[KHarmo88]

Hey guys. I've appreciated all of the feedback I'm getting over on the sub forum, I figured I'd head over here and get some suggestions on receivers. The reason I'm very interested in the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1020 is due to its $400 price drop at crutchfield.com. I thought this was a great price for a 7.2 receiver. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions on it?


Also, with a budget if less than $800, let me know if you guys have any other recommendations that would be comparable.


Thanks!

 

[dwaleke]

That's a good choice, but without knowing your specific feature requirements it will be difficult to recommend other options.


I would look at the Emotiva Fusion 8100 or UMC-200 with external amp (if you can get that for less than $800). For sound quality alone these choices will probably be better, but from everything I've read the 1020/1030 are good choices too that will have additional features.


If you are the type of person that always wonders what the next higher up product offers it would be difficult to grab the 1020 knowing the 20x0 and 30x0 add a bunch more. You get subwoofer EQ options and multiple subwoofer with the 20x0 and above. 30x0 adds angle measurements for speakers adjustments.

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dwaleke  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24505894


That's a good choice, but without knowing your specific feature requirements it will be difficult to recommend other options.


I would look at the Emotiva Fusion 8100 or UMC-200 with external amp (if you can get that for less than $800). For sound quality alone these choices will probably be better, but from everything I've read the 1020/1030 are good choices too that will have additional features.


If you are the type of person that always wonders what the next higher up product offers it would be difficult to grab the 1020 knowing the 20x0 and 30x0 add a bunch more. You get subwoofer EQ options and multiple subwoofer with the 20x0 and above. 30x0 adds angle measurements for speakers adjustments.

To be honest, this is my first receiver purchase. I've always done out of the box systems. With my home being built, I had the option to finally create own and want to do it right - within a budget haha.


I'm looking for something that offers me 7.2 option. The speakers I'm getting are speaker craft AIM7 MT THREE. I'm deciding now between SVS and PSA subs. 20x13x8 room that is open on one side to the breakfast area and kitchen.

 

[FMW]

I think your choice is a good one. Yamaha has a sterling reputation for reliability. As long as the unit you chose has the features you and want and will use, you should be fine.

 

[fatbottom]

If this is your first AV receiver, I'd say it's "too good" my first AV amplifier was the Yamaha DSP-590, it's still going strong even now.


Since you're going into ceiling speakers, I guess not to concerned about sound quality.


I'd personally drop down a couple of models of AV amplifier tbh.

 

[KHarmo88]

The speakers are actually in wall speakers. This is what was recommended by the contractor for accoustical purposes. Speakers can change - was mainly concerned with having the wiring done. I think the ones I'm getting are good quality. Maybe not high end, top of the line but certainly not bad.


As far as the receiver, I'm not going to skimp because it's my first. I've learned not to half @ss things and do things right when the options are available.

 

[dwaleke]

I have always read that in-wall cannot compete with regular speakers at the same price point. Even at much higher price point for in-wall they still do not compete with regular speakers of much lower price point. I've never owned in-wall but I've read there multiple times from people that have.


So based on that if you do not have to go in-wall I wouldn't. But go do some research to see what others have experienced. The 1020 is not a bad choice. You can get an HTR-7065 on Amazon for ~500. That is the same as RX-A820/RX-V773. Something to consider if you want to save a few bucks. To me the 1020 is kind of in the middle. Doesn't do what the 20x0/30x0 does, but a little bit better sounding than the 820 and below stuff. I would either settle for 820 or lower (since they all sound about the same) or spend extra for 20x0/30x0. But that's me.

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dwaleke  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508006


I have always read that in-wall cannot compete with regular speakers at the same price point. Even at much higher price point for in-wall they still do not compete with regular speakers of much lower price point. I've never owned in-wall but I've read there multiple times from people that have.


So based on that if you do not have to go in-wall I wouldn't. But go do some research to see what others have experienced. The 1020 is not a bad choice. You can get an HTR-7065 on Amazon for ~500. That is the same as RX-A820/RX-V773. Something to consider if you want to save a few bucks. To me the 1020 is kind of in the middle. Doesn't do what the 20x0/30x0 does, but a little bit better sounding than the 820 and below stuff. I would either settle for 820 or lower (since they all sound about the same) or spend extra for 20x0/30x0. But that's me.

 

Well to be honest, I haven't heard anything bad about in wall speakers and it definitely can't be any worse than just having a box home theater system. When I was touring the model home in my plan I was very impressed with the in ceiling speakers so I can only imagine how the in wall will sound!

 

Can someone you or someone give me a little more detail on why the 1020 is just "not a bad choice"? It seems to bet getting rave reviews no matter where I look?!

 

[dwaleke]

If you are comparing in-wall to HTIB then you are probably right. Most people on this forum have moved well beyond HTIB. That 1020 is way overkill for that level of sound. Any receiver will do at that level assuming it offers the features you are looking for.


The 1020 is a good choice. If it were my money though I'd buy a Fusion 8100 over the 1020. Better sound with features that allow me to tweak it to my liking. That has a value to me. It may not have value to you. That's why it is difficult to recommend a product. We do not know what features are valuable to you. For instance Airplay, DLNA, Video conversion all have zero value to me. Those might be important to you.

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dwaleke  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508198


If you are comparing in-wall to HTIB then you are probably right. Most people on this forum have moved well beyond HTIB. That 1020 is way overkill for that level of sound. Any receiver will do at that level assuming it offers the features you are looking for.


The 1020 is a good choice. If it were my money though I'd buy a Fusion 8100 over the 1020. Better sound with features that allow me to tweak it to my liking. That has a value to me. It may not have value to you. That's why it is difficult to recommend a product. We do not know what features are valuable to you. For instance Airplay, DLNA, Video conversion all have zero value to me. Those might be important to you.

 

As I'm new to the building my own home theater, I don't really have the best knowledge on this stuff. The reason I was looking at that receiver was because my father in law and recommended it, especially at the price.

 

Can you explain to me what is wrong with the specs on the speakers I am getting? As speakercraft is my only option for speakers (contractor is offering this brand as the only option), are there speakers they make that would be better?

 

[fatbottom]

Like I said that Yamaha is just way too good for in wall speakers, I'd be looking at 500 or 600 series.


You can get quality in wall speakers, but they cost.

http://www.kef.com/html/en/showroom/custom_installed_speakers/ci_series/speaker/Ci9000ACE/index.html
http://www.kef.com/html/en/showroom/custom_installed_speakers/ci_series/speaker/Ci5160RL/index.html


I just don't see the point of a close to £1k AV amp with inwall speakers, unless you start going into ones like those Kef's.

 

[dwaleke]



Quote:
Originally Posted by KHarmo88  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508342


As I'm new to the building my own home theater, I don't really have the best knowledge on this stuff. The reason I was looking at that receiver was because my father in law and recommended it, especially at the price.


Can you explain to me what is wrong with the specs on the speakers I am getting? As speakercraft is my only option for speakers (contractor is offering this brand as the only option), are there speakers they make that would be better?

I'm sorry but I am not familiar enough with the speakercraft brand of speakers. Search this forum for in-wall speakers and pros/cons in general. That will help guide you.


If it were me I'd not have the contractor use them and pocket the cash to spend on my own setup.


Like I said before that recommendation for the 1020 is not a bad one at $699. You can pick up a 1030 for $850 new as well. So it may seem like a steal at $699, but in reality it's only a small savings over what the 10x0 series current model can be bought for regularly. Find it at $499 and I'd buy one right now to use in a spare room.

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dwaleke  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508571



I'm sorry but I am not familiar enough with the speakercraft brand of speakers. Search this forum for in-wall speakers and pros/cons in general. That will help guide you.


If it were me I'd not have the contractor use them and pocket the cash to spend on my own setup.


Like I said before that recommendation for the 1020 is not a bad one at $699. You can pick up a 1030 for $850 new as well. So it may seem like a steal at $699, but in reality it's only a small savings over what the 10x0 series current model can be bought for regularly. Find it at $499 and I'd buy one right now to use in a spare room.

 

Okay so I just talked to the contractor and I don't have to do speakercraft. I don't have much time to decide. He noted he can get Boston Acostic, Klipsch, PSB, and other brands. I have to tell him what I'd be interested in and he can price them out. Suggestions?

 

[Kini62]



Quote:
Originally Posted by KHarmo88  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508753


Okay so I just talked to the contractor and I don't have to do speakercraft. I don't have much time to decide. He noted he can get Boston Acostic, Klipsch, PSB, and other brands. I have to tell him what I'd be interested in and he can price them out. Suggestions?

Does it have to be in wall? If not just have him run the wiring and then get speakers on your own. If it has to be in wall, then get best you can.


The 1020 is a very nice AVR for 699. The 1030 is virtually identical. The Fusion 8100 while enticing, isn't even available yet, and has very limited connectivity. Another choice somewhere between the Fusion and Yamaha for features would be the NAD 748V2.

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Kini62  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508903



Does it have to be in wall? If not just have him run the wiring and then get speakers on your own. If it has to be in wall, then get best you can.


The 1020 is a very nice AVR for 699. The 1030 is virtually identical. The Fusion 8100 while enticing, isn't even available yet, and has very limited connectivity. Another choice somewhere between the Fusion and Yamaha for features would be the NAD 748V2.

 

They do have to be in wall; except for the center speaker. I'm not too knowledgable on speakers so I'm not exactly sure what the best would be within in budget (if you have any suggestions please let me know).

 

I thought the 1020 was really nice too. After comparing it with the 1030 on crutchfield, there really isn't any difference.  

 

[fatbottom]

Budget for the speakers?


if no budget

http://www.kef.com/html/gb/showroom/custom_installed_speakers/ci_series/speaker/Ci5160RL/index.html#filter=389

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by fatbottom  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508928


Budget for the speakers?


if no budget

 

 

Unfortunately, I have a budget haha. I'd like to keep it under $1,000

 

[fatbottom]

Generally in wall speakers are more expensive.


I remember seeing the Kef Reference inwall. Exactly the same as my Kef Reference center, but several hundred pounds more. You'd think inwalls would cost less as less materials. Also frequency response wasn't as good, as internal space is smaller. Plus would require a false internal wall as it's too deep.


$1000 budget? For the whole lot, including sub? And you're spending so much on a AV amp with such a low budget speaker system.


You're doing it wrong...

 

[KHarmo88]



Quote:
Originally Posted by fatbottom  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24509032


Generally in wall speakers are more expensive.


I remember seeing the Kef Reference inwall. Exactly the same as my Kef Reference center, but several hundred pounds more. You'd think inwalls would cost less as less materials. Also frequency response wasn't as good, as internal space is smaller. Plus would require a false internal wall as it's too deep.


$1000 budget? For the whole lot, including sub? And you're spending so much on a AV amp with such a low budget speaker system.


You're doing it wrong...

 

No no. The $1,000 budget is for the 5 speakers. So what speakers, under $1,000, would go with that receiver or comparable receiver?

 

I've decided on the SVS PB-2000 subwoofer. 

 

[Trace79]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dwaleke  /t/1523408/yamaha-aventage-rx-a1020#post_24508198


The 1020 is a good choice. If it were my money though I'd buy a Fusion 8100 over the 1020. Better sound with features that allow me to tweak it to my liking. That has a value to me. It may not have value to you. That's why it is difficult to recommend a product. We do not know what features are valuable to you. For instance Airplay, DLNA, Video conversion all have zero value to me. Those might be important to you.

How does anyone know what the 8100 sounds like if it hasn't come out yet? Is it because it is more customizable in ti's features? I'm looking at both of these units too which is why I ask.