...it's from the higher end line...

janmike

Polkmaniac

I am not sure what you mean when you say preamp. Sorry, all new to me. I also have a line on a denon AVR4800. Any opinion of this versus the 2805. I do not want to add additional equipment, only have everything connected, MArantz CD Player, Panasonic DVD, Tau TV and all my speakers. Someone told me about the 2805 having the ability to adjust the sound for all speakers. Is that a good thing or do you experts to it all manually. Thanks for the help.

Michael

2+2

Michael, what ever you decide to get, make SURE it has pre-outs for all the channels!!!

shiu

Polkmaniac,

I was comparing the 2805 to the Yamaha model. Based on reviews I read, the 2805 has better all channel driven power rating. I don't know anything about the 1083 but if it is same as the 3803 then of course it should be more powerful than the 2805.

janmike

Ok, let me ask this another way.

Based on my speakers:
2 - RTi100's
2 - RTi38's
1 - Csi40 (not purchased YET)

PLUS:

Marantz CD Player
Panasonic DVD
Tau TV

What would you purchase for a receiver. I think I would go up to
$850 (US) / $1000 (CDN)

Thanks for the honest opinions and they will ALL have pre-outs on all channels.

Willow

Originally posted by janmike


Thanks for the honest opinions and they will ALL have pre-outs on all channels.

Trust me make sure, I made the mistake (long story) now I kick myself in the A$$ cause I can't get an amp.

2+2

Here's my suggestion...get a H/K 430 refurbished from harmanaudio.com......your RTi100's have built in powered woofers so it should not take as much power as some other speakers...and H/K sound is very good....my HK kicks my Yamaha's **** big time in terms of sound. Or you can also consider doing HK 230 refurb and get a HK5800 5 channel amp off e-bay. The total on that should be about $700. Sorry, don't know much about the Denons....
The Yamaha should be fine....some people don't like their sound and I can say that my Yamaha stereo needs to be matched with the speakers. RTi100 should be fine tho as they are not at all "bright" sounding.... and Yamaha's build quality apppears to be good....better than HK!

Good luck.

hamzahsh

Not all Yamahas are same, personally I don't like the HTR series at all. I found the HTR sound is too bright and coloured. We carry Yamaha HTR line at Best Buy and I cannot stand a minute. Harsh, painfull sound nothing compare to what I have now. The old HTR was the worst ones we had but the new ones sound little better. Also HTR line looks cheap, in silver and plasticky which makes YAMAHA look bad.

On the other hand RX looks more high-end, metal front panel. RX line is Yamaha's premier line. The parts are used in RX line are high quality and internal design and construction is done carefully and way better. After adding up the external amps you'll hear the true Yamaha Signature sound!


NO OFFENSE TO HK users!

I own Yamaha RX-V1400 and heard HK 630 and my ears immediately told the difference in sound quality. Yamaha RX-V1400 simply blew the HK 630 off the water. I prefer the sound of Yamaha RX-V1400. Very clean, warm and detailed. Yamaha has very inviting sound.I can hear music and movie soundtracks for hours without fatigue or bleeding ears!

Go with new Yamaha RX-V1500!

janmike

hamzahsh

What do you think of the Yamaha RX-V750 with my speakers. I have had a few people suggest this. Thanks

Codey

I've got an RXV-650 and it's wonderful. I don't think you'd have any regrets. The only complaint I have is all the useless DSP fields. I feel it's a wasted effort and expense that could be better put to use else where. But it has lots of power, a great sound, and the set up mic is awesome.

janmike

Could someone explain the external amp thing in simple terms. Why would I want these:

NAD C272 (2-ch Amp)
Adcom GFA-7605 (5-ch Amp)

..or something like this.

The more I ask, I more I spend.

Codey

The reason you'd want an external amp is more and better power. You'd run the speakers off the amp not the receiver, there by using the receiver as a preamp because you're only using it for processing duties, not powering. I have an Adcom 545 II, it's 100w X 2, but it's almost the same size and weight of my 95w X 7 receiver that also has all the processing components. The Adcom's 100w sounds WAY better than the Yamaha's 95w because that's what a power amp is designed to do. No compromises, just power. A receiver needs to make good power, decode and process various formats, perform video switching and all fit in an acceptable size package, therefore compromising performance in each area. It's like getting an El Camino instead of a car and a truck. Make sense?

hamzahsh

Originally posted by janmike
Could someone explain the external amp thing in simple terms. Why would I want these:

NAD C272 (2-ch Amp)
Adcom GFA-7605 (5-ch Amp)

..or something like this.

The more I ask, I more I spend.

Janmike, I don't want to confuse you right now with external amps because you're looking for a A/V receiver. The best thing is go to the nearest dealer and listen couple of receivers and decide which one you like. I would stay away from amps for now, you'll get confuse. Buy a nice receiver first and enjoy it and upgrade things in future if you wish.

Yamaha RX-V750 and RX-650 both are great choices and both have PRE OUTs at the back panel of the receiver which means in future if you decide get into separates and want to feed more power to your speakers you can add amps.

Amplifiers not only send more power but improve sound quality and add more dynamics, bass, clarity and detail in the sound. Amps have true power rating. There are many types of amps, mono, stereo, multi-channel. There are many reasons to add amps, for some people amps are must to feed the power to there speakers and some people add amps to improve overall sound quality.

I use 2 amplifiers:

NAD C272 is a 2-channel stereo amp.
Adcom GFA-7605 is a 5-channel amp

All my speakers are connected to these amps. My Yamaha RX-V1400 is served a Preamplifier/Processor only.

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/showcase/view.php?userid=33134#thumbnails

Check out my HT showcase pictures and you'll get some idea.

I guess thats it for now! Focus on receiver only! for now.

HT is an amazing hobby isn't it!

Willow

Originally posted by janmike
hamzahsh

What do you think of the Yamaha RX-V750 with my speakers. I have had a few people suggest this. Thanks

I have the 540 and could not complain about it except there are no pre-outs...no big deal right now cause I'm not buying any gear

janmike

Well, more research & collective time alone have led me down the Yamaha trail. Thanks to all you folks for the suggestions and advanced expertise. I think I will be content for now with my decision. I have just purchased a Yamaha RX-V1500. Outlining my existing equipment to numerous audio forums resulted in the vast majority of responses leaning toward the Yamaha, although I probably would have happy with HK or Denon. Good advise & outline hamzahsh.


So, here is where I currently stand:


2 - RTi100’s
2 – Rti38’s
1 – Csi40 (attempting to locate)

Yamaha RX-V1500
Marantz CD-67SE
Panasonic 36” Tau Pure Flat Screen
Panasonic DVD RP56
Old Dual Turntable (for nostalgic purposes)

Once I get comfortable with what I have, I guess the next step will to explore the preamp arena. Thanks again for all the help. It was fun.

hamzahsh

Congrats janmike on the purchase of Yamaha 1500. Let us know what do you think about it.

janmike

Hopefully the Rti38's (just purchased) and the RX-V1500 will be home for Christmas. Customs can take a long time. Now, it's just a CSi40 at a good price left on list for this year.

Michael:cool:

janmike

You do not really appreciate something until you actually hear or see it for yourself. The Yamaha RX-V1500, for me, is an incredible step up in the audio world. Now I need to find a home for my Marantz SR-48. Probably a good item for a student or a new audio person starting out in the 2 channel world. The RTi38's have arrived and now I'm just waiting for the new 12 gu wire to arrive. When you live 1 hour away from the Arctic Circle, you learn to wait for things. I am still looking for that deal on a CSi40. Thanks for all help folks.
Here is a shot of the Aurora on a typical clear winter evening in Yellowknife. There is no better place in the world to see the Aurora. Have a wonderful Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Michael

hamzahsh

Wow Stunning shot of Aurora man!
Happy Season Greetings and Merry Christmas to you as well.

Regards,
Hamzah.

2+2

Michael, that is an awsome picture. For my edification, when is the best time of the year to visit NWT and see that kind of sight? ..for future reference....

janmike

The Aurora is likely to be visible from September to March & especially around the time of the equinoxes (September 21 and March 21). The spring months of January through April are often the best time to view the Aurora because of better weather, however fall can be just as cooperative weather-wise. Best viewing time is at 1:30 a.m.

This time of year we see a lot of tourists from Japan coming to Yellowknife to view the Aurora. The Japanese believe that children conceived under the Aurora Borealis will be fortunate. With the exploration & development of the diamond industry in the North, the demand for hotels and future expansion will keep a lot of people busy. Thanks for the interest.

Michael

dcarlson

Mike, nice pic. We see the northern lights a few times a year at our camp and it's always quite the experience.

Not sure if you're interested in a damaged center but here's one on ebay, no affil... http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=71572&item=5739034557&rd=1

janmike

I have that CSi40 on my watch list. I have contacted Polk Audio Canada to give me a price on a new cabinet for the CSi40 and I will have that by Monday. If I can grab the one on eBay for a decent price and buy a new cabinet at a decent price, then we are in business. Not too many people in Yellowknife to repair things like that.

I think you are in BC if I remember correctly. Where exactly?

Michael