I'm looking for a new reciever in the <= $400 price range. Both of these recievers seem to fit what I need. The list price for the Denon is $399 however I can get this cheaper...more like $320 new (not refurbished). The Yamaha I can get for $348. Both are 6.1 recievers.

The fundamental difference to me is power. The Denon is listed at 75W at 8 ohms and the Yahmaha is listed at 90W 8Ohms, 20Hz - 20KHz. Not sure if Yahamaha is accurate with their power ratings or not. I'm assuming Denon is conservative with theirs. Anyone have experience with either of these.
I listen primarily to music and at relatively loud levels.

Thanks

what speakers are you going to be driving?

- M60Ti mains
- Bose Accoustimass 7 surrounds (connected via bass module)...I know I know, go ahead and snicker!
- SVS PB10 (techically not driven by reciever but thought I throw it in here).

By the way, the Bose are a temporary solution until some QS4's or QS8's can be purchased!

Snicker.

Seems like I saw a refurbed Denon 2105 from an authorized dealer (ecost, maybe?) in that price range. I like my 1804 very much, and have also owned Yamahas in the past. I'd assert that features (video switching, zone 2 capabilities, 7.1 logic, DTS decoding, the functionality of the remote, sub crossover flexibility / bass management) are probably more important than power rankings. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a refurb.

oh yeah, (snicker).

I'd get the Denon. When I gave away a Yamaha HTR 5740 I replaced it with a HK AVR 235 for $349 (you might look into it). The 50 wpc HK blew it away. In truth, the Yamaha got almost as loud, but it just sounded very strained at anywhere near high volumes. I don't understand all the science behind it, but when people say that Denon and HK can drive a 4 ohm load and many other receivers in that price range can't I think it lets you know that you are much less likely to have a power/volume/clarity issue with Denon or HK.

Many folks are happy with refurbed Denons. You should find a 2105 on Ubid in your price range. They cycle on and off every few weeks.

Everyone here seems to have confidence in the Denon refurbs. I have always been a little hestitant with refurbs...I take it none of you have had any problems with them. Do you still get the same warranty?

Thanks for the responses by the way.

Yeah, go with a Denon refurb (from ecost). I have 2 refurbs from them and 5 friends have also bought their Denon refurbs. Nary a problem. Actually better than new from the standpoint that the problems have been fixed.

You get a 90 day warranty and can purchase another year for cheap.

the 1905 or 2015 would be a better choice than the 1705. The 1705 has a toggle on/off and the 1905 & up has separate (discrete) on & off.

Don't concern yourself about the watts, you won't notice the difference and there is more than enough power.

Good luck with it.

I saw the HK AVR 235 for $349 and Denon 1905 for $279 on eCost. Any thoughts between these two?

Hold out for the QS8! Great surround.

You can use you Bose (snicker) as two surounds and a single back (6.1). I believe the speaker config lets you pick 1 or 2 backs.

I have the same Bose (snicker) in a box in the garage.

RD, if you're going to decide on the basis of power ratings, both Yamaha and Denon(along with the other manufacturers)have to publish accurate ratings under the FTC regulations. Note however that the difference between 75 and 90 watts is only about 0.8dB(e.g. a peak sound level of 110dB compared to 110.8dB)and is hardly enough difference on which to base a buying decision. In general power doesn't need to be a major factor these days since clean power is so cheap and plentiful. Get the features that you want at a price(new or refurbished)that fits your budget.

Thanks for the advice. Just to let you know, I ended up cancelling my Denon order...nothing against Denon, just taking way to long to get from the store where I was buying it from. Instead I ordered a Harmon Kardon AVR235 from ecost thanks to the many recomendations i've read on here. I was pretty leary about buying a refurb but I said "What the hell?" i already bought a pair of speakers that i had never previously listened to and that turned out pretty damn good!! (M60Ti's by the way).