Help upgrading to HD Audio

[bigmod]

I currently have the Onkyo HT-R508 (5.1 version of TX-SR505, you can check it here: http://www.eu.onkyo.com/products/pro...8_5875554.html) and have set my eyes set on the Yamaha RX-V663.

I was hoping you could help me answer these questions:
1- Does the Yamaha sound better than the Onkyo? I know it has Burr/Brown DACs, but that still doesn't necessarily mean it sounds better. And I heard YPAO ain't that great and certainly not better then the Audyssey 2EQ.
2- Does it produce the same amount of power? My Onkyo is rated at 130W/Channel. I know manufacturers claim a lot more than what you actually get. But this still applies to the 95W/channel for the Yamaha.
3- Can I and should I still use my Onkyo receiver to power my front speakers? My fronts are floor-standing and can handle 110W. While my other speakers can handle 80W only.
4- Any other recommendations?

Thank you guys.

[crackinhedz]

the Onkyo TX-SR505 is passthrough.

[Johk]

Originally Posted by bigmod

1- Does the Yamaha sound better than the Onkyo? I know it has Burr/Brown DACs, but that still doesn't necessarily mean it sounds better. And I heard YPAO ain't that great and certainly not better then the Audyssey 2EQ.

This might be more a question of taste some people prefer Yamahas, other Denons, other Onkyo...

However the TX-SR505 is not at the same level as the RX-V663... The TX-SR606 (or 605) is the more direct competitor to the RX-V663.

Originally Posted by bigmod

2- Does it produce the same amount of power? My Onkyo is rated at 130W/Channel. I know manufacturers claim a lot more than what you actually get. But this still applies to the 95W/channel for the Yamaha.

Not only are W/channel claims deceiving, but also know that the 36.8% in additional power does not correspond to the same increase in dB.

In fact to get a perceptible increase (which is normally defined as 3 dB for most persons, some can perceive lower variations) in sound level, you need twice the power...

This is why there is little difference between 95 W/ch and 130 W/ch .

Originally Posted by bigmod

3- Can I and should I still use my Onkyo receiver to power my front speakers? My fronts are floor-standing and can handle 110W. While my other speakers can handle 80W only.

Well you could always do it however I don't think you will gain anything by doing this...

Originally Posted by bigmod

4- Any other recommendations?

Well I suggest you go and try the Onkyo TX-SR606, the Yamaha RX-V663 and also equivalent receivers by Pioneer and Denon with the same set of speakers, this way you will be able to determine what receiver is better for you. Also look at remaining receivers from last year, you could get a great discount on these. Also know that if you hesitate between a higher end model of last year and a new lower end model of this year but are tempted by the fact that the newer model has more HDMI inputs please remember that HDMI switchers are available for something like 60$.

Well have a great time choosing your receiver!