Most musical - Yamaha Z7 or Pioneer LX82

[pete321]

I know the SC-LX82 hasn't been released yet, but I would expect it to more musical than the Yamaha DSP-Z7. What are other's opinions (just in case the Arcam AVR600 new firmware doesn't work)?

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

I am not so sure that the LX82 will be as musical as the Z7. It will be a very good no doubt about that and partnered with the correct speakers ( much like the 81 ) should produce great results. The Pioneer sound is quite different to Yamaha and speaker choice /room layout will play an important part in the overall sound. Buying blind you have more chance of getting a great sound with the Yamaha but a demonstration may well favour the Pioneer.

Another amp to consider if you are looking for something musical is the new Harman Kardon AVR760 - it should be out at the same time as the LX82. Judging by the AVR255 adn 355 Harman may have it spot on this year and with aggressive pricing as well.

 

[pete321]

Thanks for your advice.

I've never owned a Yamaha receiver before, but did own a Pioneer VSX-A5i (I think that was it!) before the days of HDMI and I had a lot of respect for it. I liked the Cyrus type sound, I'm worried that the Yamaha might be a bit soft for my taste?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

pete321:

Thanks for your advice.

I've never owned a Yamaha receiver before, but did own a Pioneer VSX-A5i (I think that was it!) before the days of HDMI and I had a lot of respect for it. I liked the Cyrus type sound, I'm worried that the Yamaha might be a bit soft for my taste?

Hi pete321

I have found the DSP-Z7's presentation to be well balanced and one that can be listened to for hours without any fatigue setting in. The front panel of the DSP-Z7 pretty much sums it up - NATURAL SOUND AV AMPLIFIER DSP-Z7.

Btw, the VSX-X5i is good but the DSP-Z7 is quite a bit better.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Even my old Yamaha tuner of more than 10 years carried the words 'natural sound' on
it's front panel, as do most Yamaha equipment from the past and present
- that is by no means a measure of it's sound quality, don't you think?

 

[TKratz]

pete321:

Thanks for your advice.

I've never owned a Yamaha receiver before, but did own a Pioneer VSX-A5i (I think that was it!) before the days of HDMI and I had a lot of respect for it. I liked the Cyrus type sound, I'm worried that the Yamaha might be a bit soft for my taste?

I wouldn't describe the sound from DSP-Z7 as soft, but it is warn and a bit dark compared to some of the competitors.

What I found most remarkable is the bass control. It simply outperformed all the other receivers I tested in this regard.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

If you do favour the Cyrus like upfront sound then the Pioneer may well fit the bill. The new SC-LX amplifiers do not have the bright edge that you may get with the AX5 but they still have a good bit of pace. Speakers will play a vital role in the overall sound, are you changing them as well? If not what are you using?

 

[pete321]

Proac Studio 140's.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

Clearly that is in your signature - totally overlooked it!

From what I know of the proac's you will get on just fine with the Pioneer. I would try to listen to the Yamaha if you can though.