Denon 2313 or a Yamaha RXA810?

[rblock]

Could any one who have heard or own one of these amps give any feed back with regards their performance. I'm currently deciding to change my ageing Denon 1909. I like the idea of AirPlay facility on the Denon & at the moment are heavily reduced, or I have sourced the Yamaha which was last years model but part of the aventage range. I do listen to a lot of stereo music through my receiver so would like it to be good musically as we'll as with film. Either of the machines would be coupled to an oppo-93 blu-ray player which I use for SACD listening outputting through Wharfedale 10.1/CM/9.0(rears).

I am leaning more towards the Yamaha as they seem to fair reasonably well of late with reviews with many comments of a natural sound which I like. Have seen the Denon for £429-439 mark & seen the Yamaha @ £449 so not a lot of difference. Incidentally I can live without AirPlay as an apple express or tv would be able to perform this task.

would appreciate any good usable feedback to help with my decision making!

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

I think most people on here would say the Yamaha.

Strapped For Cash has recently bought the 810, and he rates it highly.

 

[strapped for cash]

I had some initial concerns, but now I'm familiar with the 810 and have tuned it to my liking, I think it's excellent. Unlike another recent purchase, it's going nowhere.

You'd be getting a lot of receiver for the price. The 810 is exceptionally good In terms of surround sound processing, creating a seamless sound field without giving much away in terms of positioning. Effects are accurately placed, but transitions from speaker to speaker are highly convincing.

As a stereo amplifier, it's competent rather than outstanding (even in AVR terms). My workaround is pairing the 810 with a very good CDP using analogue interconnects. That way, the CDP takes care of digital to analogue conversion (the AVR doesn't do such a great job of this, stereo-wise).

As always, the best advice is to audition. You can only tell so much this way, but you'd be making as informed a decision as possible. I haven't heard the Denon, so I can't say how it compares. Bear in mind that the 810 is a more expensive receiver than the 2113. Comparing prices isn't a foolproof method of decision making, either, but again gives you something to go on. It sounds like you've considered all of this, anyway.

If you're using your Oppo as a music source, you should be OK connected to the 810 via analogue; though I'd still check out both, as stereo performance is clearly a priority for you.

 

[rblock]

Excellent. Many thanks for your response. I am quite taken with the Yamaha & will have a demonstration tomorrow. I appreciate it is a matter of personal taste, after speaking to a couple of dealers, the Denons they say, are not great this year but no one has given any explanation as to why!

Good advice & idea with using analogue interconnects for stereo music, I have found this a preferred method also.

 

[strapped for cash]

Enjoy the audition. (On a Sunday!)

You know what your priorities are and how you'll connect the AVR to other components at home, so it sounds like you'll be making as informed a decision as possible. Try to blind test, if you can find a way. You might end up with a completely different receiver than planned!

Let us know how you get on...

 

[bigboss]

Excellent. Many thanks for your response. I am quite taken with the Yamaha & will have a demonstration tomorrow. I appreciate it is a matter of personal taste, after speaking to a couple of dealers, the Denons they say, are not great this year but no one has given any explanation as to why!

Good advice & idea with using analogue interconnects for stereo music, I have found this a preferred method also.

You're right about Denons being unpopular amongst dealers, for no strong reason. I started a thread about it few months ago:

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/av-receivers/why-are-denon-receivers-unpopular-amongst-dealers

I suspect there's not enough profit margin for dealers.

 

[rblock]

Well! I bought the yamaha 810. I was able to demo it as it was being used at my local richersounds & found its timing to be a step up from my older denon. Where as the denon could be quite 'crashy' & hectic, the yamaha took anything thrown at it in its stride. I must stress my denon is an older & lower priced machine as I do not wish to upset any denon owners, personally for me, the Yamaha has been an improvement for me. I'm sure as I understand its various settings, further enjoyment will be experienced.

 

[strapped for cash]

Job done!

Having lived with this AVR for a while, I'd still recommend connecting the Oppo via analogue for stereo duties. I don't own an Oppo, but in my experience, a disc spinner that makes an excellent job of digital to analogue conversion will outperform the 810 in this regard.*

Have a play around and see what you think. I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

* As a caveat, I'm only discussing stereo performance here. The 810 is great at surround steering.

 

[rblock]

Sorry for not responding sooner but I did purchase some Atlas element integra audio leads based on what hifi's reviews and I am very impressed with the sound quality. I'm hearing so much difference through my wharfedale speakers,they seem much happier as I'm able to set the amp speaker impedience to 6 ohms. I've been listening to my albums all over again & enjoying the difference this amp has made,it reminds me almost of a Technics stereo amp I used to own! I also like its ability to play SACD DSD over hdmi,Pink Floyds Wish you were sounds awesome through 5.1!

Thanks again for all advice.