Ok, I've got about $1000 to spend, and I would like to know what you all think about these two receivers... Sony STRDA555ES vs. Yamaha RXV995.

Please, please, do not respond to this thread with recommendations for any other receivers! I have pulled my hair out just narrowing my choices down to these 2 receivers, and I can't go through all the different brands again!! :)

So, with that said... which one should I buy? I have had experiences with both Sony and Yamaha, but now I want to re-evaluate these once again.

My first surround sound receiver was a toss up between the Sony STRDB925 and the Yamaha RXV795. I ended up buying the Sony and I was very disappointed with it. I traded it within 2 months for the Yamaha RXV795 and I was very happy. The Sony specs looked so much better, but when I got it home and hooked it up, it sounded weak. When I got the Yamaha home, it cranked!!

Now... I am ready to buy another receiver. Will the Sony be a disappointment again or should I stick with the Yamaha? The Sony looks like it may have more bells and whistles, but that's not really important if it cannot crank out the sound that I want out of my receiver.

Thanks in advance for any responses...

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Oh, one more thing... Are there any head to head comparisons for these two receivers? Or are there any non-biased reviews or articles I can read about these two receivers? Thanks in advance...

For biased opinions check www.audioreview.com, for worthwhile opinions look at www.hometheaterforum.com

Not having a whole lot of experience with Yamaha receiver (besides shopping/auditioning them) I won't make any comments there. However, I will say that Sony's ES line is waaaaay above their standard line and more directly compares to Yamaha.

If you have the chance, find a local store that has both and audition them. For a more accurate comparison, make sure both do NOT have soundfield settings enabled, other sound enhancers, bass/treble set to norm etc. You can always listen to the frills, but you can't judge the quality of the sound with one amp juiced up with all sorts of internal processing and the other on direct stereo bypass.

Thanks John and Daniel for your input and suggestions. I am planning on going to the store tonight and listening to them both. Plan to purchase one of them before the end of this week. (fingers crossed)

Of the two receivers you're discussing, I prefer the clean sound, dynamic headroom, and pure power of the Yamaha's amp over the Sony. I also like the industrial engineering (style!) of the Yamaha over the Sony. The usability of the Yamaha is also top-notch for a <$1k receiver.

I'm a bit biased as I've never been too fond of the sound of Sony amps. They're a bit weak and skinny, but that's just what my ears tell me. The Yamaha is mighty powerful and clean, but is often a bit tinny and bright. Shrug. It all depends on what appeals to you personally.

Audition the two side by side. Spend some time with them. Let your ears make up your mind for you. Everything has an audience.

Hi George,

I'm a dealer for both Sony and Yamaha, and I've installed a bunch of both brands in various systems. In spite of it's terrible remote control, I'd give the nod to the Yamaha. It just outperforms the Sony. Good luck!

Tom

Thanks to everyone who gave me input on this difficult decision. I listened to both models today, and I plan to listen to them again tomorrow. (at the store) I think I'm leaning more towards the Yamaha RX-V995 right now. Does anyone know if Yamaha will come out with a RX-V995a? I would *HATE* to buy this thing and then have a newer one come out within a couple of months. How old is the RX-V995, anyone know?? Thanks...

As far as I can tell the RX-V995 came out around January 1999.

I have the Sony STRDA50ES. It is similiar to the 555. I love its performance. I was also looking at the Yamaha 995 but went with the Sony. I saw the Yamaha back in late March of this year if that help you. The Sony 555 is new. Good luck

I work for a dealer and we carry sony es and yamaha!
we have both set up in the same room and the Yamaha kicks the sony like a bad step child!
Both come with the worst remotes on the planet but the Yam is leaps and bounds better!
I think you should look at the MARANTZ sr-8000 or the SR-7000 both in the same price range and both kick the snot out of the SONY es and THE YAMAHA. The SR-8000 comes with a pretty cool remote too!