Denon AVR-688 vs Yamaha 6050

Acadian
Acadian Posts: 60
edited February 2008 in Electronics
My setup...

Audio:

Rti8
Rti4
CsiA6
PSW505

Video:

XBox 360 (component)
Sony GW III (DVI input, no HDMI)
Rogers HD (component)

An audio guy i know at FutureShop recommended the two receivers mentioned in the subject line. I thought they were a bit on the "cheaper" side, but he said that for my setup, it would be enough for my audio needs with the speakers i have. He said the more expensive ones have a bit more power and alot of gadgets that i would need if i ever get HDMI stuff (new TV, Blue Ray, etc.)

It made SOME sense to me, cause i really won't get any HDMI stuff for at least a few years, and even then. My main concern is: will one of these receivers be enough to get nice sound out of my setup?

The Yamaha was $399, Denon was $499 (open box). Any opinions?

Cheers!
Rti8
CsiA6
Rti4
PSW505
Yamaha 6050
Post edited by Acadian on
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  • Acadian
    Acadian Posts: 60
    edited January 2008
    bump
    Rti8
    CsiA6
    Rti4
    PSW505
    Yamaha 6050
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2008
    I don't know anything about that particular Yamaha (and don't really like them) but I have always liked Denon AVRs. I am currently running a similar one for my 5.1 HT (RT55i, CS400i, FX300i and a Dayton sub) in a very large room. It powers my rig very well. Depending on the size of your room the Denon should be adequate for the job unless you like to run everything at very high levels. I assume the price you quote are Canadian Dollars since US retail is $449. You CAN go better....but IMO the Denon should do a nice job given your current setup.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2008
    The AVR-688 surround sound receiver is network ready and can integrate into a home networked system when used with the optional ASD-3W/3N iPod docks, allowing more sources for playback then ever before. HDMI 1.3a video switching has been employed for today's demanding HD sources providing rich color quality for 1080p signals. Digital audio is distributed by either optical or coaxial connections to high speed surround processing circuits, for premium quality Dolby Digital and dts Digital decoding. Seven high current style amplifiers are used in the AVR-688 to deliver clean clear performance for unmatched sound quality from your DVD or set top box digital devices. Analog video up conversion makes switching various types of analog video signals easy, as duplicate wiring can be eliminated and signals channeled into one single component video output. Audio Delay is provided to allow for exact matching of audio and video signals when signal delays occur from some audio video sources. Our newly styled pre-programmed remote control provides ease of use for the newcomer, or enhanced use for the seasoned user.

    - 75 watts x 7 channels
    - Audyssey MultEQ audio calibration
    - 7.1 channel analog EXT input for a SACD, DVD-Audio, or discrete HD sources
    - HDMI 1.3a video switching with deep color support
    - 100MHz component video switching
    - XM-HD Neural sound decoding
    - XM Radio ready (Connect and Play antenna sold separately)
    - Dedicated iPod port for use with optional ASD-1R or ASD-3W/3N Denon D-docks
    - Serial IR remote ports
    - 2 source 2 zone audio switching
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Acadian
    Acadian Posts: 60
    edited January 2008
    shack wrote: »
    The AVR-688 surround sound receiver is network ready and can integrate into a home networked system when used with the optional ASD-3W/3N iPod docks, allowing more sources for playback then ever before. HDMI 1.3a video switching has been employed for today's demanding HD sources providing rich color quality for 1080p signals. Digital audio is distributed by either optical or coaxial connections to high speed surround processing circuits, for premium quality Dolby Digital and dts Digital decoding. Seven high current style amplifiers are used in the AVR-688 to deliver clean clear performance for unmatched sound quality from your DVD or set top box digital devices. Analog video up conversion makes switching various types of analog video signals easy, as duplicate wiring can be eliminated and signals channeled into one single component video output. Audio Delay is provided to allow for exact matching of audio and video signals when signal delays occur from some audio video sources. Our newly styled pre-programmed remote control provides ease of use for the newcomer, or enhanced use for the seasoned user.

    - 75 watts x 7 channels
    - Audyssey MultEQ audio calibration
    - 7.1 channel analog EXT input for a SACD, DVD-Audio, or discrete HD sources
    - HDMI 1.3a video switching with deep color support
    - 100MHz component video switching
    - XM-HD Neural sound decoding
    - XM Radio ready (Connect and Play antenna sold separately)
    - Dedicated iPod port for use with optional ASD-1R or ASD-3W/3N Denon D-docks
    - Serial IR remote ports
    - 2 source 2 zone audio switching

    Says their website...

    I wanted to hear from people who've tried either or both of these receivers. And since i have a Polk setup, i figured it might be a good place to ask.
    Rti8
    CsiA6
    Rti4
    PSW505
    Yamaha 6050
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2008
    Too new to find anyone who has used both...besides you won't find many here that use the enty level AVRs. Pick one...either will work. Or step up to one with more bells and whistles and marginally more power for a few more $...but you won't see significant improvements in performance. To get that with an AVR you need to spend quite a bit more or you can consider separates. Something along the lines of Outlaw (www.outlawaudio.com).
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • polkseller
    polkseller Posts: 184
    edited January 2008
    The 2 will be great !

    Yamaha sounds great with polk, but the denon sound is more analytical type and less toneful..

    You could also look at the Harman kardon offering. The harman 147 is a very good choice. Bench tested at 67 watts per channel, full channel driven. close to 90 watts in stereo. I think it's the best of both world ( music and cinema)

    Very good sounding amplifier with HDMI too.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2008
    If they don't have preamp outputs don't get either one. It is better to pay a bit more money to get that feature (which leaves you able to upgrade the power) then to not have them.

    Welcome to Club Polk.
    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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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited January 2008
    The next models up (both Denon and Yamaha) have alot more bang for the buck; in regards to the Yamaha you get Burr Brown DAC's and a true high current design. I believe this applies to the Denon as well.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2008
    polkseller wrote: »
    The 2 will be great !

    Yamaha sounds great with polk, but the denon sound is more analytical type and less toneful..

    You could also look at the Harman kardon offering. The harman 147 is a very good choice. Bench tested at 67 watts per channel, full channel driven. close to 90 watts in stereo. I think it's the best of both world ( music and cinema)

    Very good sounding amplifier with HDMI too.

    The HK 147 has no PreOuts. Yami is fine for HT. Sucks for music. I'd go HK if you can, if not Denon would be next choice.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Acadian
    Acadian Posts: 60
    edited February 2008
    LuSh wrote: »
    The next models up (both Denon and Yamaha) have alot more bang for the buck; in regards to the Yamaha you get Burr Brown DAC's and a true high current design. I believe this applies to the Denon as well.

    Which would be Yamaha htr-6060? ...and Denon 788?
    The HK 147 has no PreOuts. Yami is fine for HT. Sucks for music. I'd go HK if you can, if not Denon would be next choice.

    Which HK would we be talking about? ...the 247?

    I was also looking at the Marantz 4002, but choice is limited here.
    Rti8
    CsiA6
    Rti4
    PSW505
    Yamaha 6050
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2008
    It's all been said already, but make sure you get a model with preamp outputs unless its just completely not doable from a budget perspective. I don't know the two specific models you suggested, but sonic signatures tend to be the same across a brand, so all yamahas sound like Yamahas and all Denons sound like Denons.

    That being said, I'm not a fan of Yamaha either - I feel Denon is a much better match with Polk. The speakers you are looking at are already on the brighter side of things, and pairing that with a bright receiver like Yamaha IMO just doesn't sound good.
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  • andrew_mac
    andrew_mac Posts: 95
    edited February 2008
    Hey,

    I have the Yamaha HTR-5750. It's basically the same as 6050 just an older model. This receiver is LAME IMO! It is soo bright with my speakers it makes my ears bleed. I heard the 6060 is a lot better but stay away from the 6050 with your set up. It won't have the power to drive those beautiful speakers you've got IMO. I can't wait to upgrade to a Pioneer elite 94.

    My recommendation would be to put as much money a side as you can and get the best receiver you can afford. Other wise you will probably end up kicking yourself down the road. Best of Luck!
    Front - RtiA5's
    Surround - RtiA1's
    Center - CsiA6
    Sub - Velodyne DPS12
    B&K Ref 50 Pre
    Amp - B&K AV5000 II
    Ben's Silver IC's
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited February 2008
    Stay away from HK unless you dont have HD satelite/cable, and u dont mind a headache
    Denon/yamaha/onkyo would be my choices
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • Acadian
    Acadian Posts: 60
    edited February 2008
    I can put money aside, but i need something now. I can return the 6050 until tomorrow, but i still need something. It's only $399 (Canadian). Is there something close to that price that i could buy that i wouldn't need to upgrade later on?

    I also tried the Denon 688 (more expensive), but that's already returned.
    Rti8
    CsiA6
    Rti4
    PSW505
    Yamaha 6050
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