Sound quality, volume, easy setup

remote is a challenge (nit) & no numeric display of volume setting, can't control bass & treble from remote

I'm new to surround sound. My old 2 channel Onkyo burned up recently so I was in the market for a new stereo. I listen to stereo through 4 speakers. I bought a Sony STRDE-875 and promptly returned it when I found that I couldn't get full volume from the rear speakers and the center channel. Same with a Pioneer Model ? that I bought. For the same money $379, I bought this Yamaha amp based on a friend's suggestion. Best amp I ever bought. It was a snap to set up and it worked instantly out of the box (unlike the Sony).

I have a pair of (cheap) KLH 12" mains up front (read my review for the KLH 8012), Optimus 8" LX-8 in the rear, an RCA dual 5" 200W center and an RCA 200W 12" sub. All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW. As a kid, my dad owned a hi-fi stereo shop, so I've been exposed to a lot of high end audio stuff, at least in the old days of 2 channel stereo. This setup blows away anything that I have ever heard. The Yamaha just rocks. It handles music and videos like nothing that I have ever experienced.

BTW: I HATE these surround sound setups with the baby speakers. You need a large area to move enough air so that you can FEEL it. I'm also a musician and and electronics engineer - why do you think that any good guitar amp uses a 12" speaker? Eric Clapton doesn't play through a 3" speaker, so why should you listen to him through one?? Anyway, don't get sucked into the baby speaker syndrome. You can't beat a pair of 12" drivers up front, no matter how big your subwoofer is. My buddy's system has these little Polk Audio speakers (they are REALLY expensive) and there is just no presence or feel to the music, even with a big sub.

This Yamaha amp is the best way to get into basic but high powered surround sound that will also handle music with ease through ALL the speakers. The 5 channel stereo DSP will blow your socks off! My rec room is small (about 12 x 18) and I can only turn the volume up to 1/3. The room just feels like it is "thick" with music. It doesn't distort or anything, but it is just so loud (my lights fixtures rattle from the sub). I can't imagine listening to music louder than that. When I watched my first ProLogic video it was really great with a nice separation of the sounds.

This leads me to my personal side note. I could easily afford to pay more for audio equipment, but unless you are a total audiophile with a huge budget, I can't imagine spending a whole lot more for an amp than $500. Anything more than that and you are just getting diminishing returns for each additional dollar that you spend (maybe an extra few watts, a few more DSPs, a fancier remote??). The weaknesses listed are really just nits.

Also, Yamaha has a two year warranty, one of the best (Sony & Pioneer only 1 year).

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo stereo receiver, Sony & Pioneer AV receiver

Sound is very crisp. I like the many pre programmed theater modes.

The remote is impossible, and the Documentation is tough to follow. I am a rookie, so maybe it is my skills that are lacking, I dunno.

I like this system very much. I think the sound is very clear and crisp. The price is excellent. It sounds awesome on my 100xt's

Similar Products Used:

Fisher piece of Crap.

Sound right out of the box. 5 ch stereo.
more power than you'll ever need. Great bass!!

Remote a little difficult to get a handle on, but learnable.

To be honest, I was never a big Yamaha fan. Always thought the Japanese were never that great at great audio. Sure, they're great at putting lots of useless bells, whistles, and lights on their equipment, but as far as taking them seriously about quality sound- forget it. Pioneer was a disapointment, Nakamichi too. Denon came close. Haven't heard them in a while though. I do know they charge too damn much. Nad - now they make great sounding stuff, BUT , they are too slow to get new technologies into their products. They seem to be a little snobby about their equipment,too. Like , they are gods or something. Got burned bad by the T770. When the dropped the line, I lost my shirt trying to sell it. Ended up giving it to my best friend for Christmas. It still sounds fantastic but only has DD, DPL. Needed more that's when I started my quest for affordable sound. Good sound ,not great. Great you gotta pay through the nose for.
That brings me to the Yamaha. Got it after auditioning the Pioneer 810s the sound was way too thin and bright!!
Forget them. Did the same with Onkyo 595 - no midrange or detail. Harmon Kardon sounded pretty good, but bad press about reliablity problems scared me away. So, I tried the 5450. Good power, not bright, DEEEEEP bass, plenty of controls and a neat dimmer.The remote will give you some fits,but if you stick with it and not let it get to you ,you can acquaint yourself with it with some concerted effort. Then it's workable. That thing needs a redo.Definitely. Overall, I was surprized and delighted by this unit's finesse with both music and HT. It has detail without being harsh, with decent midrange. It sounds smoother than I expected. The bass is astounding!! You'll be turning your sub DOWN. As for that Sony lover, he hasn't a clue. Yamaha would be a BIG leap forward for him...if he would just learn to RTFM!!! This unit would be a VERY GOOD starter or upgrade from garbage like Sony.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3200, Nak. AV10, Nad T770, Pioneer 810s

its looks

all

It's going back to the store today never again,..

Similar Products Used:

sony