New Receiver... Is It Worth It?

[timmage89]

I currently own a Sony STR-DE598 and I'm looking in to upgrading. My current setup is a bit of a Frankenstein - see below. I plan on upgrading my fronts and receiver next.

Looking at a Yamaha RX-V2200 for $100, wondering if that will be a substantial upgrade from my current receiver.

Since getting that B&W center, I feel the need to upgrade the rest of my system to match it. Would this Yamaha RX-V2200 be a step in the right direction?

Current Setup:
Receiver: Sony STR-DE598
Fronts: Sony SS-F6000
Center: B&W LCR 600 S3
Rear: Infinity Primus P163BK

 

[osubuc45]

Can you listen to it in your system first? That Yamaha seems like it was/is a pretty nice unit...

 

[timmage89]

Good idea - I will see if I can get the guy to bring it over, or borrow it. Might be hard to set up. as this is a craigslist post.

My main concern is whether or not it will be a big quality jump from my current Sony receiver, to match up with my future higher-end system. Gonna try and keep it all B&W, mainly watching blu-rays and listening to high bitrate 2-channel digital audio.

 

[osubuc45]

I am not sure in what range that SONY would fall, but that Yamaha still brings around 200 bucks on ebay...I think it will sound quite a bit better. Good Luck. Also for 100 bucks, if it has Pre-outs you could use it as a Pre-Amp and add amplifiers in the future.

Edit. I see some have sold for less...

 

[timmage89]

I see that too.. Are there certain specs to look at, like THD, that make a huge difference in quality? Or does it come down to specific audio processors used in more expensive models?

 

[JoeESP9]

Although you may feel different, I wouldn't buy any HT receiver that doesn't have HDMI inputs. This is especially significant because many Blu-Ray players have video only on an HDMI connector. After all the RX-V2200 is ~14 years old. That's quite old for an HT receiver.

I would look for a newer Yamaha receiver. IME even the reasonably priced ones offer more, especially in the number of inputs than competitors. If you save some money the Yamaha RX-A830 @ $379 from accessories4less has the capability of being the center of a higher end system. It has 7 HDMI inputs, component and composite inputs, optical and coaxial inputs a couple of audio inputs, 100WPC and best of all preamp level outputs for 7.2 channels.

 

[Yoss15]

I think it would perform better than your Sony. You'll likely notice more of an improvement for 2-channel music listening than you will for surround sound. (Maybe I'm just not as much of a "critical listener" when it comes to movie audio.) A lot of the older top of the line AVRs that can be had cheaply now are good values for 2-channel listening. The DAC will be better in the Yamaha, and it will also have better transformers for the amplifiers. Virtually every other component in it will be built to a higher standard.

As another guy still running a pre-HDMI AVR, I can tell you that it's not exactly going to be future proof, but running optical or digital co-ax for 5.1 surround sound keeps me happy for now. My blue ray player also has analog outs for all the channels, though I'm not convinced it sounds any better than digital co-ax.

 

[gladiator335]

Overall RX-V2200 is better than your Sony, but....and it's a big one....you can combine HT and 2 channel setup only up to a point....You have to spend relatively big bucks to make it sound great for the movies and stereo...
And next weak link for 2 channel audio will be your Sony speakers and then (I don't know) the source or cables or ...something else.
Did you ever consider splitting into 2 separate systems? Makes more sense to me...

 

[timmage89]

Thanks for your replies. Gladiator, I have a 5.1 system currently, and plan on replacing my two Sony mains. After getting that B&W center, it really makes those Sony's sound sub-par, even with my current receiver.

Yoss, it sounds like general build quality to price ratio is true for receivers. (Except new Harmon Kardons, I hear they've gone down in quality)

JoeESP, you make a good point. I'll probably skip this Yamaha and look for something with HDMI. While I'm currently using optical just fine, it's always a good idea to future-proof!

 

[musichal]

Absolutely the best way to upgrade is to save up your pennies and buy good equipment. Instant gratification is your enemy. Moving from a ho-hum Sony to a dated Yamaha doesn't make much progress. Saving lets you slow down, and watch for good deals on equipment that makes a real difference, and gives you the wherewithal to pull the trigger when you stumble upon something. Takes discipline. My kitty is lookin' lionesque now, and I keep checking all the usual spots for what I want, so I am taking my own advice. I agree with your marking those Sony speakers as your first move.

 

[cartop]

Got to agree with JoeESP. I have bought from www.accessories4less.com a couple of times and they have great prices and their CS is great also. Save a few more pennies and get something more up to date, You will not regret it.

 

[JoeESP9]

As you're using a B&W Center you might want to consider B&W for the front left and right. Speakers from the same manufacturer tend to sound alike (house sound). This is IMO an important thing for all ones speakers. It's especially important for the fronts.

I bought the Yammie in my bedroom from accessories4less.

 

[BrocLuno]

I can tell you I have a pile of late'ish model Sony stuff. STR - DE xxx and STR - DA xxx ES. They are all capable of excellent sound. But they are highly synergistic. Match them to the wrong speakers and they are flat, sterile, cold, etc. Match them to the right speakers and they are magic. My De985 has been doing duty in the bedroom system with some personally hot-rodded Infinity RS-3000's for going on ten years and it is a great combo. The bigger STR DA3100ES is matched to a pair of Boston Acoustic T830's and that is a good combo too

You can try another receiver if you want, it might be better ... But all my Yamaha receivers went by-bye when I started seeing the synergy between the bigger Sony's and some of my speaker stash.