Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater M80ti Denon sound vs. Yamaha sound

Hello board members:

I have been using Axiom since I got my HT speakers from them in 2005. My setup consists of the following:

2 M80ti fronts
1 VP150 Center
4 QS8 sides and back surround
EP500 Sub

These have been driven by a Denon 3805, I have also used a separate amp to drive the M80's occasionally, was a really good setup, but then had to sell the extra amp. Denon drives them well, but I could use a little more juice.


I am moving to my own house finally in a few months which is finally nearing completion, with a large dedicated play room that will be dedicated to me only, with all kind of toys (PS3, Xbox, file server, audio equipment, projector ...etc). The room is large (8X10 meters).

Part of the upgrade that I am considering, is upgrading to a receiver that can handle multiple inputs and two outputs, so I can switch between a TV and a projector from multiple sources. I need seven HDMI sources, Denon currently can support upto six, so I am thinking about moving to Yamaha which has units that support 8 HDMI inputs.

My question is with regards to the sound of Denon amps versus Yamaha amps. I will not get a change to check test the equipment at home, and do not have a return period, so all purchases are final (I live in Oman, and this is how things are :)).

I have been using Denon for as long as I can remember, started with an old pair of JBL's and a stereo amp, then moved to the 2801 wiht KEF speakers, then 3803, then 3805. I never heard the Yamaha, but I heard that they may be bright.

Question is, will there be a noticeable difference between the sound of the Denon 3805 and the Yamaha RX-V3067? I am mainly concerned with stereo listening on the M80's, but I do watch a lot of movies in 7.1, and play PS3 games in 7.1 too.

Because of the size of the room, and my previous good experience with giving the M80's more juice, I am also considering getting a Crown Pro Amp to power the M80's.

Any help and comments will be appreciated.

PS: My gear was all bought in 2005, with the exception of the sub. I recall that it was the time that V2 came out and I seem to remember that there was some information that indicated that I have the V2 hardware without the badge.

Generally happy, but I believe that center channel is a little thin, so probably will consider going for the VP180 once I have all the things setup probably.

I really don't think your going to hear any difference between receiver A or B or C, as they all follow the same guidlines and regulations. The only time your going to hear something different is if you adjust the tone controls or use a built in feature that changes the sound.

I would purchase a receiver that has the features your looking for and meets your price. Back when the 80ti's came out there were some Yamahas that for whatever reason would shut down when driving the M80ti's to loud levels. I'm guessing the newer models of today, should be better.

Denon has never had a problem with 80's. I like the Audyssey Calibration setup of the Denon, Yamaha does not offer this feature.

randy

Hi Tariq,

Yes, your 2005 M80ti's do contain the upgraded crossover of what later was designated the "v2", and I think you'll be thrilled with the new VP180 when you eventually acquire one. It really is a no-compromise center-channel speaker.

I echo Randy's comments on the older Yamaha and Onkyo AV receivers, which did indeed have problems driving the 4-ohm M80s, but the newer up-market Onkyo and Yamahas seem to be fine. If you've been pleased with Denon, I'd suggest you stay with that brand and lots of forum members do like the Audyssey Calibration feature (just as many don't like it).

Crown is an old established brand of American amplifiers historically used in pro and studio applications and there is no reason to believe their quality had changed. I have not "heard" recent Crown amplifiers, but they certainly have lots of authentic power output, which is really what counts.

Regards,
Alan

If you are considering buying an external amp then why not skip the avr and go the separate route?

If you need more HDMI inputs there are several HDMI switchers on the market that can do what you want.

Thanks for all the replies Gentlemen.

I never considered separates to be honest. But that is a possibility. Living in the middle east, the choice of equipment will be limited to big brands, so no outlaw for instance.

I would appreciate some recommendations for a preamp/processor, amp, and some HDMI switches.

My main requirements HDMI input switching from multiple devices, output to two devices (projector & TV), DLNA capabilities is a plus for streaming media, ...etc.

As mentioned I wouldn't worry about the sound of differing receiver brands. Get a receiver with the features you want and at a price you can afford.

Nothing more to add here except for Yamaha being labled as bright sounding, it's only a myth. I switched from a Denon 3805 to a Yamaha htr6190(same as the rxv1800)and sonically they sounded very similiar. Yamaha should offer more for your dollar then Denon spec wise...all things being equal...IMO .

Thanks for all the comments.

I have been doing some research and it seems that the Onkyo 5008 is perfect for what I want. It is available locally and is decently priced. Reviews that I read so far seem to be very positive.

That Onkyo is a very nice avr, you should be very happy with it.