Help me to make a home theater decision
January 9, 2023 3:20 PM
Our old home theater audio system (7.1 preamp/processor and separate amps) has begun its age-related downturn. One of the amp channels has gone bad, and the whole thing just doesn't sound as good anymore (after 20 years). So, I am shopping for a budget replacement. Reading reviews and forums, I have narrowed it down to the Yamaha RX-V6A and the Denon AVR-X2700H. Perhaps there are some folks here who can offer some real-world opinions about my needs.
The take away from my reading is that the Denon is the superior surround receiver of the two, but the Yamaha has better sound when listening to music alone. Listening to music is definitely important to us. However, I didn't get the impression that the reviewers or commenters have actually heard both receivers, but were likely just "brand loyal"!
So, can someone here offer me their actual experience in listening to these models? I will also appreciate any other recommendations within the $800 limit (with the "good sound for music" caveat). I am open to used or refurbished, as well.
Thanks for your time!
The take away from my reading is that the Denon is the superior surround receiver of the two, but the Yamaha has better sound when listening to music alone. Listening to music is definitely important to us. However, I didn't get the impression that the reviewers or commenters have actually heard both receivers, but were likely just "brand loyal"!
So, can someone here offer me their actual experience in listening to these models? I will also appreciate any other recommendations within the $800 limit (with the "good sound for music" caveat). I am open to used or refurbished, as well.
Thanks for your time!
Only because you didn't mention it, you might look up reviews of audyssey vs ypao for room correction. Haven't experienced either.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:43 PM on January 9, 2023
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 4:43 PM on January 9, 2023
One of the amp channels has gone bad, and the whole thing just doesn't sound as good anymore (after 20 years).
Have you looked into having the amp repaired? I recently had a much older amp, which was experiencing channel drop-outs, serviced (cleaned, a couple of dodgy capacitors replaced) and now it sings like new. Much cheaper than buying new gear. 20 years really isn’t very old for quality equipment.
posted by Thorzdad at 4:27 AM on January 10, 2023
Have you looked into having the amp repaired? I recently had a much older amp, which was experiencing channel drop-outs, serviced (cleaned, a couple of dodgy capacitors replaced) and now it sings like new. Much cheaper than buying new gear. 20 years really isn’t very old for quality equipment.
posted by Thorzdad at 4:27 AM on January 10, 2023
Thanks for the advice so far!
I just wanted to respond to Thorzdad's suggestion of having the amp repaired. I will likely repair the two-channel amp that has the issue, but the 6-channel amp just doesn't seem to have that 'pop' anymore. I actually don't know if it's the amp or the pre-amp. Either way, I think I'm ready for something new, with actual HDMI management and a smaller stack of equipment!
posted by Don_K at 7:15 AM on January 10, 2023
I just wanted to respond to Thorzdad's suggestion of having the amp repaired. I will likely repair the two-channel amp that has the issue, but the 6-channel amp just doesn't seem to have that 'pop' anymore. I actually don't know if it's the amp or the pre-amp. Either way, I think I'm ready for something new, with actual HDMI management and a smaller stack of equipment!
posted by Don_K at 7:15 AM on January 10, 2023
Oh and if you don't mind falling down the rabbit hole you might check out the avsforum owners' threads to see how things are going.
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 2:29 PM on January 10, 2023
posted by GCU Sweet and Full of Grace at 2:29 PM on January 10, 2023
Update: I found a refurbished X3700H on the Denon site for just a bit more than a new 2700. I just did the initial setup yesterday, and I am pleased with the sound so far. It has so many adjustments available that I will be busy tweaking for some time! Thanks again for your help.
posted by Don_K at 8:14 AM on January 22, 2023
posted by Don_K at 8:14 AM on January 22, 2023
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posted by Larry David Syndrome at 3:55 PM on January 9, 2023