Has anyone compared the sound quality of this with that of the Yamaha A-S500 or Cambridge AZUR 651A?
157852
No, we have not. Hopefully, someone will be able to make that comparison for you.
1909950
I did compare this to the Klipsch while shopping, and found the Atlantic Technology to be superior. The sound is pretty incredible considering it comes from a single unit. It is a sound bar, so it isn't as good as a true 7.1 system, but it's performance far exceeded my expectations. And, I paid $699 for it with no tax and free shipping on Amazon!!! I highly recommend this unit, for TV, Bluray, and listening to music. Hope this was helpful. Also, hookup was a breeze. BTW, I have a Marantz 7.1 receiver.
665765
If I knew the answer to that, I wouldn't be complaining about it. I read the reviews prior to ordering and several complained about this. I thought I'd get lucky, but NO. I ordered the KMC1 and have had no issues whatsoever. It's an additional hundred dollars, but well worth it. It sounds tons better, too. Shame on me for not following my gut and paying attention to reviews.
1536330
Comparing the 2 setups? The Acoustimass sounds better Imo... I actually set up the Acoustimass 3 and added these 161's to the rear channel of the amp. Sounds great
1927616
The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the Cambridge that can play both, but some units don't. The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the... » Read More The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the Cambridge that can play both, but some units don't. « Show Less
544661
No, Cambridge Audio states that the 651P has higher quality internal components, enhancements to the circuit design & there is a 'rumble' (LF) filter. However, both of these units are for the casual enthusiast, and I doubt the 651 is worth the extra $$$ if you will be staying with a moving magnet cartridge. For a sophisticated playback system and discerning ears, I'd pass on both, for casual listening, the less expensive model should be fine.
570894
Had a problem with my Cordoba C3 with the bridge coming off the body for no reason. With that said, it plays and sounds very good for the price. I am always impressed with the quality of the Yamaha classicals. If I were going to buy again at that price point I would go with the Yamaha.
674319
I can not answer in terms of a direct comparison as I have not had the opportunity to do that. I can say that I am satisfied with the Hohner in my context which is using it for right hand practice or exploring melody for my accordion learning efforts.
273596
I never compared it to a Bic F12, I have to a Polk Audio PSW110 though and the Yamaha kicks it's butt! I'm just going off my own experience with mine. I've owned it now for almost 3 years and I have never had a single issue with it and I've used it hard for everything from movies, digital music, car audio (used it as a subwoofer in my 08 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT utilizing the power inverter) and for use on my electronic drum set. I don't know if it's because it's a downward facing sub or what, but the Yamaha SW315 fills the room with deep thumping bass. I love it! It was given to me as a Christmas gift from my brother and it continues to be one of the best gifts I ever got. I'd be lost without it.
1101558
If you have the extra $200 bucks to spare for the SVS give it a shot, try it out, they have a customer satisfaction trial return window if it doesn't feel right to you return it. I have not heard the SVS pb so I can't compare. I have an SVS tube with amp. It is quality sound but not too room filling. I added this Klipsch 12 HG and wow what a difference. Hands down it has more room filling bass for my movies. You can spend a lot of money for promised quality or you can spend the right amount for the delivered quality your looking for. I started with one SVS sub and over time have gone for two subs (Klipsch 12HG) and that is an awesome set up. FYI- I have two Klipsch subs in my game room also, for the price, it's a great deal. Enjoy!
1061684
Though you have likely made your decision, I upgraded from a 3602 (a model that's superior to the 3080 on paper) and could tell the difference with the 3908. It was night and day. I would even wager that this system is superior to a more expensive setup, like a Bose Companion 3 (from what I've heard in person) for instance. Though some would tell you Bose is overpriced/average quality, it's one of the few premium sets I have listened to.
1463081
I have had the X4000 for about two months now and I am very happy with it. I have not heard the Yamaha unit so I can not speak for that. I am using Infinity speakers in a 7.1 setup and it sounds awesome and gets very loud when I want it to. I use it mostly for movies.
381498
I use mainly the 5.1 mode, and switch to stereo 2 channel if I lis to music. of course they sound less complete than my big infinity boxes, but that's expected. The argument for the Yamaha is space and sound. We found it a serious improvement to the setup before with tv speakers only.
511777
Steven L, if you read my review of this player, you should know that the other player to which I referred was the Onkyo 7030. I set them up and did an A:B comparison. With most discs, the differences were barely perceptible. On a few, the Yamaha sounded just a tiny bit "muddy" when compared to the Onkyo. My wife was unable to discern any differences. Both are excellent players. But if it helps your decision making process about getting one of these to add to your "stack," be aware that I am returning the Yamaha and getting a 2nd Onkyo.
1495481
Yes, it is. It sounds so sweet with its own built-in DAC, through the RCA audio outputs. I repeat a segment from my review done earlier: I read a Group Test review in "Hi-Fi Choice" magazine, November 2011 issue, long after buying it. SBT against the audiophile heavy weights Cambridge Audio Sonata, Cyrus Stream X, Marantz NA7004, Rotel RDG-1520 and Yamaha NP-S2000, costing 2 to 6 times costlier than the SBT. Squeezebox Touch won the match! I am a fan of Logitech SBT.
2005561
I am using the amp with the Yamaha 775 pre outs, and it is not louder but cleaner, especially at higher volumes.
1380863
I've owned both and I'd say the HD650 does everything a little better. They have similar sound signatures, but the 650s are more lush with greater impact. More natural overall tone, too. It's kind of like a BMW M3 vs M5 - they're similar in every way, but the M5 is a little bigger, beefier, badder.