Suitable upgrade from RX-V657

[ChrisWaller]

I've currently got a Yamaha RX-V657 amp and while I've been very happy with it, I'm now considering upgrading it to take advantage of the following:

1) I'd like something that includes HDMI input/output as my TV only has one HDMI socket and my current HDMI switch seems a bit painful.

2) I'd like to have something that is fairly future proof and also features the HD Audio options (e.g. Dolby TrueHD).

I notice that the RX-V765 has had good reviews but suffers from an issue with Sky HD (unable to assign optical channel to an HDMI input), which would be a serious limitation.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an upgrade path - I'm looking in the sub-£300 bracket.

 

[d4v3pum4]

As far as I'm aware the issue with HDMI/optical audio on the Yamahas was addressed some time ago with a firmware update. I very much doubt that any receivers sold today would not be 'fixed'. The Denon AVR1610 or AVR1910 might also be worth a look. Denon are about to revamp their ranges so look out for bargains on the 10 series receivers. I have no idea when Yamaha are due to upgrade theirs but the RX-V765 has been very well received by reviewers and owners alike.

 

[lobby]

You don't mention what speakers you are using, and that can be a deciding factor when choosing an amp. At £300 pounds and under, you can pick up some of the budget Sony amps and maybe the Onkyo 607.This years amps are on the way and for £229 seems a good deal for a budget amp the Onkyo 308, has the features you require and also 3D ready.Also Onkyo 608 and the new range of Denons will be here soon, you may want to wait for them and get a bargain on the last years models. Let us know what speakers you have and im sure more members will help you out. Have a look here for some information.

http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_ONK_308_&CAT=HCAMP&ID=1693

 

[ChrisWaller]

Thanks for that. I'd be keen to stick with Yamaha over Denon as my previous Denon had a horrible intermittent standby fault that was never satisfactorily rectified.

Can anyone confirm that the I/O assignment issue has definitely been fixed?

 

[ChrisWaller]

I've got a 5.1 B&W MT-20 setup (Incorrectly posted as MT-30 in a different thread), but am thinking of switching the FL and FR for floorstanders (Q-Acoustic 1030i) + maybe replacing my front centre too. This would give me better depth with two-channel music and would also have the unforeseen advantage of allowing me to move up to a 7.1 setup.

 

[Anonymous]

ChrisWaller:

I've currently got a Yamaha RX-V657 amp and while I've been very happy with it, I'm now considering upgrading it to take advantage of the following:

1) I'd like something that includes HDMI input/output as my TV only has one HDMI socket and my current HDMI switch seems a bit painful.

2) I'd like to have something that is fairly future proof and also features the HD Audio options (e.g. Dolby TrueHD).

I notice that the RX-V765 has had good reviews but suffers from an issue with Sky HD (unable to assign optical channel to an HDMI input), which would be a serious limitation.

Hi Chris, I have the 765 connected with hdmi/optical from sky to get hd audio I had to play around and with help from these forums sorted it

is this what you need to hear I bought the 765 as a starter but am very happy with it. Hope this helps

Does anyone have any suggestions for an upgrade path - I'm looking in the sub-£300 bracket.