DSP-A1 vs. RX-Z11

[Anton]

I'm debating on upgrading my DSP-A1 to a RX-Z11, but I'm trying to fully understand what I'm going to gain with the transition. I've got a 5.1 setup with no real desire to upgrade the number of speakers. My main source is currently a PS3 over optical.

From what I've been able to gather I won't be able to receive Uncompressed Audio over optical, as there is not enough bandwidth over optical. So I have the audio output set up to Bitstream. I've not tested DTS-MA yet, but I believe the PS3 converts this to a DTS Bitstream.

I'm not using the DSP-A1 as a video switcher, so my HDMI goes straight to my TV. Switching would be an advantage with the RX-Z11, but I can live without it.

Am I missing something? Or would the RX-Z11 give me something I've not thought about?

[Squozen]

You'll get lossless audio and video switching.

Why the RX-Z11 and not, say, the RX-V3800? That's what I upgraded my DSP-A1 to, and I'm very happy with it.

Or, get a player with 5.1 analogue outputs and wire it through the DSP-A1's 5.1 input. You'll get lossless audio that way.

[Anton]

I'm interested in your experience in upgrading your DSP-A1 as I absolutely love the sound, is there anything from your DSP-A1 that you miss?

[almo89]

Isn't the Z11 a little to pricey for a 5.1 setup with ur main source using optical only?

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by Anton

I'm debating on upgrading my DSP-A1 to a RX-Z11, but I'm trying to fully understand what I'm going to gain with the transition. I've got a 5.1 setup with no real desire to upgrade the number of speakers. My main source is currently a PS3 over optical.

From what I've been able to gather I won't be able to receive Uncompressed Audio over optical, as there is not enough bandwidth over optical. So I have the audio output set up to Bitstream. I've not tested DTS-MA yet, but I believe the PS3 converts this to a DTS Bitstream.

I'm not using the DSP-A1 as a video switcher, so my HDMI goes straight to my TV. Switching would be an advantage with the RX-Z11, but I can live without it.

Am I missing something? Or would the RX-Z11 give me something I've not thought about?

Man, I wish I was in your position with this decision right now! With the RX-Z11, you'll pick up lossless audio tracks, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and uncompressed PCM tracks. Since you use the PS3, it will decode each and send it to the RX-Z11 as linear PCM. You've got a great amp right now, but the upgrade will allow you to receive a better audio signal that will sound far more analog than what you're currently receiving from the PS3 to the DSP-A1. The frequency range will expand, your dynamic range will improve, and the overall sound will be fuller. I liken the difference to moving from CDs to Super Audio CDs in a system that can take advantage of the difference.

What sort of speakers are you powering in your 5.1 setup? As the previous poster stated, moving to the RX-Z11 might be a little bit of overkill. Most of the core features of the DSP-A1 have trickled down to the rest of Yamaha's line by now. However, the key feature between your amp and the RX-Z11 is probably the power supply and amplification section. If you can find them in a shop, I'd suggest auditioning both the RX-Z11 and the RX-V3800. Otherwise, check out Denon's new standalone players - they're pretty super. Hook up one via its multi-channel analog outputs to the DSP-A1, and you'll be right in the game too.

[Squozen]

Originally Posted by Anton

I'm interested in your experience in upgrading your DSP-A1 as I absolutely love the sound, is there anything from your DSP-A1 that you miss?

Just the remote and the sense of superior build quality, honestly (it's about 6 kgs heavier than the replacement). The rest of the 3800 is so much more configurable (assigning any digital input to a device just isn't possible with the A1) and I haven't run into any issues with lack of power or thinness. Oh, and I forgot, the A1 has the laserdisc AC-3 input which no modern receiver will, so I lose my AC-3 on laserdiscs (not an issue, as they don't look good enough to enjoy on the projector anyhow and are being replaced as quickly as possible).

Everything else on the 3800 is better. The A1 had issues playing 640kbps DD (I'd get the occasional loud pop - maybe Yamaha fixed this in firmware somewhere along the line and I never knew about it) and the 3800 is fine. Of course, the 3800 is usually playing uncompressed PCM, and sounds terrific doing so.

I sold my A1 to my brother, and I told him that when he wants to upgrade to a lossless amp, I want to buy it back from him to use in a second system.