Just bought Yamaha RX-V450, how did I do? (1 Viewer)

[NickSo]

So a local electronics store had a customer appreciation sale that quoted "boxing day deals on electronics".

We were in the market for a new reciever to replace our kenwood VR-407.

We saw the Yamaha RX-V450 (aka HTR5740), for $404 CAD. Doing a quick search on local sites its about $50 cheaper.

It would probably be cheaper purchased online, especially with the high canadian dollar, but bringing it over the border would be a hassle.

Anybody have any experience with the lower end Yamaha receivers, especially for 2ch audio, how is the audio quality? I noticed it does DTS 96/24 which seems interesting.

Thanks

 

[Reggie_F]

Nick,

I also got the invite from a&b but didn't go. Was the RX-V550 on sale?

Futureshop.ca has got the HTR5740B on clearance for $329.

 

[NickSo]

Unfortunately its Out of Stock at FutureShop.ca :frowning:

the 550 was on for ~$499 IIRC.

Wow, after testing it out, its signficantly better than my old entry-level kenwood. Movies sound much more solid, more dyanamic, channel seperation is much better, audio is clearer.

Loads of features, component switching, 6.1, DTS 96/24.

My dad and I are fairly satisfied with the purchase thus far. A clear upgrade from our Kenwood. Sounds like it may be a keeper!

 

[Shawn Stephens]

I own that particular model, and I think its great. Originally, it was powering a pair of Boston CR-75 bookshelves matched with a velodyne sub. I have since upgraded to Boston VR1 towers and the same sub. The salesman used the 450 to demo the VR1's (since that's what I have) and it performed wonderfully. He was actually surprised at how accurately and loud the receiver drove the speakers without distortion. He expected less before we actually tried it. I am mainly a music listener, so for a few movies, its fine for me. In that price range, its wonderful. I do have my eyes set on an Elite 52tx or Marantz SR7400 when its time to upgrade. I think you did fine. The unit has good amps for the money. What kind of speakers are you running?

 

[NickSo]

Im running Paradigm mains and JBL center/surrounds (yeah not timbre matched unfortunately).

I noticed how much extra oomph the low end had... i really like the adjustable crossover and the 5band EQ for the center channel (didnt know about that feature until i read the manual!)

Too bad finals are coming up soon, not much time to play with it :p)

 

[Reggie_F]

Oops, I didn't see that Futureshaop was sold out.
Too bad the 5740 doesn't have s-video switching or else I would have picked one up when then still had them.

Finals, eh? I could help you "break-them-in" until you are done with finals..

 

[David Judah]

Yeah, it's amazing how much receiver you can get for the money compared to even a few years ago. They are solid little units. Enjoy your new toy.

DJ

 

[Shawn Stephens]

Yeah, with Paradigm mains (titans?) you'll notice a great improvement. I love the variety it offers as far as sound fields and the Neo 6 is great. Keep me posted as you get more used to it.

 

[NickSo]

Older paradigm phantoms mains...

man music sounds so much nicer