New Receiver: Yamaha or Denon?

[AZHT]

I have a Denon AVR-2800 and want to upgrade it. Using Paradigm Monitor 9MkII as mains. Would a Yamaha HTR-5790 (supposedly same as RX-V1400) or Denon 3805 be a better match? I can get a really good deal on the Yamaha.

[JSE]

I have a Denon AVR-2800 and want to upgrade it. Using Paradigm Monitor 9MkII as mains. Would a Yamaha HTR-5790 (supposedly same as RX-V1400) or Denon 3805 be a better match? I can get a really good deal on the Yamaha.

Wow, if the 5790 is the RX-V1400 equiv, then it's really going to be up to which one you prefer. Listen to them and see. One thing, the RX-V2400 is really the equivalent of the 3805, not the 1400/5790. However the difference between the 1400 and 2400 in minor.

Also, I have the RX-V1400 and could not justify moving to a Denon 3805. The differences are small and the 1400 can be had for almost half the price. I am extremly happy with the RX-V1400.

JSE

[Woochifer]

The only real difference with the receivers you're considering versus your 2800 is the acoustic room calibration function that comes with those models. You're getting only a minor upgrade in the amplification, and the rest of the improvements are convenience features like component video switching and multiroom amplification. If this is worthwhile to you, then by all means go for it, but IMO the receiver that you already got is more than sufficient to drive your speakers. If you choose to get a new receiver, it will basically be for the automatic room calibration, the convenience features, and the more advanced digital decoding. How much better those receivers will drive your speakers will probably make an inconsequential difference, because the Paradigm Monitor series is not especially straining on amps. However, you might find that the calibration feature is essential, especially if you have odd room acoustics and an asymmetrical speaker setup. Whether it's worth all that cash is up to you.

Between the Yamaha and the Denon, on paper at least I'm not sold that the 3805 is worth $400 more than the 1400. I've only briefly tried out the 1400 and have yet to see the 3805 so I can't tell you anything definitive about either one. After trying them out for yourself, you might come to a different conclusion.

If you wind up opting for the HTR-5790 (haven't seen it in stores yet), keep in mind that Yamaha has previously removed a feature or two from the HTR versions of their midlevel receivers. Make sure that the unit you buy has two things -- 1) the YPAO acoustic room calibration feature; and 2) preouts for all channels (the previous HTR-5590 inexplicably did not include them, even though the equivalent RX-V1300 and lower priced HTR-5660 DID include them).

[JSE]

Wooch makes some good points and I will add this. If you are just looking for "better" power to drive your speakers and if your receiver has pre-outs, you might want to consider adding a 2 to 5 channel amp to your receiver. There are some great deals on the used market and their are some pretty affordable new amps out there as well. Might look at Outlaw, NAD, Rotel, etc.

Just a thought.

JSE

[nusiclover]

ill second that JSE/Wooch
however, as far as the room calibration, i can say that it really isnt all that its hyped to be. you are far better getting a separate calibrating device, or using your ears. i would definitely not get the yamaha based on this so-so feature. as far as yamaha vs denon go, well both get raved and ranted on about equally, even if you look at "what hifi" reviews you will find they both fair pretty good-very good. you are already familiar with denon sound. if the yammie is a very very better deal, then that could be fun just to try some new sound. (this makes replaying old cds and dvds a lot of fun). Otherwise id agree that you should consider adding a power amp.

[kpzbee]

From what I've read & heard, the YPAO feature does more than what your saying. There is an earlier post on here that goes into depth about this feature more. I'm waitng for the new RX-V750 just for this feature. I feel it's worth it.

[JSE]

ill second that JSE/Wooch
however, as far as the room calibration, i can say that it really isnt all that its hyped to be. you are far better getting a separate calibrating device, or using your ears. i would definitely not get the yamaha based on this so-so feature. as far as yamaha vs denon go, well both get raved and ranted on about equally, even if you look at "what hifi" reviews you will find they both fair pretty good-very good. you are already familiar with denon sound. if the yammie is a very very better deal, then that could be fun just to try some new sound. (this makes replaying old cds and dvds a lot of fun). Otherwise id agree that you should consider adding a power amp.

Every room is different but the YPAO can make a huge difference. I have run the YPOA and used an SPL meter and I could not really tell the difference. To me this is a good thing. It means at least in my room, the YPAO does just as good of a job as the SPL meter. Remember, every system and every room is different so your mileage may vary. But, overall I would say YPOA is a very usefull feature for most systems. I can tell you this, I first manually calibrated my system with my ears on purpose. I thought it sounded really good. Man, was I wrong. The YPAO made a huge difference.

I bet you can reasonaby assume the Denon's version of YPAO would be very competitive with Yamaha's.

JSE

[AZHT]

Thanks for all the info! I can get the Yamaha for just over $500, so was wondering if the newer features it has over my AVR-2800 would be worth it. Does Yamaha have a brighter sound then Denon?

[Woochifer]

ill second that JSE/Wooch
however, as far as the room calibration, i can say that it really isnt all that its hyped to be. you are far better getting a separate calibrating device, or using your ears. i would definitely not get the yamaha based on this so-so feature. as far as yamaha vs denon go, well both get raved and ranted on about equally, even if you look at "what hifi" reviews you will find they both fair pretty good-very good. you are already familiar with denon sound. if the yammie is a very very better deal, then that could be fun just to try some new sound. (this makes replaying old cds and dvds a lot of fun). Otherwise id agree that you should consider adding a power amp.

First off, there's no calibration device out there that can duplicate what the YPAO and equivalent function on the Denon do. Why? Because neither receiver has any kind of premain input for the main channels by which you can insert an external processing device. The YPAO provides three parametric filters for EACH channel and adjusts them separately, something that cannot be done with a separate device on that receiver. The only reason you can use a parametric equalizer with a subwoofer is because the sub has its own amp, which gives the equalizer a separate signal path to process.

Second, the presence of the YPAO does not mean that you can no longer make the other system adjustments. Surround levels, delay timing, etc. can all be changed manually.

Third, it's NOT better to make your adjustments by ear. Your ear is not sensitive enough and auditory memory is insufficient to adjust levels for five, six, or seven speakers. You can try, but a sound level meter will almost always give you the best results from the outset. No reason why the YPAO or comparable room calibration function can't give you equal precision (my understanding is that a lot of the misreadings with the YPAO come from noise in the room -- you have to have as silent a room as possible when the calibrations are done). You can use the measured results as a point of reference and then make adjustments to suit your preferences, but going by ear alone is insufficient to establish that reference point.

You're welcome to say that the room calibration feature isn't all it's hyped up to be, that's your opinion, but there's no factual basis to say that the functionality can be duplicated with an add on device, or that it's better to go by ear.