Using my Yamaha RX-V2700 as a processor

I think Yamaha receivers (I have the RX-V2500) are very good overall: good pre and good power. I don't know your room dimensions or usage preference (music, HT...) but as a general rule the receiver's 140W should be more than enough to power at least surround, center and eventually back channels. Personally I wouldn't invest in a multi channel power amp, but would start with a 2 channel for the mains (I actually use a 200W Carver for my mains) and see for yourself how big of a difference it makes. If you are pleased then maybe add another amp for the center. As for Rotel, I don't have a direct experience but they've been around for years and always in the top picks. They must do something right...
At the end, if you don't like your Yamaha and can afford separates, drop me a line and I'll buy it from you!

Rebellion,

I've used a Yamaha rx-v1400 for the past couple of years as a processor only and have gotten good results. I've used it with a couple of different ones, including a rotel RB1070 and a 1075. However, my current amp is a Parasound. If you can afford it, I'd recommend going with an external amplifier..

The RX-V2700 is definitely a nice receiver with very adequate power (very efficient). Moreover it has an excellent pre-amp section (for a receiver), which would serve well for driving a separate amp. A good separate amp will (typically) operate more efficiently than the Yamaha amps, and drive your speaker-set easier and cleaner.


yeah, Rotel is very good. I would go for an RMB-1095 (200W X 5), or an NAD T973 (140W X 7), or an Outlaw 7500 (200W X 5), etc.,...

Your receiver should have plenty of power to drive your speakers. Don't waste money on amp power until you find you actually need it. Put your money into a better source component or room treatment.

Your looking for improvement? External amplification is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make, especially if you listen loud a lot. headroom, it's all about headroom at that point. If you really never listen at reference levels or close to them then it does not make much sense, the AVR will perform just fine on it's own.

Dude, I'm doing the exact same thing you are. I'm getting my Rotel 1095 tomorrow. I do like my Yamaha 2700 and it does sound good. But compared to a powerful external amp its just not the same. I have been using a 2 channel amp with it but want full 5 channels and this amp seems to be the best one under $2k, or even $3k. I'm going to use the 2700 as my Pre/Pro for awhile (this year) and hope to upgrade to a Processor in the future. The 2700 is good as a preamp. Its certainly not as good as a nice Preamp only unit but its not bad. You will notice a difference. Like I say, I'm getting mine tomorrow - NEW because I know I'm going to have it for a long time.

For what it's worth... I just bought the Emotiva LPA-1 to power my fronts, center and surrounds and left my RX-V2500 to run the presence and rears. VERY noticable difference in favor of the Emotiva set-up. I'd venture to guess that you'd have a similar, if not better, experience with the Rotel.