Yama RX-V657

Zoom E
Zoom E Posts: 14
edited February 2006 in Electronics
Hello.

I an a new Polk convert, having purchased a pair of RTi8 speakers several weeks ago. Now I am trying to ascertain which receiver would best complement these speakers. I'll be using them 80% or more for music listening purposes.

Prior to purchasing the Polks, I was intending to buy a Yamaha RX-V657 receiver. I'm a complete newbie with this sort of thing, but from what I've read I'm getting the impression that Yamaha may be a bit harsh sounding and not the best match for Polks. Would this be a fair assessment? I do see that Yamaha is listed under the forum FAQs regarding good receiver matches for Polk, but after browsing a number of forums I'm starting to think I may be better off to go with a HK receiver.

Any input from the wize people of this forum would be greatly appreciated. :D

Thank you kindly.
Post edited by Zoom E on
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Comments

  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited January 2006
    Zoom, welcome. Comments you may have read that the Yamahas or other receivers may sound "harsh", "bright", "warm" etc. shouldn't be taken seriously. When any well-designed receiver is operated within its power limits it'll provide transparent amplification with audibly flat frequency response and inaudibly low noise and distortion; it won't introduce any "sound" of its own. This is what modern audio technology teaches us and claims to the contrary collapse when our ears alone have to be trusted in a blind listening test.

    If you like the features of the 657 and it fits your budget, it would be excellent with your RTi8s; there is no "matching" problem.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,221
    edited January 2006
    John K. wrote:
    Zoom, welcome. Comments you may have read that the Yamahas or other receivers may sound "harsh", "bright", "warm" etc. shouldn't be taken seriously. When any well-designed receiver is operated within its power limits it'll provide transparent amplification with audibly flat frequency response and inaudibly low noise and distortion; it won't introduce any "sound" of its own. This is what modern audio technology teaches us and claims to the contrary collapse when our ears alone have to be trusted in a blind listening test.

    If you like the features of the 657 and it fits your budget, it would be excellent with your RTi8s; there is no "matching" problem.


    ........and when you start taking this hobby seriously you'll know the above statement is patently false. We all have to start somewhere. Listen, audition, read, audition some more, use the 30 day return policy to really get an idea of the sound you want and then pull the trigger on the one you like the most.

    Oh yeah also, by going with the above quoted logic. There have been no significant advances in the combustion engine so any old auto with 4 wheels and a steering wheel will be just as good as the other, there are no discernable differences other than features. :rolleyes:

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,076
    edited January 2006
    Doesn't the 657 have pre-outs? invest in a good amp and keep the receiver you have.
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  • 2+2
    2+2 Posts: 546
    edited January 2006
    Welcome zoom...I am sure other people with Rti8 will chime in. My opinion is that John guy is simply incorrect.....otherwise, we would all be listening to Insignia systems.
    Anyways, I suggest you try and listen to several different brands that appeal to you and pick the one you like.
    System 1: Martin Logan Vantage, Rotel RC 1070, B&K Reference 200.2, Music Hall DAC 15.2, Yamaha 2300

    System 2: LSi15 w/db840, Marantz SR8400, Rotel 1080, RM6800 (C&S), Sony X2020ES

    System 3: LSi7, Yamaha SW215, Music Hall Maven, Music Hall MMF CD25 w/627opamps

    System 4: RTi100, Harman Kardon AVR 230, Panasonic DVD
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2006
    Welcome Zoom!

    2+2 nailed it. If you have a Tweeter or one of their other stores near you go & listen to Yamaha, Denon & whatever other receivers they carry on the RTI 8's, and decide for yourself.

    2+2 wrote:
    Welcome zoom...I am sure other people with Rti8 will chime in. My opinion is that John guy is simply incorrect.....otherwise, we would all be listening to Insignia systems.
    Anyways, I suggest you try and listen to several different brands that appeal to you and pick the one you like.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Posts: 168
    edited January 2006
    It has been rock solid for about 9+ years and I will use it for a preamp when I do finally break down and purchase separate amplification.
    Listen for yourself.

    SuperDave
    Yamaha RX-V992
    Denon DVD-1920
    Sony XBR 27"
    BrightHouse DVR
    Polk LSi25 Fronts
    Polk LSiC Center
    Infinity RS1 Rears
    Monster THX Cables
    SuperDave
    Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
    Adcom GFA-5500 (Mains)
    Denon DVD-1920
    Mitsubishi 40" LCD
    DirecTV DVR Whole House
    Polk LSi25 Mains
    Polk LSiC Center
    Infinity RS1 Rears
    Monster THX Cables
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  • Zoom E
    Zoom E Posts: 14
    edited January 2006
    Thanks for your input everyone, and for the variety of opinions. :)

    My current receiver is a Sony STR-AV920, which is now 14 years old and on it's last legs. I've been having a few problems with it of late.

    I am finding that with my new Polks, I am sometimes annoyed by an excess of treble and was hoping to find a receiver to tame the treble somewhat if possible. That's why I am thinking of going with HK instead of Yamaha as I know HK are reputed to have a warmer sound.

    I will take the advice offered here and will try and audition a few different receivers, and see what I end up with.

    Cheers! :cool:
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited January 2006
    John K. wrote:
    When any well-designed receiver is operated within its power limits it'll provide transparent amplification with audibly flat frequency response and inaudibly low noise and distortion; it won't introduce any "sound" of its own.

    That's a negative ghostrider
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Posts: 168
    edited February 2006
    Whatever you choose be sure to report the nuances of your acquistion :cool:


    SuperDave
    Yamaha RX-V992
    Panasonic DVD-A310
    Sony XBR 27"
    BrightHouse DVR
    Polk LSi25 Fronts
    Polk LSiC Center
    Infinity RS1 Rears
    Monster THX Cables
    SuperDave
    Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
    Adcom GFA-5500 (Mains)
    Denon DVD-1920
    Mitsubishi 40" LCD
    DirecTV DVR Whole House
    Polk LSi25 Mains
    Polk LSiC Center
    Infinity RS1 Rears
    Monster THX Cables
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  • *Seby*-Polk-
    *Seby*-Polk- Posts: 375
    edited February 2006
    Hi ZOOM E

    I have a Yamaha RXV-657 receiver and i love it. The features and sound quality in direct steror or pure direct mmodes is awesome. IMHO Yamaha and Denon are the same quality (Yammie more powerfull). Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, etc. are crap.

    Only Marantz have a little superior quality...but for the price-quality relation...the 657 is a wonderful option.

    Bye Bye
    My current new system (step by step :D)

    A/V Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V657
    DVD Player: YAMAHA DVD-S657
    Main Towers: polkaudio® Monitor 50
    Wiring: NeoTecH KS1007 OFC High Definition Speaker Cable ( 2 x 2.64 mm² )
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,076
    edited February 2006
    *Seby*-Polk- wrote:
    Hi ZOOM E

    IMHO Yamaha and Denon are the same quality (Yammie more powerfull). Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, etc. are crap.

    Only Marantz have a little superior quality...
    Bye Bye


    While I agree the 657 is a decent receiver, Pioneer make some Higher end products as do Sony and Kenwood.

    Only marantz?...hmmmm I wouldn't and personally I DON'T believe that.
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  • *Seby*-Polk-
    *Seby*-Polk- Posts: 375
    edited February 2006
    Willow...at this level...you decide foy your EARS...

    To my EARS...Marantz is the best of the best.

    Very close...Yamaha and Denon. Pioneer inferior. Sony very Inferior.
    Other great brands are Harman Kardon and Rotel.

    Listen Marantz and you see ... Bye.
    My current new system (step by step :D)

    A/V Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V657
    DVD Player: YAMAHA DVD-S657
    Main Towers: polkaudio® Monitor 50
    Wiring: NeoTecH KS1007 OFC High Definition Speaker Cable ( 2 x 2.64 mm² )
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,076
    edited February 2006
    I was not talking about the crap you can buy for 2-500$.

    Anyhow...I am not here to argue, I was simply stating that you might want to Google the higher end models of those brands.

    I'm not saying they are amazing:
    Sony ES
    Pioneer Elite
    Kenwood Sovereign
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  • Zoom E
    Zoom E Posts: 14
    edited February 2006
    *Seby*-Polk- wrote:
    Hi ZOOM E

    I have a Yamaha RXV-657 receiver and i love it. The features and sound quality in direct steror or pure direct mmodes is awesome. Bye Bye

    That's good to know. The features of the 657 are quite appealing. Do you use the XM radio feature?
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  • *Seby*-Polk-
    *Seby*-Polk- Posts: 375
    edited February 2006
    Mmm I can't help you with XM radio....I not used :(

    But i tell you that YPAO microphone feature is great. This little "machine" optimize your hall, room, living, etc. at the maximum of their sound possibilities, adjusting the differents db levels of each speaker in the place (5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc :))

    Consider this receiver...IMHO, works great with Polk's speakers ;)
    My current new system (step by step :D)

    A/V Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V657
    DVD Player: YAMAHA DVD-S657
    Main Towers: polkaudio® Monitor 50
    Wiring: NeoTecH KS1007 OFC High Definition Speaker Cable ( 2 x 2.64 mm² )
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  • Zoom E
    Zoom E Posts: 14
    edited February 2006
    Yes, that YPAO feature sounds really cool.

    I'm still a bit worried that the Yamaha/Polk combo will be too bright, as I already find the Polks a bit on the bright side paired with my old Sony STR-AV920. The more research I do on various receivers the less sure I am of what to go with. I'll just have to let my ears be the judge, eh? ;)
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  • *Seby*-Polk-
    *Seby*-Polk- Posts: 375
    edited February 2006
    Zoom E wrote:
    Yes, that YPAO feature sounds really cool.

    I'm still a bit worried that the Yamaha/Polk combo will be too bright, as I already find the Polks a bit on the bright side paired with my old Sony STR-AV920. The more research I do on various receivers the less sure I am of what to go with. I'll just have to let my ears be the judge, eh? ;)
    Ha Ha YES ZOOM !!!!!! Your Ears :D

    Seriously. First you should know the use for receiver. Basically two: Home theater and music.

    Performance with HT is AWESOME (YPAO-DSP settings (incredibles :)) and multiple conections), For Music is Great. I like the sound bright (NOT TOO BRIGHT). If you adjust the tones control, and diminish treeble and up the bass, the result is a "normal" sound. Try this....play with bass-treeble controls and decide !!!!! ;)

    Other tip: Yamaha receiver has very very reliables. No warranty need's !!!!!
    My current new system (step by step :D)

    A/V Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V657
    DVD Player: YAMAHA DVD-S657
    Main Towers: polkaudio® Monitor 50
    Wiring: NeoTecH KS1007 OFC High Definition Speaker Cable ( 2 x 2.64 mm² )
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