Yamaha RX-V550 receiver with VT-12/STF-2

[shyam423]

OK, I've done some research and I'm sold on the VT-12/STF-2 package. What I now need is a good receiver to power these speakers. According to CNET the Yamaha RX-V550 is better than Pioneer VSX-D914K or Onkyo 502. Has anyone tried this combination? Help please.

[DaveSmith]

The RX- series of Yamaha receivers are very fine and you really can't miss.

[Dudley]

http://www.shoponkyo.com/catalog_detail.cfm?id=TX-SR502&type=3&class=Receiver&p=i&ext_war=1

In the link above you can get a reconditioned 502 for $199 direct from Onkyo (so you won't have any warrenty worries). All three will do the job. HSU likes the Onkyo because of the crossover characteristics. Yamaha and Pioneer used to cross over a little higher, but that may be corrected now.

[shyam423]

Thanks Dave and Dudley for your input. I'll check the crossover frequency of Yamaha. But, $199 for Onkyo also sounds very good..

[jpendley]

Thanks Dave and Dudley for your input. I'll check the crossover frequency of Yamaha. But, $199 for Onkyo also sounds very good..

Hi Shyam423,
Did you find the Yamaha crossover specs. I looked on the Yamaha site and at the Cnet specs and couldn't find the info.

[DaveSmith]

My RX-V495 owner manual says the crossover frequency is 90 Hz. As for newer models (after 2001), I do not know - though the Yamaha website probably has, or can provide, that detail. Considerate of the fairly flat HSU subwoofer responses through 110 Hz and the satellite rolloff, I think the Yamaha crossover frequency may, in theory, be better than one at 80 Hz. The best argument I'd see for 80 Hz rolloff is mildly better basic attenuation of the satellites with somewhat less pronounced center channel ventriloquist effect. I think you really can't miss and the room characteristics and speaker placement are much more important. Enjoy the system!

[DaveSmith]

I misspoke on one thing: the 80 Hz rolloff is more pronounced in its effect on the subwoofer in a VT-12 system. The VT-12 satellites are better protected from input, that does not result in musical output, at any higher crossover. One more thing: with my Yamaha RX-V495 receiver, I can adjust individual speaker levels (which I have done for the right surround only) to provide more flexibility. More recent Yamaha's in the series may also provide this very nice feature. I'm not selling Yamaha - don't get me wrong.

[jpendley]

One more thing: with my Yamaha RX-V495 receiver, I can adjust individual speaker levels (which I have done for the right surround only) to provide more flexibility. More recent Yamaha's in the series may also provide this very nice feature. I'm not selling Yamaha - don't get me wrong.

Thanks, Dave. I seem to remember that the newer Yamahas allow the user to set different levels for different sources: DVD, SACD, etc. I've read about so many pieces of equipment lately that I'll have to recheck that. It would be a nice feature.

[shyam423]

Hi jpendley,

No, I've not been able to find that anywhere. It just says "Selectable 9-Band Subwoofer Crossover". So I'm assuming it can be selected.

Dave,
Thanks for your input. The new RX-V650 has a techmology called YAPO which will automate the setup for you. Do you think it will set the crossover automatically or is that still a manual step?

[jpendley]

[QUOTE=shyam423]Hi jpendley,

No, I've not been able to find that anywhere. It just says "Selectable 9-Band Subwoofer Crossover". So I'm assuming it can be selected.

Sorry, Shyam423; my memory was confusing receivers. I was thinking of a feature of HK's AVR 330, and presumably other HK models.

[DaveSmith]

Hi jpendley,

No, I've not been able to find that anywhere. It just says "Selectable 9-Band Subwoofer Crossover". So I'm assuming it can be selected.

Dave,
Thanks for your input. The new RX-V650 has a techmology called YAPO which will automate the setup for you. Do you think it will set the crossover automatically or is that still a manual step?
I am not familiar with YAPO. Yamaha's instructions are good. You can always go back to a default setting and start over.