Quote:
Originally Posted by OBCT
I'm not a huge Sony proponent. They don't make a bad product and they do stand behind their stuff, but there are a number of brands that sell models with comparable feature sets at a better value IMO. They have also been known to offer slightly less power than their stated specs imply (allegedly; though supposedly they are not alone in this).
Anyways... of those two, I'd buy the Yamaha. But honestly - and the money is yours to spend! - I wouldn't hesitate to pay the extra $80 and upgrade to the Denon AVR-789. I think $600 is a very fair price for that unit (for example, the identical Denon AVR-1909 is $700 @ Crutchfield, an outlet known for it's reasonable prices on electronics). Outside opinions: here, here, here. Long user review(s) here.
In the end, there are many options. There may not be a perfect receiver for you. The big draw (why I'd buy it) of the AVR-789 is it's extra features. Things like Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ are newcomers to the consumer audio market, but they have been met with rave reviews by pros and amateurs alike.
Depending what kind of speakers you'll be running and how loud you want to crank it, you might be better off investing in a more powerful, less feature-laden component (such as the Sony). On the other hand, better, more efficient speakers (ie. Klipsch), require less amplifier wattage to produce higher volume levels.
Conclusion:
If you want a feature future-proofed receiver with enough power to drive efficient speakers to high levels or inefficient speakers to okay levels, get the Denon AVR-789.
If you want a powerful receiver with the ability to drive even inefficient speakers to better levels, get the Sony STR-DG820.
If you want a compromise between the two, then the Yamaha could be for you. They do make good mid-priced receivers. |
The real world difference between a receiver with 90 watts and one with 110 watts is negligable and wouldn't be noticeable to the average person. In order for an amplifier or receiver to make a 3 decibal jump in perceived volume, it needs to double it's power. So, a receiver outputting 200 watts would be 3 Dbl louder with the same set of speakers than one outputting 100 watts. Some good reading on the subject here:
http://www.audioholics.com/education...-watts-and-dbs
Denon and Yamaha (As well as Harman Kardon, Onkyo, Marantz) make far better a/v receivers than those made by Sony in their lower lines. The ES line of products that Sony makes are better, but still not as good (imo) as those made by the above listed companies.
I would be willing to bet that 90 watt denon would kick the crap out of that 110 watt sony in lab tests.
Sony makes great TVs, but their av stuff is mostly lackluster.
I have owned a number of Yamaha audio equipment and have never regretted buying it. They make good stuff. I've never owned a Denon, but they have a good reputation so If the OP goes with either of those brands, I'm sure he'll be happy.
A good rule of thumb for buying audio equipment is that ~65-75% of your total budget should go to speakers, as they have the most affect on the sound. Generally any receivers made by the various companies at a similar price point are going to perform roughly the same. A $500 Denon is going to perform about the same as a $500 Yamaha etc. Just buy the one that you like best.