Denon or Yamaha? Your opinions needed

cindy100

Hi! I have been looking for a new receiver to go with my new Polk speakers and have narrowed it down to one of the three below (maybe!) and wanted to get your opinions on them. I have looked at so many different receivers and am tired of looking; one reason being I always find one that is way out of my price range and the other reason is because it is a little difficult to understand everything. I am on a budget; the second and third listed below will be able to be bought at almost 50% off which will obviously help my checkbook but I do not want to buy something that is not going to be any good. I've been told Denon is better than Yamaha but I honestly don't know. I'll check back in a bit to see if anyone can help.

As for the speakers, they are the RTi10's and I am hearing that those are better for home theater than for music. I want them for music and have decided I am not going to return them; I'll just have to deal with it. Thanks so much in advance.

Cindy

Denon AVR 2807
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3038.asp

Denon AVR 985S
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/538899996

Yamaha 5990
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HTIB/HTR5990.htm

disneyjoe7

Cindy, because you say you're on a budget I won't pick on you.... I will say anything you're looking at must have Pre-amp outputs for any future upgrades Amp Wise in the future. Don't let anyone talk you out of it.

Zen Dragon

Cindy:
You've got some nice speakers there. General consensus is that yamaha is a little brighter than Denon. That being said I notice the Yamaha your looking at is using burr brown dacs which are generally nuetral to warm in sound.
Everyone likes their sound a little different, you should try to listen to the units for yourself on the same model speakers and see what you like.
Overall I'd vote for the Denon AVR-2807 because it gives you HDMI swiching and could come in handy if you hook up to a high def TV in the future, but half off on the other two units makes them better cost alternatives for you.
As DisneyJoe mentioned you will eventually want to connect a high quality external amp to the pre-outs of your receiver for the best sound from those speakers. they prefer a high current power source for the best sound which isn't found on multi-function receivers usually.
All the models you listed have pre-outs so no worries there. Also the RTi's will sound good from any good receiver, you just need to get the external amp somewhere down the line to make them sound great.
Hope that helps

schwarcw

Both the Denon and the Yamaha are great receivers. Both are a little above the entry level. Take a listen to them both. It would be ideal to hear them with the same speakers you have in your system. My personal taste is for Yamaha, and I'm not saying anything against the Denon. Just my personal taste.

cfrizz

Hi Cindy. All three will do a fine job & have what they need for future upgrades!

If you can demo both at the same time then you can pick which one you like the best.

My personal preference is for the Denon.

Zen Dragon

Cindy:
I just found your other thread on this topic. If you still have the Yamaha VR690 then your best bet is to follow the advice received on that thread and get an external 2 channel amp. It may sound complicated, but it is very easy to hook up and will give you better sound than any of the new amps you are considering at less cost.
Many on this forum would be happy to assist you in hookup if needed.
Now just because you go with a separate 2 channel amp doesn't mean you are limited to two channels. You can still drive the center and rear speakers for home theater from the receiver outputs you use now.
Brian

cindy100

Hi again and thanks to everyone! I meant to put this in the first post but was on my way out to pick something up and ran out of time so here goes. As for the new recievers, I like the fact that they have the feature (I think it is referred to as Zone 1, 2 and 3 depending on which receiver you look at) where I can hook up a second pair of speakers in another room and listen to something entirely different. Like I said earlier, my old Yamaha is about 10 years old and I am amazed at all the new things that are out there! My original plan was to get new speakers and hook them up in addition to the old ones in the same room. After listening to you all on here, I realize that just isn't too smart!

Zen Dragon, I just went to eBay and saw an Adcom GFA 555 amplifier. Would this be good? It definitely would be less money than a new receiver. I do understand more about all this than I did but it's still very confusing.

Cindy

schwarcw

Hi Cindy!

I forgot in my first reply, but welcome to Club Polk Forums. The Adcom is a great amp and may give you just what you are looking for and a decent price. Keep asking questions everyone here wants to help if they can. Again, welcome!!

Carl

Toxis

I wouldn't take a Yamaha product if it was given to me. I'd proudly pay for Denon at full retail price (and I not only own them but sell them daily). Yamaha = overprocessed poo. Denon = beauty.

just_visiting

Cindy, an amp is the way to go. Go for the 555II version instead. The RTI10's needs the proper amplication.

Zen Dragon

Cindy, yes the Adcom GFA 555 is a great amp. There are some GFA 555 Series II available also. I believe they made some minor upgrades to the series II. the fact that there are multiple ones for sale simultaneously should yield reasonable prices on them.
As to Yamahas everyone likes their sound different. I own a Yamaha R7 that I bought from Bryn Mahr stereo some 20 years ago with a pair of Polk 10B's. The R7 sounds great!That pair is still together in my downstairs rec room.
When I upgraded to home theater I stayed with Yamaha and got an RX-V795A. I was not as pleased with the sound of the newer Yamaha, although I still think it is decent. I have read some disturbing things about Yamaha customer service over the last couple years. Luckily I have never had the need to use them.
Based on comparative models out there, and the bias towards brightness in my 795A, I will go with Denon on my next upgrade. Just my preferences though.

*Seby*-Polk-

Yamaha receivers are AWESOME to watch movies. Thanks to the multiple DSP configurations and chips....those receivers have a great performance to put you in the middle of the action (surround effects are unique). IMHO very superior to Denon. The music performance is great too (if you like a brighter sound

My vote is for YAMAHA (Anyway I like Denon too , great for music)

adam2434

Cindy,

As I recall, you do not currently use the system for surround sound and do not plan to with these new purchases, right? You're running separate pairs of speakers in stereo in different rooms/areas.

If that is still the case and if you never plan to run surround sound, surround sound receivers (AVRs) like the ones you linked below are not the best choice for you. You will be paying for processing, bells and whistles, etc. that you will not be using in a stereo set-up. The only feature of these AVRs that you want is the multiroom/source capability - "Zone 1, 2, 3...", as you described above. If you really want/need that feature, then an AVR is probably the way to go.

But, if you're looking to maximize your stereo sound quality per dollar spent, a new AVR is not the way to go. In addition to the suggestion of adding a separate amp to your current AVR, there are other new stereo receiver options that would improve your stereo sound for less money than the AVRs you're looking at. Also, they're much simpler to use, with less risk of incorrect set-up.

Harmon Kardon's 3480 stereo receiver would be a good choice. Factory refurbs are only $200. I would bet that this receiver would sound as good, or probably better for stereo than one of the AVRs you listed, and for a lot less money. Also, a lot of folks like the combination of Harmon Kardon and the RTi's.
[URL="Http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HK 3480-Z&status="]Http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HK 3480-Z&status=[/URL]

Outlaw Audio makes a higher-end stereo receiver for around $600, which is still less money than the AVRs.
[URL="Http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html"]Http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html[/URL]

Tour2ma

Denon...

cindy100

Hi! Thanks again to you all and schwarcw, thanks for the welcome. To make a long story short, my husband finally put his two cents worth in on the subject of a receiver. He said he would prefer I go with one that (hope I word this corrrectly) has surround sound options and since he is paying for it, that's what I did! I got the Yamaha RX-V2600. I took some music from my home with me so I could hopefully hear what it was going to sound like. He played the Denon 2807 and the Yamaha 2600. To be honest, I could tell some difference but not a whole lot. I went with some of what you guys here said and picked the one that had sound I liked. I know it is going to sound somewhat different at my home than it did at the store and I do have the option of returning it if need be. He also tells me I can add amps later if I want. I am going to keep a watch out for on on eBay; I've seen in other messages here that some of you have bought used from there and Audiogon.

Although I know the end decision is/was mine to make, I do hope I haven't made a mistake. I do tend to worry any time I go buy something like this as to whether I made the right decision. I feel I have with the speakers and hopefully on the receiver. Now I have to get it hooked up and who knows when that will be! I did ask at the store where I purchased it and he started rattling off a bunch of things I'm just not sure of. If any of you live in the Atlanta area and know of someone you can recommend, that would be great when I'm ready for this to all be put together. Any opinions, again, are very much appreciated. You guys have been great putting up with all my questions. Thanks so much!

Cindy

*Seby*-Polk-

Congrats Now you'vr got a GREAT Receivers...one of the best in the whole world. Perfect Decission

You will enjoy music and movies (in HI level) with this machine. !!!!

Toxis

lol the DSP's make the sound "Unique?" You can say that again. Unique aka not accurate or true to the recording. Guess if that's what you mean by unique, I don't want that! I always thought audio was to reproduce the sound as accurately as possible, not unique.

kingkip

Toxis wrote:

lol the DSP's make the sound "Unique?" You can say that again. Unique aka not accurate or true to the recording. Guess if that's what you mean by unique, I don't want that! I always thought audio was to reproduce the sound as accurately as possible, not unique.

Dude,

Audio is about enjoying the music/movies. Not everyone wants ruler flat freq responses, to some that kind of reproduction even sounds "dead".

If you go and see the same band two nights in a row in different venues they will sound different and you will probably like one more than the other. Does that mean that one is more accurate?

There can be very good things about DSP, and while not absolutely faithful to the original recording, if you enjoy it more then use it!

Don't dump on someone's choice just because it is not yours.

*Seby*-Polk-

Toxis...you are happy with the sound of your Denon...ENJOY IT (you hate Yamaha, that is the problem)

Me and a lot of people are happy with the sound of Yamaha ( I like Denon, but I never buy a receiver of that brand. Prefer Marantz over Denon)

Bye

MSALLA

Toxis wrote:

lol the DSP's make the sound "Unique?" You can say that again. Unique aka not accurate or true to the recording. Guess if that's what you mean by unique, I don't want that! I always thought audio was to reproduce the sound as accurately as possible, not unique.

Man, you are an angrey person. Just because a person has an opinion thats not the same as yours dose not mean it is wrong. This girl just wrote how insecure she is about this type of purchase and you feel the need to dump all over the brand she bought.
So you don't like Yamaha equipment. What, are you the master of all audio? I happen to like Yamaha for movies and Denon I think is nicer for music.
If you feel that strongly against Yamaha how about being constructive and not comming off like some angrey little kid.

Toxis

I have dealt with yamaha product for many years and see a lot of customer issues with them. I'm sorry but when you have absolutely zero respect for a company and their views on audio, what good can I say? I'd honestly take a Sony ES over a Yamaha. Am I an angry guy? No... that is all in the interpretation on words read on the internet. But I do have an opinion myself and when someone asks for opinions, you can't get upset because someone voices it just because it differs from yours. I'm not upset in the slightest. I own denon and could not be happier with it.

Drumingman

You guys pointed her in the right direction and she made the right choice for her family at the present time. Take a pill now.

Tour2ma

+1... Although I'd have gone the other way, there was really was no bad choice between the Yammie and the Denon... and as you said, Cindy, you went with your ears... Good enough for me.

As for the Yammie's DSP features, they are an interesting, occassional diversion, but not something to use all the time, IMO.

cindy100 wrote:

He also tells me I can add amps later if I want. I am going to keep a watch out for on on eBay; I've seen in other messages here that some of you have bought used from there and Audiogon.

I will say, however, that if you are already thinking outboard amp(s), you should think about a Pre-Pro/ Power amp combo in lieu of the Yammie or any other AVR.

cindy100 wrote:

Now I have to get it hooked up and who knows when that will be!
If any of you live in the Atlanta area and know of someone you can recommend, that would be great when I'm ready for this to all be put together.

Before you go hiring someone, read your manual and ask questions here. Setting up an HT is not rocket science, and DIY can be very satisfying.

Initally just run speaker wire along baseboards, play with the positioning of the mains, play with the positioning of the surround/ rear speaker placement using a couple stepladders. Once you have an arrangement you like, then we can work on hiding the speaker runs, etc.

cfrizz

It's easy Cindy everything is labeled, it is just a matter of matching red to red, white to white, yellow to yellow & black to black!

cindy100

Thanks to you all for the help and kind words as far as my choice; I do appreciate it! I have been looking through the manual and it is SO confusing that may as well be in a foreign language. I will have to do it on my own rather than hire someone as my money has run out for now as far as electronics go. I will also have to deal with getting an amp or anything similar until a later time this year.

As for hooking it up, what I planned to do was just unplug the cables that are currently on the old receiver and immediately plug them into the new one before I forget what goes where. I plan on adding a dvd player (I do have one; it's just not hooked up) and the only other thing I have is a cd player. I have Directv and I do know it is hooked up so that I can listen to things through the stereo. This was all originally hooked up by a guy from the electronic store so of course I have no idea what what all is back there.

One other thing; there are speakers outside on the deck. When I want to listen to them, I push the "B" button on the receiver. Since the new receiver has the zone feature (I'm sure that's not the correct term for it) and once I get the set of speakers hooked up in the second room, how am I going to control them since I only have the "A" & "B" buttons which are current being used? I do have a speaker selector box but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with this or not.

I posted a different message last night asking about speaker wire and I ended up ordering from Blue Jeans Cable. Hopefully it will be here by Friday. For now, I do have one more question. The place where the subwoofer is at right now is not going to work once I get the new speakers hooked up. Is there a "rule" as to where a subwoofer should be placed? Thanks again for your help.

Sincerely,

Cindy

Tour2ma

For maximum room gain, sub's are generally placed in a corner. However, sometimes corners give rise to too many issues with reflections and moving away from the corner along one wall or another yields a smoother response curve.

One neat old sub trick is to place the sub at your listening position and then crawl around the areas of the room that are candidates for its location. Some will likely sound better than others.

On your A-B speaker question, they'll just become Zone 1 and Zone 2. You likely will need a 2 ch amp for zone 2, however. If this is the case, the back of your Yammie should have output RCA's labeled "Zone 2".

On your DirectTV, you'll want to replace the stereo pair of interconnects you are now using with a digital interconnect. Doing this will allow your Yammies' processor to decode the surround info, LFE, etc. in the DTS or DD signal DTV broadcasts. No sense in settling for stereo anymore... or making your Yammie "make-up" surround info from a stereo source.

You can also do the above with your CDP, but that would be a matter of preference, as in which does the better job of converting digital to analog.

You will likely want to run digital out of your DVDP and let the Yammie do its thing...

You can do it, Cindy... One step at a time...

SuperDave

Listen to what you like and you can't go wrong. Do your research on the Adcoms, too. The 555's are brighter and the 5500's are warmer. Pick the one that sounds best to you.

SuperDave
Yamaha RX-V992 (Center,Rears)
Adcom GFA-5500 (Mains)
Denon DVD-1920
Sony XBR 27"
BrightHouse DVR
Polk LSi25 Mains
Polk LSiC Center
Infinity RS1 Rears
Monster THX Cables

jeffwalter

Denon all the way.

Tour2ma

jeff, she bought the Yammie about a week before your post...

So, Cindy, how's it going with the set-up?

cindy100

Tour2ma,

Hi! Thanks for asking! I don't have it set up yet; plan to try & get it done today. Long story short, I ended up having to exchange the receiver (the ones who don't like Yamaha are going to love this!) because it wouldn't stay powered on. The manager of the store spent about an hour and a half with me showing where cables go; explaining why I didn't have to do certain things which I know is going to save a lot of time. Like I said, I plan on trying to get this set up today. I will post when I get it finished.

Thanks,

Cindy

*Seby*-Polk-

Ohh no !!!! Poor Yammie !!!!

Connect the cables correctly !!!!! and the Yamaha will demonstrate it's power :)