evo Posted January 31, 2006 Posted January 31, 2006 Hi guys - new to this forum, so excuse me if these types of questions don't quite cut the mustard! I want to get quite a nice 2 channel system up and running in my living room, about 7mx6m, but am also open to the possibility that over the next year or two i might get the whole home cinema spiel going in that space. All up I'm lloking to spend about $2500 for an amp/receiver and a decent set of speakers. I've got my eyes on the Yamaha RX-797 2-channel recevier RRP $849. Now the 7.1 A/V receiver RX-V757 retails for $$1400 and seems to have all the 2-channel capabilitites of the plus a load of home theatre capabilities. Here are the links ot the 2 receivers: http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...ers/RX-797B.asp http://www.yamahamusic.com.au/products/avi...rs/RX-V757B.asp MY QUESTIONS: 1) Does anyone here have any experience with either of these systems? Will the A/V receiver be significantly inferior for listening to stereo music (cd's and phono)? 2) Is there significantly better value out there for 2 channel stuff in this price bracket? Should I be considering the pre-amp/power-ampo set up, or is this just a waste of living room real-estate? Alternatively should I be considering an integrated amp plus seperate tuner? (Note I do require a phono input) 3) I'm looking at the monitor audio bronze or silver floorstanding speakers to accompany this system. Anyone got these? Thoughts? (I'll also post this question to the Speakers forum.) Thanks in advance! regards, mike
GimmeHiFi Posted February 1, 2006 Posted February 1, 2006 I'd go for the HT receiver to leave your options open in the future. I have the RX-v657 and I'm happy with it.
Xstatic Posted February 1, 2006 Posted February 1, 2006 I ended up buying the 757 a month ago, and i must say, i love it. I was going to get the 657, but decided for the 757 for the learning remote, extra power (marginal), and just to limit the amount of upgrading in the future. I currently run a complete 5.1 Dali Concept Series setup on it, using the Dali Concept 6's as my Front Speakers. I also have the Dali Concept Subwoofer hooked up. It sounds absolutely amazing in stereo, as well as for DTS/DD. I would definately recommend the 757.
evo Posted February 1, 2006 Author Posted February 1, 2006 Thanks chaps - sounds like thumbs up for the 757. I specifically want that over the 657 since it's got the phono input which the 657 lacks (correct me if i'm wrong). regards, mike
dlite Posted February 1, 2006 Posted February 1, 2006 evo, You will not get the same sound quality with a receiver than a dedicated 2 channel set up. A pre/power set up will probably deliver best sound quality but an integrated amp will deliver the best value. It all depends what your priorities are. If 2 channel music is your main concern then a 2 channel pre/pro or integrated amplifier preferably with a HT pass through would be the best way to go. I am not sure of exact models but there should be something in your price range, getting something with a phono inout could be harder. A seperate phono amp is a good alternative. If your willing to go second hand there are some extraordinarily good value 2 channel preamps out there and some good power amps too. As for speakers, you can do better with the Australian built brands, suc as Krix, Whatmough and Equinox (http://www.equinoxaudio.com.au/products/sp...akers/index.php) All of these will out perform the Monitor Audios dollar for dollar.
Guest r m Posted February 4, 2006 Posted February 4, 2006 For two channel listening there is the option of pressing a button and... - cut and paste from the Yamaha website: Pure Direct The RX-V757B features Pure Direct - a special listening mode that provides the highest possible signal purity. It can be used for both analogue and digital sources, with two-channel or multi-channel inputs. When it is selected, the signal follows the most direct path and power to the video and FL display circuit is shut down. Certain modes are not operational and even the display is turned off, lighting for only a few seconds when a function is used. A blue display indicates that the Pure Direct is engaged. This might make a difference.
Essential Audio Posted February 4, 2006 Posted February 4, 2006 The pure direct mode will make a difference but it is still a compromise on getting great two-channel sound out of a surround amp. I use the Yamaha AX-596 stereo amp and the sound quality from this surpasses any Yamaha surround amp i've listened too (including the one i use for my surround sound). In fact even the dedicated stereo amp has a pure direct button! At the end of the day the final decision will almost always be budget based as purchasing two complete separate systems gets pricey!
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