DENON AVR-4306 vs YAMAHA RX-V2600

Chris Rock · 10-04-2005, 12:32 PM

I'm up against a buying decision. I've placed an order with Crutchfield for the DENON model, but the Yamaha looks great also.

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/r...rs/RXV2600.htm
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fPyO6yp...0&I=033AV4306B

The main differences (that I care about at all) seem to be:
1. No THX certification on the Denon, Yamaha has THX Select2
2. Yamaha model has 2 HDMI in, 1 out vs 3 in 1 out on the DENON.
3. Yamaha model upconverts all signals to 720p/1080i (sending them out via HDMI), Denon does not.
4. Yamaha retails for $1400, Denon $2000.
5. Denon model has an iPod dock connector and USB ports on the front panel.

The similarities are:
1. Both have auto calibration (YPAO vs MultEQ XT).
2. Both can be used as either 7.1 or 5.1 + 2 Channel second zone.
3. Both will convert analog video signals to HDMI (no upconversion on the Denon)
4. Neither has i-link inputs (though the early specs for the Denon said it would).

It's just my opinion, and I could be talked out of this, but I've always considered Denon products to be of a higher caliber than Yamaha - but the specs on this Yamaha look pretty impressive.

I've read some Sound and Vision reviews of other Yamaha receivers (for example, this RX-V657), and it seems that when tested, the power rating with multiple channels driven is significantly lower than advertised (http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...&page_number=1), versus only slightly less with Denon models (AVR-3805 - http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/ass...VR-3805lab.pdf). This indicates to me that the amplification in the Denon receivers are higher quality.

Anyone auditioned Yamaha versus Denon in their home? My decision isn't final yet, but I'm definitely leaning toward the AVR-4306.

Finally,
I've ordered the silver finish in the 4306 from Crutchfield.com, because it seems they're the only place to get it. Anyone know of a good authorized dealer where I can find it for less than retail?

Shane Martin · 10-04-2005, 04:46 PM

Quote:

3. Yamaha model upconverts all signals to 720p/1080i (sending them out via HDMI), Denon does not.

On the Denon 4306 thread on AVS, a gentleman got an email back from Denon saying it will do this.

Quote:

1. Both have auto calibration (YPAO vs MultEQ XT).

The Denon Auto EQ MultiEQxt will calibrate the sub, the Ypao doesn't go below 60.

Quote:

Anyone know of a good authorized dealer where I can find it for less than retail?

Try locally. Denon doesn't authorize online sales of their products unless you buy from an authorized dealer. Same goes for Yamaha RXV products. I would think there are a few dealers within reach of Longmont with the right pricing for you.

There is one in Boulder which seems close.

Chris Rock · 10-04-2005, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the reply. I do know of a dealer in Boulder, a large retailer, though I don't think they can beat the price I've ordered the Denon for thru Crutchfield ($1925 shipped). It's doubtful a dealer would lower the price on such a new item.

Plus, I have take a vow to never shop there again (long story).

Crutchfield offers free shipping should I need to return the item, and it's an authorized dealer.

Good info on the 4306 upconverting - I'll head over to AVS and check it out! It's not a dealbreaker, because my video sources are already 720p (except my video game systems - that is until I get my Xbox 360).

Shane Martin · 10-05-2005, 04:40 PM

If it's not a dealbreaker, the Denon 3806 WILL take your 720p sources and upconvert them to HDMI and output via HDMi 720P. It also has the MultiEQxt and about $700 cheaper than the 4306.

Worth considering.

Chris Rock · 10-05-2005, 05:44 PM

I've looked at the 3806, but I like the 4306 a little more. I'd hate to get the 3806 and then regret not spending the extra dough to get the extra features I want.

At this point, I'd be in the same amount of trouble with my wife spending $1300 as I am spending $2000.

*grins*

**HTF Ads**

Shane Martin · 10-05-2005, 09:44 PM

LOL, If you say it that way. Do it!

Thomas_A · 10-06-2005, 12:18 PM

I've demoed the Yamaha and the Denon side by side- It comes down to personal taste. Some like the yamaha sound- others the Denon. I happen to be a Yamaha user (I own 4 yammies). I dont think you will be dissapointed in either- however...you can save some money now...get the Yamaha and always add amplification later if you dont think it has the Balls. Of course...you can do that with the Denon as well.

Thomas_A · 10-07-2005, 12:48 PM

Actually..would not the new RX-V4600 be a closer match too the Denon...and still cost a tad less?

Chris Rock · 10-07-2005, 06:07 PM

The 4600 lacks some of the key features of the 2600, the most important of which (to me) is analog video to HDMI conversion.

Both the Denon 3806 and 4306 have this, as does the Yamaha 2600. The Yamaha 2600 is also advertised to upconvert analog video signals to 720p/1080i. I've also read that the Denon 4306 will do this, but it isn't a big deal.

Thanks for your feedback, though. The release of the 4306 has been delayed for a bit (Crutchfield says 10/21, Denon support says "November"), so I've more time to look around.

skip marr · 10-09-2005, 11:48 AM

Have you looked into HK?

Shane Martin · 10-09-2005, 12:53 PM

Skip,
The cheapest HK that has HDMI upconversion which Chris wants is the 740 which is due out later this year at $2999. That's $1,000 more.

The 635 doesn't have it and the rumored 640 isn't even out yet and won't be until mid next year(guessing) but it will debut at CES in January. Last years 635 came out in March/April so March/April for the 640 isn't out of the question.