Cusm

I am looking at the Kenwood VR-6070 and the Yamaha HTR-5490. I can get the Kenwood for about $150 less than the Yamaha. I know the Yamaha has a couple of more features that the Kenwood does not have, 6.1, a higher Component video bandwidth and a couple of extra inputs. But to me this is not enough to justify the extra cash.
I am not that familiar witht the Kenwood home series and would like some opinions.

skinsfan

I just got the 5490 today and it sounds great, but I can't speak to the Kenwood. I got the Yamaha at eCost for $575 with free shipping.

macsax

It's been my experience that the Yamaha products have been built with more oomph in the power supply section and use a bit cleaner components in the amp section. This covers a big chunk of the cost margin. The biggest benefit that most people notice is that it will perform better on sudden dynamic passages especially those with heavy bass. Depending on the rigors you will put it through performance-wise, this can also add to the longevity of the receiver. Just looking at the specs alone it certainly looks like the Yamaha will give you a power performance edge (for one, the Yamaha lists power ratings for 8, 6, 4, and 2 ohms which alone hints at power supply stability).

-Shawn

Brian Shannon

If those were my choices I would buy the Yamaha

huzefa

Anyone have any opinions on the Pioneer 811S?

skinsfan

One other thing to note is that I'm already finding uses for the extra inputs that I didn't think I needed. I was able to hook my digital cable box through the reciever for Digital sound.

I think as more and more technologies evolve, I think the added inputs will allow you to put off upgrading for quite a while.

skar

Given those two options I would choose the Yamaha HTR-5490. Any reason you aren't looking at brands like Denon, Onkyo, or Marantz?

Cusm

Yes there is, I can get the Yamaha for about $450, and the Kenwood for $300.

skar

Then get the Yamaha or consider the Onkyo SR-600 which for about the same price would offer you Dolby Digital EX.

huzefa

You can get a crapload of features with the Pioneer 811S for about $300 incl. 7.1 and DTS-ES discrete.

skinsfan

Where did you find the Yamaha for $450? I'd like to price match.

Alfer

I am more than happy with my Pioneer 811. Best value around IMHO.

It replaced my Outlaw 1050 and I haven't regretted it.

Alfer

Cusm

I work part-time for a large chain electronic store and that the is the employee discount of the Yamaha, and the Kenwood is an employee accomadation program through Kenwood.