Don't keep us on tenterhooks, what have you decided?I think I actually managed to come to a decision. Definitely took some time and effort, not just on my own part
Thanks everybody.
Ha ha, sorry - couldn't help it.
It looks great in silver. It's not that I mind the black, but the silver version is surely more awesome to look at.
I think Yamaha A-S701 has a nice look. Classic Yamaha look.
If you're only using 2 channels, why buy an amp with 14. In addition, I'm sure there are 14 channel amps that outperform some 2 channel amps, but it's highly unlikely at the same, or a lower price point.
It's quite old teach and very prowen in last 50+ years and Yamaha didn't change much if anything at all. You get a very good iron core transformer (made in Malaysia in very ironed out production long time ago) original Sunken transistors pairs (Japanese) and good quality capacitors. Those amplifier stages are ironed out and perfected long time ago. It's interesting that Chinese didn't menage to copy them good (LJ boards). So basically you get a quality you would get from other manufacturers 20 year's ago. Needless to say pretty much almost everyone else went with optimising the cost and lower quality parts which in the end result in lower life expectations.
Valuable? Perhaps, perhaps not. Necessary? Not at all. I agree that it's nice to have friends, especially friends with whom you have a common interest. But a person who has the insight afforded by logic and disciplined thinking doesn't need the reinforcement provided by friends. Instead of depending on them, they can depend on you.
Every day, people all over the world are led willy-nilly, first one way and then another, manipulated by people who know how to influence them. The Scientific Method was created for exactly this situation. It uses discipline and control to provide a person with insight into the true nature of an item or process, rejecting emotions, superstitions and bias. Once a person understands the reasons behind science's methodology, they can apply clear thinking and analytical discipline throughout their lives, independent of any "influencers".
Wouldn't that be a great world?
Jim
The Denon will not "sound" any different, has essentially the same power, needs no external dac or streaming add ons and can manage subs and room correction as well. It's a no brainer. Stream or stick a usb in the front it'll play any file format, job done.
You have all of that with YPAO R-N uper range from Yamaha in stereo form and lot of things done better except YPAO with better DAC, loudness and performance for less money and it will last you longer (to week swinging power supply in Denon AVR) and be easier to repair.
Hi I wasn't really talking about the a07 max per se, I was using it as an in-forum example of where subjective takes can be valuable when delivered by a knowledgeable and experienced source who maybe has listened to everything. In that example the objective numbers suggest "don't bother matching that amp up with really expensive components," the subjective take tells a different story.
No, that's not what I'm saying. Amir is a trained listener. The vast majority of people are not.
In my post, I stated, "... a person who has the insight afforded by logic and disciplined thinking doesn't need the reinforcement provided by friends. Instead of depending on them, they can depend on you."
That's exactly the situation we have with Amir. I don't trust my hearing ability. I don't trust your hearing ability. I trust Amir's hearing ability and his dedication to truthful presentations. Training provides that. Time in service does not necessarily provide that.
I also said, " Every day, people all over the world are led willy-nilly, first one way and then another, manipulated by people who know how to influence them." Do you really think that I put Amir in that category? Don't be silly.
There are masses of students, but few teachers upon whom one can depend. My remarks address the state of the student body, not the faculty. And BTW ... I'm one of the students, and I have no illusions about that.
In a nutshell: If your friend is trained, then I concede that your point is valid. If he's not, then I would be wary.
Jim
The different dac won't make any difference to the sound and the Denon power supply has a higher wattage than the A-S701 (which doesn't have YPAO or usb input or streaming support). I'm not sure why you think the Denon won't last as long as the Yamaha.
Sure better DAC will bring in better performance but it won't be great improvement. Compare last not top end Denon AVR's gen with ESS32 vs previous gen with AKM.
