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Digital Receiver Opinions
Posted by Damir [IP: 204.210.64.21] on November 30, 1998 at 18:01:31:
In Reply to: Digital Receiver Opinions posted by Brian Robinson on November 29, 1998 at 00:24:38:
I recently purchased a Mitsubishi VS50703 projection TV, Toshiba SD3108 DVD player, and Carver 5.1
theater speakers. Now I need a receiver that has Dolby digital and DTS. I've narrowed my search to 3
models: Yamaha RX-V795, Sony STR-DA30ESP (or 50ESP), and the Harman Kardan AVR65. The
best prices I've found so far are $650, $600, and $749 respectively. 1. Any objective opinions on which is the best deal for the price and will fit well with the other pecies?
2. Anyone have information on the HK as to number and types of I/O? S-video?
3. Both the DVD and TV have component (3 jacks) video. Would this connection be the best? or
S-Video?
4. Is the optical or coax best for the digital audio connections?
5. Are the $30+ interconnects worth the money, or is Stadard monster cable acceptable? IMHO the only real choice is Yamaha or H/K. (I don't think Sony belongs here..) OK, the questions: 1. I'll copy/paste my discussion Yamaha vs H/K at the end of this post.
2. H/K has 3 S video inputs (2 complete in/out pairs) front AV input doesn't have S video in. So, 4 AV ins (3 S video) and 3 audio ins (2 CD, 1 tape).
Has preouts for all 6 channels and 6 channel ins.
3. I think S video should be better. If you connect your DVD through receiver you'll have to use S video (receiver doesn't have component video connection). Try both and use the one you think is better.
4. Technically, coax should be better, it should be able to transfer more data (this is very short explanation so I won't go into tech details) but coax cables can experience interferences so.. basically they're the same. You would have to have very expensive setup and perfect source to be able to find difference between them. Again, experiment and use the one you like better.
5. They are. Of course, if you buy cheap speakers you can't expect much of US$30+ interconnects. Good interconnects mean a world with good spekers. Also, experiment with speakers placement, try to move them around till you find the best positions for them (don't be afraid to move the furniture if you have to, of course considering your WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). H/K AVR65 vs RX-V 795 I'm considering a receiver in this class too. It is extremely difficult to choose - there are many good products: Onkyo TX-DS 656, Yamaha RX-V 795 or new 995, Sony ES 30 or 50, Denon 2700, H/K AVR65 etc. I'm pretty sure I'll go with AVR65. I haven't heard it yet but I had AVR75 for a test at home and it sounded fabulous. It was a bit difficult to set up and I was limited by the time. I won't talk much about specs because that has already been discused at this forum. I'll just mention few things I "dislike" or some that I belive are very good. AVR65:
Only two digital ins (one coax, one optical), only 3 S video ins, binding posts won't allow bannana plugs, perhaps a bit conservative amp ("only" 65W - 60W in euro model), "only" 3 DSP modes for people who love many DSP modes, no multi room amp (has line level outputs for additional amp).
But, it has excelent sound field (I'm speaking from my past experience with AVR75 and some AVR65 owners opinions), very good design, passive cooling (huge radiators so there's no annoying fan sound), very good learning remote, impressive build, wide amplifier bandwidith (better phase linearity) and an ability to run high current (I like the way Pete Thoeming explained it - link at the bottom). In short: no bells
& whistles - simple and very good. RX-V 795:
Plenty digital ins (3 optical, 1 coax), has more power than AVR65 (at least on the paper) - 85W, 25 Surround modes, nice universal remote (I'm not sure if it is learning remote), has multi room amp (A+B) speakers, but I think B speakers use surround channel amp so you can't use surround mode + B speakers. It has spring clips for center/surround channel and only 2 S video ins. It is hard to compare sound quality. IMHO, AVR has a better sound image, it is very clear and amp has enough power even in the most demanding parts (orchestral crescendo, extensive bass usage). I listened RXV795 for few minutes only and I had a feeling it had problems with music (orchestral) peeks.
On the other hand, Yamaha has many surround modes and they sound great. Surround modes sounded best when used with 2 channel music or VHS HIFI tapes. Both units had outstanding DD performance. I still haven't decided myself. I like H/K better but it is very subjective. I think it is fair to say H/K is better in
music and has better soundfield in plain DD and Yamaha is better in ProLogic (2 channel) and DSP domain, and has more options. I still did not listen AVR65. My local H/K dealer said first demo units should be available next week (I'm in
Europe). If I like the way AVR65 sounds I'll buy it. Damir
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