So this is my first post and believe me that unfortunately I am as uneducated as you may expect 
I've been reading here a lot but it's quite difficult for me to gather an answer and I got a bit lost.
Here's the story: I am currently using a cheap-model JVC RX-5022V receiver with a classic old-school 5-speaker configuration (big fronts, smaller rears and a enter).
I am using it 99% of the time for stereo playback from Spotify played on my phone via a bluetooth adapter to one of the RCA outputs (not an audiophile's idea of reasonable, indeed).
That configuration is what I'd like to keep doing for now.
The JVC's sound quality output is simply crap.
Looking for an upgrade for the receiver from the used market I'd come across local listings for the following three receivers:
They are all similarly priced for me, which is to say that they all fit my quite-low budget.
Unfortunately I know nothing about any of these.
I've tried comparing them specifically here and online but cannot find many posts, I assume this is because these models may be completely different in terms of tier, modernity, capabilities.
Still, going forward I need to choose one. I am sure they will all be a step up from my JVC (trust me).
For Stereo music playback, is there a clear winner of the three here? If not, is there a clear loser (except my JVC)?
I'd really appreciate some help, thanks!
Note: The speakers, which are much better when used on a different receiver, may also need upgrading, but that's a problem for the (near) future - I'd like to start with the receiver.
Thanks again!
I've been reading here a lot but it's quite difficult for me to gather an answer and I got a bit lost.
Here's the story: I am currently using a cheap-model JVC RX-5022V receiver with a classic old-school 5-speaker configuration (big fronts, smaller rears and a enter).
I am using it 99% of the time for stereo playback from Spotify played on my phone via a bluetooth adapter to one of the RCA outputs (not an audiophile's idea of reasonable, indeed).
That configuration is what I'd like to keep doing for now.
The JVC's sound quality output is simply crap.
Looking for an upgrade for the receiver from the used market I'd come across local listings for the following three receivers:
- Marantz SR-4300
- Yamaha RX-V800
- Denon 1706
They are all similarly priced for me, which is to say that they all fit my quite-low budget.
Unfortunately I know nothing about any of these.
I've tried comparing them specifically here and online but cannot find many posts, I assume this is because these models may be completely different in terms of tier, modernity, capabilities.
Still, going forward I need to choose one. I am sure they will all be a step up from my JVC (trust me).
For Stereo music playback, is there a clear winner of the three here? If not, is there a clear loser (except my JVC)?
I'd really appreciate some help, thanks!
Note: The speakers, which are much better when used on a different receiver, may also need upgrading, but that's a problem for the (near) future - I'd like to start with the receiver.
Thanks again!
Difficult question, as anyone answering this will have personal preferences.
Mine are Yamaha for reliability and build quality.
Hugo
Mine are Yamaha for reliability and build quality.
Hugo
I had Denon 1906 and now have a Yamaha VX-681 which sound great but does have BT so should connect direct to your phone.
If you mainly listen in stereo, why not just buy a better quality stereo amp?
Eg Audiolab 7000a, amp+dac+BT.
Or Denon PMA-600NE
If you mainly listen in stereo, why not just buy a better quality stereo amp?
Eg Audiolab 7000a, amp+dac+BT.
Or Denon PMA-600NE
Thanks Hugo, I do understand the issue of personal preference but thought maybe the models differ in their target audience in terms of lo/mid/hi tier? which would make a selection easier for me. Reliability and build quality are important though so I'll keep that in mind as a plus for Yamaha 😉
and batteryman, the used market where I live is quite a small one, everything that's not a surround receiver is from the 80s and farther in the past, and is either banged up or extremely rare and expensive. Thanks for the recommendation though!.
Regarding your 1906 / VX-681, I understand you liked the 681 better. Do you know maybe how they stack up against the 1706/VX-800?
and batteryman, the used market where I live is quite a small one, everything that's not a surround receiver is from the 80s and farther in the past, and is either banged up or extremely rare and expensive. Thanks for the recommendation though!.
Regarding your 1906 / VX-681, I understand you liked the 681 better. Do you know maybe how they stack up against the 1706/VX-800?