[Randu]

Well, I've got a hard eye on that Philips DVD 963sa SACD/DVD when it finally hits stateside (thanks Tuberoller, sorry wallet).

So, that means it's time to step up from my 2 channel world into the 6.1 realm.

I'm pretty sure I want to stay with a Yamaha, I love the one I have, and their new A/V stuff gets rave reviews.

I'm looking at the

HTR 5590
or
RX V1300

These units are almost identical, about the only diff I see is the 1300 has Zone 2 audio, 5590 does not.

5590 is $510 @electronicsemall or $530 @ etronics
1300 is $534 @ crazyeddie or $550 @ etronics

Sooooo whaddaya think?
Feel free to rant OR rave...
What am I missing? (beside 3.1 Speakers!!)

Thanks

 

[skoiboy]

I don't know a ton about it, but if I were looking for a great deal on a reciever I would check out outlawaudio.com. This is a company that only sells their stuff online, which leads to a great price and their products have gotten rave reviews.

skoiboy

 

[bootman]

Do you think you might use the dual room feature in the future?
If so, base your decision on that.

BTW, the 1300 is the current model available from yamaha.
The 5590 is discontinued.
There is nothing wrong with buying new discontinued models.
You can get some great deals that way.
(as long as there is a warranty!)
Check to make sure these are authorized dealers or your warranty might not be valid.

Good luck!

 

[Randu]

skoiboy,
Thanks, that Outlaw stuff looks real nice.
The receiver got the 2002 Stereophile Home Theater award for budgte line. Might be just what I need.
Their cables seem very highly regarded also.


Bootman,
Your right about the Zone thing being a turning factor, and I've been wanting to have a line go outside somewhere. Good point.

I think they are both current models though,
the 5590 replaced the 5490 and the 1300 replaced the 1200.

The only difference I see, is that they market the 5590 as an A/V Receiver, and the 1300 as a Home Theater Receiver.

 

[Nightfall]

Nothing against Yamaha, but I agree with the recommendation of the Outlaw receiver. Biggest bang for the buck available.

 

[Randu]

Thanks for the input Nightfall.
That's why I posted the question, to get your opinions.

Anybody else have a favorite in the $400 - $600 range?

 

[Spad]

Since you're into headphones, have you checked on the HP capabilities of each? The Yamaha has Silent Cinema, but I don't know about the others. Personally, I wouldn't consider an A/V receiver today that didn't offer some form of virtual surround. It's much more effective than many realize.

Spad

 

[TKSingh]

I am new to HP's ... but I have been quite into Home theater. I purchased the Yamaha 2200 (looked at 1200 and 2200) which has now been replaced by the 1300/2300 and I have to say it is built like a tank, sounds great and the headphone jack is really OK.
I compared it extensively to the Denon(2802 and 3802), the Harman Kardon 320 and 520, and the Onkyo 696 and 797. IMHO it was a clear winner. I think you would be very happy with the 1300.

for more info(more than you bargained for), check out :

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/index.php
and
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

Cheers
Ken

 

[Randu]

Spad
Yes, that was a clear plus in my narrowing to the Yamaha units.
I do enjoy using the cans for movies and and the Silent Cinema is something I would enjoy. (HD590's)

TKSingh
Thanks for the links. The Home Theater Forum has a great receiver comp chart. That took someone some time...

What do you think about the DSP modes on the 2200?

Also, I saw in a comp chart on the Yamaha site that their top end RX Z1 is the only unit they make with DTS 96/24.
Where does that come into play? Is it something I would use?

 

[TKSingh]

Truly I have not played around with the DSP's. I kind of like the idea of listening in the way it was intended by the director/composer. Having said that I will match up and out it in Sci-fi mode or Adventure if the movie is clearly such. But I have not really noticed too much difference as I tend to immerse when watching movies and not really do any critical listening !


Cheers
Ken