Which receiver would be better? I REALLY need help...?

Question

Hi, I am stuck between the two, PLEASE help me, Thanks.
Its between the Yamaha and Pioneer:
Pioneer:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/kuro/product/details/0,,2076_310069809_424544243,00.html?compName=PNA_V3_ProductDetailsComponent

Yamaha:
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=552126&CTID=5000400&ATRID=1000&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

Or this one...
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=552118&CTID=5000300

Well, im mostly thinking about listening to music with either one.
So yea...

Answer 1

Hi.Pioneer and Yamaha are both well respectable manufacturers of electronics.The two you have in mind are similar in specifications and features. So it really comes down to sound quality preferences.Because they are inexpensive Receivers there may not be much difference in the sound.The problem with Receivers is the use of a single power supply to run the Tuner section,the Pre-Amp/Processor section,and the Power Amplifiers section.The most important part of a Receiver is the Pre-Amp. section It is the heart of the system. The needs of the Power Amplifiers section degrades the Pre-Amp section.The result is Receivers are not as smooth ,effortless,open and full sounding as separate components.They are really a compromise.With so much circuitry jammed into them it's a wonder they work at all! You get what you pay for.What is your main priority ? Do you watch video more than listening to music ? If so the sound quality can be not as demanding .If you want better sound for music reproduction then you should listen to both Receivers to hear if one is better than the other.Some people say that Yamaha has a "softer"sound than other Receivers,which would be good for music. But ultimately you have to choose. I hope i have made it a bit easy for you to decide.

EDIT...Hi. Have you heard them with music from a CD ? If for some reason you cant listen to them ,the Yamaha would probably have the better sound. But i am only going on what other people say. I understand Receivers but i do not own one myself.

Answer 2

both well respected makes-but personally i would go for the yamaha. they have been specialists in this feild for many years and produce some top gear (i own neither-my own receiver is a denon with a marantz sr 4400 as a spare). but having said this pioneer are no push-overs in the world of home-cinema neither so compare prices/specs etc.