|   Yamaha vs. Integra | btmabee
Jul 29, 2002 12:19 PM | | I am looking at buying a mid-ranged a/v receiver for my house and am stuck between the Yamaha RVX2200 and Integra 6.3 or 7.2. I am installing Speakercraft surround speakers in my living room and am looking to get the best sound possible out of my receiver. Any feedback will help. Thanks. |
| re: Yamaha vs. Integra | Woochifer
Jul 29, 2002 12:30 PM | | Before you check into the RX-V2200, you should know that model's been discontinued and about to get replaced by the RX-V2300. The new RX-V1300 lists for $200 less than the 2200 and will have the same output, same processor, and a few new features (better DACs and composite-to-S-video conversion). Might want to look into those models when they hit the stores in the next few weeks. At the very least, this means that you should be able to bargain down the price of the RX-V2300 down to at least $700, if not less. Don't know enough about those Integra models to tell you which is better. Compare them and see for yourself which one suits you better.
nick4433 "Yamaha's new midlevel receivers: RX-V1300 and RX-V2300" 7/16/02 3:20pm |
| Everyone always says "Look at this or that Yamaha..." | danm
Jul 29, 2002 10:56 PM | | ...without saying much about the Integra's. I spent months trying to figure out the differences between Yammies, Marantzes, Denons, Onkyo's, Pannies, and Integras. I finally found out that Integras, while not as greatly reviewed or hyped here, sound much better, both in the store and at my house, than the others. Yes, I did get a Rotel setup and bring it home, and it sounded the best out of anything, but I couldn't afford it. The Integra (DTR 5.3 in my case) simply sounded cleaner and had a stronger presense in music, and lively with HT. Before everyone tells you to look at this or that receiver other than the Integras, get a good listen to them with your speakers (if you can). You will truely like what you hear. |
| Everyone always says "Look at this or that Yamaha..." | Keith from Canada
Jul 30, 2002 5:58 AM | | Although I respect others opinions, I would point out that although Dan shows bias towards his own purchase (and well he should since he chose it), he brings up a very good point. It's important that you check out both and decide for yourself which is the better value in your situation. I personally prefer the sound of Yamaha (especially for HT) and the fact that Integra's are grossly overpriced in Canada compared to the US doesn't help their case much either.
Both of the receivers that you've chosen are good quality pieces and neither should leave you with any remorse. It's simply a matter of giving them both a listen with stuff you're familiar with and deciding which of the two you prefer. |
| Everyone always says "Look at this or that Yamaha..." | Woochifer
Jul 30, 2002 9:52 AM | | Well, I think part of Integra's problem is that their dealer network is a lot smaller than the other brands that you mentioned, so it's not easy to find Integra gear to begin with. Plus, at the heart of it, they're basically an upscale brand for Onkyo -- sort of like Sony ES and Pioneer Elite. So, in a way when people mention Onkyo, the Integra models are part of the discussion. I still remember when Onkyo's flagship models had Integra and Grand Integra badging (including some very nice mono bridgeable Class A amps), so I really don't differentiate between the two brands. |
| With a slight difference between Integra & Sony ES.... | nick4433
Jul 30, 2002 9:57 AM | | Whle the Sony ES line is clearly many a cut above the Sony regular line, the same cannot be said about Integra's line and their difference between the Onkyo line.
Integras are basically Onkyos, pound for pound identical with a very few parts here and there that are different. The Integras come with a longer warranty and at least to my ears they did not sound any different than their Onkyo counterparts. |
| With a slight difference between Integra & Sony ES.... | Woochifer
Jul 30, 2002 10:46 AM | | I agree, with their current models, the ES line is clearly more ruggedly constructed and has substantive differences over the regular Sony lineup. With their CD players, a friend of mine once opened up an ES model and compared it to one of Sony's standard CD players. Even though they used the same transport and D/A circuitry, the chassis and isolation on the ES model was much better made. But, in my friend's opinion the main difference with the ES model was with the analog path, which used higher quality parts. In my listenings the difference was pretty noticeable.
However, in the past Sony has tried their own smoke and mirrors routines with the ES line as well. Of all places, Consumer Reports once pointed out that Sony merely did some fancy repackaging with one of their high entry level receiver models. The only real difference was that the ES receiver had manual dials for the volume and tone controls, while the regular badged receiver got those infamous up and down buttons that were so popular 10 years ago. The other difference was in the price -- the ES had a higher list price and a higher street price. Underneath, they were otherwise identical.
If I ever buy Sony again, it would likely be an ES product, but given Sony's wildly inconsistent track record (especially the last few years) a little research and comparison never hurts! Of course, that SCD-CE775 SACD changer looks awfully tempting right now, especially for under $200 (and even its CD performance measured better than a recent ES model). But, its construction doesn't seem very rugged, so I'm safe for now!
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/sony-scd-ce775-sacd-player-4-2002.html
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/sony-scd-ce775-sacd-player-4-2002-part-2.html |
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