Denon AVR988 vs Yamaha RX-V663 A/V

doggie750

Any 2cents.....

This forum doesn't have much on DenonAVR988 info unlike the Yamaha's beast (I read about the clipping/ btb issues though: unpure signal for HDMI pass through). Please advice..

Cheers,:cool:

zx_toth

The Denon 988 is the Best Buy/Future version of the Denon 2808, so you might have more luck looking up info regarding the 2808 or look on AVSFORUM and find owners thread specifically for that model.

Redo a search here and see if you find any info ... if not you may want to head to avsforum.com for it.

I have the Denon 2807 and am very pleased with its performance until I get a seperate pre/pro. Ive had it for almost three years now.

Zsolt

skykeys

I have the RX-V863 (which is very similar to the 663), and I love it. It's everything I expected.

Denon has a good reputation, and I believe they make good stuff, but my limited experience with one Denon product leads me to believe Denon products are over-priced. I had the DVD-1920, which is a nice universal player. It was fried in an electrical storm. I now have an Oppo DV-980H, which I like better, and it's roughly half the cost of the equivalent current Denon player.

Some of Denon's newer receivers seems to be priced lower to better compete with Yamaha and Onkyo (among others), but the RX-V663 is still less expensive.

The RX-V663 has two sub-outs. I use two subs now with my 863, and it has turned out to be an advantageous feature. If the idea of two subs is the least bit interesting to you, you should check to see if the Denon 988 has two sub-outs.

If you would ever consider using a separate amp at some point, save your money and get the RX-V663 and then add an amp later if you think you need it.

Regards.

skykeys

doggie750 wrote: »

. . . (I read about the clipping/ btb issues though: unpure signal for HDMI pass through). Please advice..

Cheers,:cool:

Doggie, I forgot to ask this in my previous post. Can you elaborate on the clipping and "unpure" HDMI issues you mentioned? And to what receiver(s) are you referring?

Thanks.

WilliamM2

The 2007 Yamaha line clips blacker than black (btb), and whiter than white (wtw) on RGB signals. This is only an issue if you plan to hook up a PC, or gaming machine. No effect on DVD's and Blu-Ray.

apphd

I recently upgraded from a Denon AVR 2000 ProLogic to the Yamaha 663.
First I have to say I am happy with the 663 but I do miss the sound of the Denon. I must add to this that I have had the Yamaha long enough it is not just a matter of adjusting to the difference. The one other thing is I added new speakers at the same time and as soon as I replace the surrounds in my old speakers I can do a better comparison. Not sure how the newer Denons sound though so take that comparison for what it's worth.

Also I must say after reading the details on the Denon I don't think these competing models. If you can get the Denon for the street price = to the 663 I think I would jump on it. Or if someone is charging the price of the 988 for the Yamaha......RUN..........just my 2cents YMMV

cnh

Like zx_toth above I run a Denon AVR 2807 (= AVR 987 previous year to 988). In it's year the 2807 was the receiver to 'beat' in the 1099 or under price range...see CNET reviews. This Denon does not have all of the newer processing features of the 988/9 models that would compare to the newer Yamaha 663. As said above the Yamaha 863 is this Denons real competition. Sound-wise the 280X hands down over the Yamaha 663...more powerful, warmer, more detail. Makes a great freaking Pre-amp/pro until you get a terrible case of upgraditis and just have to go separates or even Tubes?

Give it a listen, you'll be pleased...

cnh

Hillbilly61

I have the 663 and could not be more than happy with it as an AVR. Features, upgrade paths, etc are uber! The sound is very good on 7.0 (I do not use a sub, as I do not need it). I have no intention of getting rid of it, but would like, from curiosity purposes, how it sounds against the Denon (which did not make my personal final cut, decision wise).

Bernal

doggie750 wrote: »

Any 2cents.....

This forum doesn't have much on DenonAVR988 info unlike the Yamaha's beast (I read about the clipping/ btb issues though: unpure signal for HDMI pass through). Please advice..

Cheers,:cool:

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/yamaha-rx-v663/4505-6466_7-32869451.html

Product summary (yamaha-rx-v663)
The good:
Excellent sound quality; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding; Sirius- and XM-ready; control iPod onscreen using USB port; two switched AC outlets.

The bad:
Only two HDMI inputs, while competing models offers offer three or more; analog upconversion limited to 480p; poor upconversion quality; autosetup gave us an inaccurate warning; frustrating rear panel layout.

The bottom line:
The Yamaha RX-V663 sounds great, but it's tough to recommend with its paltry HDMI connectivity, poor upconversion quality, and other design quirks.

Specifications:
Product type: AV receiver ; Sound output mode: Surround Sound ; Amplifier total output power: 665 Watt ; See full specs.

---

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/denon-avr-2807/4505-6466_7-31660758.html?tag=mncol;lst

Product summary (Denon AVR-2807)
May 06
The good:
The Denon AVR-2807 is a full-featured 7.1-channel receiver highlighted by its ability to switch between two HDMI sources and convert analog video inputs to 480p HDMI output. It also offers advanced autosetup capabilities and compatibility with Denon's optional iPod dock.

The bad:
The Denon AVR-2807 has only two HDMI inputs, its built-in XM radio function won't play the new XM HD Surround stations, and the XM and iPod functions require additional accessories.

The bottom line:
The Denon AVR-2807's keen balance of superb sound, gotta-have HDMI features, and an affordable price put it in the sweet spot in the company's line.

Specifications:
Product type: AV receiver ; Sound output mode: Surround Sound ; Amplifier total output power: 770 Watt ; See full specs

---

At January's Consumer Electronics Show, we picked the Denon AVR-2807 as the best home-audio product of the show.

---

1) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
2) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
3) DENON DVD-1740: Progressive Scan DVD Video/CD Player
4) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
5) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
6) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
7) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
8) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
9) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
10) SONY SA-WP16 ( Sub Woofer 2X200W)

cnh

Hey,

Hill..61, Don't get me wrong the 663 is a nice piece but it is not in the 2808/9 class the Yamaha 863 is and it is the more powerful and capable receiver. In addition, some--though, evidently not all of us, find Yamahas too bright with M, TSI, and RTI series Polks. Some 'prefer' that brightness, even refer to it as resolution and detail--but it's just too forward for me. I prefer a more laid back and relaxed sound that retains detail. Denons are warmer, and Harman Kardons even more so. They're not for everyone. That's why listening for oneself is a good idea. I've listened to all the mid-fi receivers...Yamaha, H/K, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc. I liked the Denon as the most balanced sound-wise. Again that's a highly 'subjective' statement. And I can see how one might like Yamaha better. When you do the listening don't compare the AVR 1909 to the 663 but the 2809 to it. You'll see a difference, whether you like it or not is another story.

cnh

Hillbilly61

Cnh,

I'm totally cool with what you have to offer. I was just sharing my first hand experiences and interests. It is understood why you responded to my post in the manner that you did. Things have been a bit so touchy around here.... I very much enjoyed the technical/opinion aspects of your response. It was well put. I seek to learn and garner info from others too!

Hillbilly

xj4094dg

I'm very happy with the 663, using Parasound amps for LSi 9's and 7's. Somehow only 2 HDMI's works for me. Bought the 663 8 months ago for 349.00 new. No problems.:cool:

apphd

xj4094dg wrote: »

I'm very happy with the 663, using Parasound amps for LSi 9's and 7's. Somehow only 2 HDMI's works for me. Bought the 663 8 months ago for 349.00 new. No problems.:cool:

Exactly, if 2 HDMI meets your connectivity needs, there was not much, and I think still not much that can compete with this as an entry level AVR to use as a processor. Pioneer 1018 and HK has a model that can, but last I looked it took a significant step up in $$ to get the features and pre-outs from anyone else. But you were getting more than pre-outs with that step up.

As with most everything else it comes down to taste and budget.

Terra S

xj4094dg wrote: »

I'm very happy with the 663, using Parasound amps for LSi 9's and 7's. Somehow only 2 HDMI's works for me. Bought the 663 8 months ago for 349.00 new. No problems.:cool:

Care to share where you got the 663 at that price?

apphd

Terra S wrote: »

Care to share where you got the 663 at that price?

Terra, I can't speak for xj but I would guess maybe 6th Ave. 6th ave and J&R were offering deals on them if you called and mentioned you were a AVS forum member.

Not $350 but how about this:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0013ZGOWY/ref=nosim/8687227-rg1861-00-20
Authorized dealer best price I've seen in a while.
I have no affiliation with them just passing it on.