[Buckethead78]

I'm finally getting ready to upgrade my old Sony receiver and am trying to decide between 2 similar receivers--the Yammy RX-V633 and the HK 347.

Both units are similarly priced, and both will power dual rooms and have HDMI connections.

I really like the sound of the HK through my Polk RTI's (I demoed both over the weekend, through my model speakers). The Yammy sounded decent as well, but not a bright as the HK.

The only advantage to the Yammy is the addition of HD-DD (or whatever the new format is) and I believe HDMI 1.3. Do I really need these features? Or should I just purchase on sound quality?

[Bluzman]

Having the TrueHD and DTS-MA decoders built into the receiver doesn't matter if your Blu-ray/HD-DVD player decodes these formats. An example is the PS3 which does decode both formats but can't send either one of them as a bitstream to be decoded in a receiver.

OTOH, since you're buying a new piece of gear, why not be as "future proof" as possible and get a receiver that covers all the bases. The Yamaha fits that bill right now but if you can wait, HK has a new AVR 254 coming soon which is likely to also fit the bill.

[Buckethead78]

Thanks, I didn't know about the new HK's. I dug up some specs from Europe and I think I found my unit!!

[Dave Moritz]

You might want to go with the Yamaha since it has the following features:

Bluetooth
Made for iPod
Dolby TRUE HD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital EX
DTS NEO: 6 (New)
DTS HD Master Audio
XM - XM Ready
XM HD Surround Sound
Neural Surround
Sirius-Ready
HDMI v1.3
8 Ch Ext Input
CINEMA DSP Digital
SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
Compressed Music Enhancer
YPAO Automatic System Calibration

RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 95W x 7
HDMI (In/Out) (2 / 1) Ver. 1.3
Component Video (In/Out) (3 / 1)
D/A Conversion 192 kHz / 24 bit
Retail $549.95

I am also looking for a new receiver and was looking for a stought receiver. I was checking out the RX-V863 but was very disapointed in how light weight it is and how small the power supply is. I could sware that my 10+ year old Yamaha RX-V995 is alot heavier than the 863.

The HK is a nice peice but does not have all the new bells and whistles like the Yamaha does. But if I was to choose between the Yammy RX-V633 and the HK 347, I would most likely go with the Yammy. One thing you might want to consider is that Yamaha's YPAO Automatic System Calibration is said to be not as good as Audyssey MultEQ XT Auto-Setup/Room EQ.

Here is a list of brands that offer Audyssey:
Denon
Integra
Marantz
NAD
Onkyo

The Denon AVR-3808ci has Audyssey MultEqxt Room Eq. with up to eight position setup, this can be upgraded to Audyssey Pro. But may be more than your willing to spend at this time? The Onkyo TX-SR805 has alot of bang for the buck and is built like a tank but runs as hot as an oven for about $999. The only bumber about the Onkyo is I have heard of some quirks with the Onkyo.

Yamaha RX-V633 Retail $549.95
Denon AVR-3808ci Retail $1599

Hope this helps?