Receiver Debate: Yamaha RX V663+HDMI switch vs. RX V765 vs. Onkyo TX SR706

[arrt vandelay]

Ok, so I've decided to upgrade my receiver from my current Sony STR DG820 because I feel it's not pushing my newer front speakers well(Energy C-500s). I'm also toying with the idea of eventually adding a 3 channel power amp up for my mains and center, so pre-outs would be necessary. I don't really know if I'll ever get around to adding external amps, but knowing I could down the road is what I'm looking for. If I wasn't toying with the idea of amps, I probably already would have a Denon AVR-1909 or Onkyo TX SR607.

I was all set to get the Yamaha RX V665, until I learned that it looks it's lost a lot of the 663's luster. The 765 seems to be the successor to the 663 now. So it boils down to where I'm at now. I'm kinda leaning towards one of the Yammy's... I could get a B stock 663 for roughly $325 with a 1yr warranty plus a Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch for around $30. The thing is I'd have to run an HDMI switch with the 663, and I'm not too fond of that idea. I'd be running a PS3, 360, and HDMI cable box. Now I could probably get by with running my 360's HDMI to my tv and an optical cable to the receiver, but I'd rather keep everything running into the receiver. My next option would be about $100 to $150 more; that option would be the 765. It seems to have most of the perks of the 663 with 2 more HDMI inputs. It is a little lighter, and the build quality may have suffered. But it would also be brand new w/ warranty...

My last choice would be the Onkyo TX SR706. It seems to have everything I would want, and from what I've read, Audyssey is a better calibration system than YPAO. This would be a refurbed unit from accessories4less with a 1yr warranty. The only thing that scares me about Onkyo is the heat. The receiver would be on a bookshelf w/ pretty of clearance, but I still think I'd be worried about the build quality compared to the Yamahas...

So, there's my dilemma. I'm looking at about $500 max for a receiver w/ pre-outs, and I've narrowed it to these 3(I can't find a Pioneer 1018 online else that would be on the list too). Which one do you guys think would serve me the best? Would running an HDMI switch with the Yamaha 663 be that annoying(I've got a Harmony, but still think it would get on my nerves)? Would the 765 be the best choice b/c of the HDMI connectivity upgrades? Am I too scared of Onkyo?

My apologies for the long post. I just would like as much input as possible as I probably will have whatever I end up with for a lonnng time...

[Fors*]

I too am looking for the possibility of adding an external amp perhaps some day. I looked at the Yamaha 665 and was basically scared off by the lack of power in exchange for features. You don't seem fond of the idea of the HDMI switch for the 663, but if you could get over this I think the 663 is an awesome AVR for sure.

The specs for the 765 and 706 are very similiar and I guess that it may come down to features between these 2, with you have looked at this already based on your comment about Audyessey with the 706.

I think it all matter where you are locating the AVR to really have any concern about heat issues with the Onkyo. If it is going into an enclosed area, then you might want to consider the 765, if not, I would go with the 706 as far as it goes between these 2 receivers.

Bottom line for me is the 663 is the best of the bunch and I would look into accepting the use of the HDMI switch, as that AVR is a very good receiver. If not, then for me it comes down to the enclosure issue for the receiver, if in the open, Onkyo 706, if not, then the Yamaha 765.

At least this is my 2 cents on your question.....good luck!

[DonRSD]

i have an 806 and i dont get any heat

check out my gallery o look at the space its in....not very wide nor high for breathing room

[Adam.C]

Me personally went with a 663 because I can use it as a pre/pro

[ozzman]

Its all personal taste and what kind of sound you want.

Onkyo and Yamaha have two different ;personalities.
I am a big Yamaha fan .I always feel iam getting the best out of my audio when i go Yamaha .
A close second for me Is Denon.But remember iam speaking for myself. I've been through at least 15 receivers and Yamaha always seems to win with me


http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...?CNTID=5028422

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

Me personally went with a 663 because I can use it as a pre/pro

As I did !!!!

Originally Posted by ozzman

Its all personal taste and what kind of sound you want.

Onkyo and Yamaha have two different ;personalities.
I am a big Yamaha fan .I always feel iam getting the best out of my audio when i go Yamaha .
A close second for me Is Denon.But remember iam speaking for myself. I've been through at least 15 receivers and Yamaha always seems to win with me

Love the natural sound of the Yamaha !

[arrt vandelay]

well, i bit the bullet and just ordered an rx v765 for $425 shipped from 6th ave. that price was right(name your price promotion), and it has everything i wanted. i thought long and hard about the 663 at around $325, but the lack of hdmi inputs really killed it for me. I just couldn't stomach a switcher. Also, it looks like the 765 is virtually identical to the 663: looks like it used the same amp, only a lb or so difference. The 765 is also brand new and will be under warranty. Now the wait...

[ozzman]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

well, i bit the bullet and just ordered an rx v765 for $425 shipped from 6th ave. that price was right(name your price promotion), and it has everything i wanted. i thought long and hard about the 663 at around $325, but the lack of hdmi inputs really killed it for me. I just couldn't stomach a switcher. Also, it looks like the 765 is virtually identical to the 663: looks like it used the same amp, only a lb or so difference. The 765 is also brand new and will be under warranty. Now the wait...

congratulations
Welcome to the Yamaha Family.
I think you'll be very happy

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

well, i bit the bullet and just ordered an rx v765 for $425 shipped from 6th ave. that price was right(name your price promotion), and it has everything i wanted. i thought long and hard about the 663 at around $325, but the lack of hdmi inputs really killed it for me. I just couldn't stomach a switcher. Also, it looks like the 765 is virtually identical to the 663: looks like it used the same amp, only a lb or so difference. The 765 is also brand new and will be under warranty. Now the wait...

Congrats on your purchase and that looks like a very fair price on the receiver. How long before we should expect the "What type of external amp should I get" thread to start?

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Congrats on your purchase and that looks like a very fair price on the receiver. How long before we should expect the "What type of external amp should I get" thread to start?

I've actually already got some amps in mind. I've been scoping some on ebay. The older Adcoms look pretty good...really I think I'd be good with a 100wx3 channel for my fronts and center, but who knows, maybe the 765 will be more than enough. at least it should be better than my sony, which wasn't bad, just doesn't seem to have the juice for my energy's...

i also don't think i'm allowed to buy anything home theater related for a while anyways. in the past 2 months i've upgraded my sub, front soundstage and now receiver. i had better be satisfied for a while, or my wife might head for the door...

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

I've actually already got some amps in mind. I've been scoping some on ebay. The older Adcoms look pretty good...really I think I'd be good with a 100wx3 channel for my fronts and center, but who knows, maybe the 765 will be more than enough. at least it should be better than my sony, which wasn't bad, just doesn't seem to have the juice for my energy's...

i also don't think i'm allowed to buy anything home theater related for a while anyways. in the past 2 months i've upgraded my sub, front soundstage and now receiver. i had better be satisfied for a while, or my wife might head for the door...

I understand, as I have done the same since January of this year (minus the receiver, but I got a few other HT goodies and a new LCD.) I just got a nice $1,000 bonus at work that the wife gave me the OK on to spend, so I'm debating on what to get....) By the way, even if the 765 has more than enough kick, it could easily add noticeable clarity to your front sounstage, so to me it would still be worth it. Good job

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

well, i bit the bullet and just ordered an rx v765 for $425 shipped from 6th ave. that price was right(name your price promotion), and it has everything i wanted. i thought long and hard about the 663 at around $325, but the lack of hdmi inputs really killed it for me. I just couldn't stomach a switcher. Also, it looks like the 765 is virtually identical to the 663: looks like it used the same amp, only a lb or so difference. The 765 is also brand new and will be under warranty. Now the wait...

Good choice. The 765 is actually the true replacement for the 663 in this year's model line.

I've used Yamaha amps and receivers for years, and I think you'll be very pleased with it. If you can, set it up with the YPAO system, and then fine tune it with an SPL meter.

Good luck!

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Good choice. The 765 is actually the true replacement for the 663 in this year's model line.

I've used Yamaha amps and receivers for years, and I think you'll be very pleased with it. If you can, set it up with the YPAO system, and then fine tune it with an SPL meter.

Good luck!

yeah, the more i think about it, the more pleased i am with the decision. it takes about everything i liked about the 663 and adds the hdmi inputs i needed. now, i just need to switch out my rear speakers from polk monitor 30s to energy c-100s or r-100s. i think after that i'd finally be done, for a few wks at least...