Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo please help me break a "tie" between receivers!

Hey guys- I know this is probably a redundant thread, so I apologize in advance. I'm rearching and planning to buy a new stereo/ht system, and I need help deciding between two receivers that generally get equally high praise. I'm a longtime Denon fan (have owned a PMA-520 integrated amp since '89) and have had it in my head that I would be getting a AVR-2803 or 3803 as soon as I upgraded to ht, but after reading feedback on the Yamaha RX-V1400, I'm very interested in that as well and am wondering if I should check that out too and compare. My speaker choice in probably going to be M-60's as mains with complimentary Axiom surrounds, center, sub, to complete the setup. For what it's worth I'd say my system usage will be about 75% stereo music and 25% ht. My main music tastes are generally hard rock and metal (Opeth is my current fav) and being able to crank it with clarity and punch is a definite must. Also- My living room is approx. 22' x 19' with vaulted ceilings (12 ft. at highest point). Can you help me break the tie between Denon and Yamaha base on my needs and point out the nuances of each? Much appreciated!

NB, I'll break the tie; go with the 1400(or 2400)especially for YPAO. Note that the 3805, just out, also has advanced to automatic equalization. Beyond this, in my view there aren't any subtle "nuances" really worth discussing.

WOOHOO!!! another Opeth fan. Damnation is on my top 10 list for "best cd's to show off the Axioms" That and the Lamentations DVD. Oops...sorry I'm OT Anyway, I just ordered an NAD T762 and I plan to give my $.02 on it once it's in. From the size of your room it looks like everyone will tell you that the M60's are definately you best option. I will admit that I got the 762 somewhat based on NAD's "music first" reputation. I think that there's some other T762 owners around here who can chime in and give you some more info.

Greetings,

Spock, as a T762 owner I thought I would say that the receiver works extremely well with my Axioms and I have been very pleased with what you call music first. I haven't lsitened to the 3805, but had the opportunity to do an in-home test with the 3803 and the T762. I posted my thoughts a while back, but the results of my listening were the NAD was sonically superior in every respect to my ears and the additional cost was justified.

I am constantly impressed with the T762's ability to provide a detailed, expansive, and powerful presentation of the music. The over 40 pound weight is apparent in the dynamics of the unit and it will drive a 4-ohm speaker with no issues if one wants to use the M80s. I would also recommend you audition Rotel and Arcam entry level receivers. They are more expensive that the Denon or the Yamaha, but you may find the improved sonics justify the cost to your ears. I know many around here think a receiver is a receiver is a receiver except for features, but to my ears the extra cost was definitely worth the added enjoyment of the music after conducting an in-home test. Anyhow, feel free to message me if you would like more information on the T762. My system is NHT 2.5I mains, VP150 center, QS8 surround, and Klipsch center rear for 6.1. I plan on purchasing the M80s soon when I am able.

Regards,

nbfguitar - I REALLY like Denon equipment and I just moved from an 1803 to a 3803, which is obviously what my advice would be. Having said that, you really don't have a loser under consideration of the 4 (including the 2400). Any of them will work well. All you really need to decide is whether you want to spend a bit more or save a bit more and if there are any features that really jump out at you. Write the model numbers down on 4 pieces of paper and pick one out of a hat you can't lose.

For what it's worth some people think the YPAO is an overated feature that is more hype than substance. Do a search here and I'm sure it will turn up. Yamaha lost my respect a few years ago when their advertised watts were about a third of what they really delivered. I'm not saying they aren't good units, I'm sure I'd be thrilled with one. They just seem to have a bit of baggage.

I'd go with Denon.

I should never post before having a coffee.

Hi,

I'm one who believes YPAO is not only overrated but insofar as the digital EQ feature is concerned, it has the ability to make neutral, linear speakers like Axoms sound bad. Digital EQ has become a marketing-driven feature and I regret that Denon is now promoting its digital EQ as a do-all sonic band-aid, which it is not.

Otherwise, Denons (and H/Ks) and Yamahas are generally excellent and you can always turn off the digital EQ feature, which I recommend. The Yamaha YPAO sometimes even indicates speakers are out of phase when they are correctly wired.

Regards,

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. That helps a lot. Can't wait to finally hear what Axioms sound like, especially after using Cerwin Vega 280SE's for so long!