Advice Needed Re: Replacing Yamaha RX-Z1

I like my RX-V3900. The Z7 is similar. Neither will give you the same power the Z1 had, if memory serves.

I can't speak about audio quality as you know that's subjective and debateable.

The only complaint I have about the 3900 is that the resolution of my Tivo changes with it in the loop. It might not be the 3900s fault. I have no way to determine who is at fault - it's an HDMI negotiation thing.

I vote for the RX-V3900 or the RX-Z7.

The -Z7 can be had for less than two bills from reputable vendors. That said, the -Z7 I have ordered I sourced from a local A-V pro who happens to be a friend of mine. He SWEARS that Yamaha does NOT honor warranty claims on their products purchased from on-line vendors. I'm spending a few bucks (+ 8.25% sales tax) buying it from him, but I know he'll stand behind it if there's a problem.

I didn't see any mention of budget but Lloyd mentioned "two bills" which I take as meaning about $2k.
For that much I think I'd opt for an Emotiva UPA-7 and the Onkyo SC886. That comes in under 2 bills - leaving enough for popcorn and beer for a month or better .

Here's my standard response:
Spending 2K primarily for more power in an AVR is wasting your money. If all you need is HDMI switching and audio processing then go with an AVR or pre/pro and an external amp. This will give you WAY more bang for the buck, since doubling your power will give the most noticeable improvement in your sound. Take the Z7 which will likely deliver an honest 100WPC with all channels driven, compared to an Emotiva or similar M-ch amp delivering an honest 200WPC or more. IF all you want is power, a 400Wx5 amp plus the V665 can be had for under that 2K mark if you're patient. There's no substitute for lots of power.

Do you really need a lot of video processing, networking and all that? that's a gig chunk of what you're paying for in a unit like the Z7

The 886 can indeed decode the latest HD audio formats. I choose separates for the same reason rdgrimes listed above. I have the UPA-7 with the Onkyo SC885 - although it will be pushed out in favor of my LMC-1 prepro.

When I'm ready for the next upgrade it won't be to get an amp. What I have is good to go for maybe 20 years. Who knows? I can pick an AVR if I want - and need the features it has and I won't have to worry whether it can push my 4 ohm speakers - the UPA-7 can do that - it does that every day.

This is a great combo. The UPA-7 is a steal at $699. For the average room and average efficient speakers, this is overkill. I am an Onkyo fan (TX-SR805 owner) and they cram all the goodies you could want in their stuff. The pre-pros they make are feature loaded and can be had for a good price.

I don't think you'll find new amps at a lower price than Emotiva but just because they are not expensive doesn't mean they are cheap.
They are well built and seem to have no more problems than any other manufacturer - maybe even less!

Emotiva has a 5 year warranty on ALL the gear they sell. Case in point is an LMC-1 I bought off ebay in an estate sale. The display was very dim and not even visible in a dark room. Emo has repaired it - no questions asked - their warranties are fully transferable.

I should get it back today or Monday. This cost me nothing other than having to ship it - which the seller reimbursed me for.

Oh, and when you call you'll be talking to a real person - you won't have to start hitting 1s and 2s to get directed to the proper department.

You can look at their on-line store in the amp section. Lots of options!

If new isn't important you might be able to get an LMC-1 preamp processor for under $300. I'm on my second one - I sold the first one not appreciating what I had. While the Onkyo is a great preamp processor I just don't need the HDMI switching and really don't see the difference between HD audio and DD and DTS being that great. And I don't see the need for DD PLIIz - at least for myself.

YMMV