Weight of the A/V Home Theatre Receiver = Quality? Durability??

[JrCT0091]

Hello Forum:

I recently upgraded my A/V Home Theatre Receiver to take advantage of Dolby True HD and DTS HD Audio Decoding Capability. I noticed a significant difference of the weight of the units on these from one particular manufacturer:

Previously I had the Yamaha RX-V661 which has a weight of 32 lbs.

Currently I have the Yamaha RX-V665 which is 9 lbs lighter (i.e. 23 Lbs.)

[Their Model RX-V663 also had a weight of 32 Lbs and their new model being released soon, the RX-V765 will go to 29 Lbs. weight]

Just curious/seeking insight on the weight differences and quality of manufacture/durability, if that makes a difference in the technologies. I still can’t figure out why/what changed as far as the weight differences (the Tech Support people didn’t have an answer at Yamaha). Any thoughts on this??

Thanks forum!

Jr.

[Steve]

The Onkyo TX-SR805, which is widely regarded to have been a great receiver, weighed in at 50.9 lbs, according to the specs page. It's replacement, the TX-SR806, dropped to 37.5 lbs. I've read this has been attributed to a "downgraded" power supply, and therefore most people consider the 805 to be a better model of receiver. I'm not saying the weight alone would always mean one receiver is "better" than another, but it can indicate significant changes that may or may not be for the best.

[cembros]

usually its the size of the amps that determin the weight.

[cembros]

was having the hd codecs the only reason you upgraded, you caould have saved your money and just have your player docode the codecs. What player are you using. Alot of time newer models of receivers will sacrafice power components for features such as hd codecs or other gadgets.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by cembros

Alot of time newer models of receivers will sacrafice power components for features such as hd codecs or other gadgets.

Yea, you got it. That's the reason why. Power output drops.

[rded]

Originally Posted by cembros

usually its the size of the amps that determin the weight.

This is true. My receiver is 25kg or a little over 55lb. It has plenty of clean-high current(not necessarily power).

[jomari]

it can also be the age of the components parts, as much as we have older units that use big ol transformers, it can shrink and yet perform equal if not better than the older one.

weight shouldnt be a comparison point as to which component is 'better', there are other specs that you should look into that have more important details.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by jomari

it can also be the age of the components parts, as much as we have older units that use big ol transformers, it can shrink and yet perform equal if not better than the older one.

weight shouldnt be a comparison point as to which component is 'better', there are other specs that you should look into that have more important details.

Of course the type and design of the amplifiers used contributes to the weight. That can refer to the class of the amp as in Class A, Class A/B, Class D, Class H....., and of course the number of channels and the amount of power that the amps can supply.

Rich

[Audiophile_At_Birth]

We're all right. Part is a cut in the amp department for new technologies. Part of it is more efficient components and materials being used. And part of it is for profit aspects of business. Most people by stuff for 'features'. And well, companies are starting to realize this.

As for the 805..I'm sure it weighs more than that. That thing is a beast. But to give you an idea..the 806 produces almost half the power of what the 805 produces. Food for thought, there are several factors that go into it.

[Johnny Vinyl]

You should definately NOT use weight as the end-all decision, but you shouldn't discount it either. It does play a considerable factor.

John