Yamaha R-N500 vs RX-V677 for music

[cs2011]

I'm currently looking for a new stereo amplifier, and one which features digital and network inputs would be desirable. My intention is to use either a NAS or USB stick as my main source.

However, I note that Yamaha's RX-V677 AV amp is similarly spec'd and priced, but has the benefit of HDMI connections and on-screen display. The latter would be useful for artist/album/track display and album artwork, without having to use a tablet. It would only ever be used for 2 channel stereo.

Has anyone been able to compare these two amps, and if so, is there any significant loss of sound quality in the AV amp compared to the dedicated stereo amp ?

 

[Thompsonuxb]

You really need to go to a dealer and compare the two with regards sound performance.

A home demo would be better.

The 677 is the more flexible machine - the HDMI giving it far more scope/connectivity if you stream from a laptop or PC.

The option to expand improve and tinker is also there - the DSP can also be worth having if ever you want to try various 'stereo' modes like 5.1.

On paper the AV amps win imo - out the box will not give you a true evaluation of its sound.

So demo for a general idea and if required make the most of any returns policys.

 

[iMark]

I can only tell you that our R-S500 stereo receiver is quite flexible for our needs. I imagine the R-N500 will sound pretty similar to our receiver. No idea how the 677 will sound in stereo mode but if the sound is good enough I would definitely consider that receiver. It's got all the connectivity you can imagine, a DAC, a phono pre-amp and an FM/MW tuner.

It's strange that none of the makers build receivers similar to the 677 in a stereo only version. Similar to the network receivers but with HDMI inputs and outputs.