Reddit mentions of Yamaha RX-V381BL Receiver (Black)

I know you're going with a 2.0 setup so you could do a stereo receiver or integrated amp but for me if it's main viewing area go with an AVR. Here are some options.

Refurb choices

• Denon X1200W $300 more bells and whistles than you'll ever need. However, they are there if you do.
  
  
• Yamaha RX0V481 $300 a bit simpler but still has plenty of room to grow with you.
  
  New: Denon S510BT $230 or Yamaha RX-V381 $280 Basic 5.1 AVRs that will do what you're looking.

Other than features, what is the difference between a $300 AV receiver and an $800 one? I have this $300 receiver but am still within the return period. I have Paradigm Mini Monitor v7 speakers, a 4K television, and recently picked up a Thorens TD318 turntable, and I just came into a small amount of money that would allow me to return that receiver and get a much nicer one. Is it worth it? What are the exact benefits?

HSU Hybrid 2 2.1 Package deal ($709) http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid2pkg.html


Bookshelves: HSU HB-1 MK2 (6.5" woofer, sound great, satiny finish for WAF+++)

Subwoofer: HSU VT-F MK2 (can be ported or sealed, myriad of tuning options for tight or deep bass)

AVR: Yamaha RX-V381 ($210) (4k, HDR, HDCP, etc.) https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01BY7YOAY/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

If you get anything from accessories4.less, use their amazon.com (they sell their entire stock on Amazon as a 3rd party seller) storefront for better return policy.

If you really want small sub that packs a punch, look at SVS.

If you want to expand your budget, get the cheapest Marantz you can afford as it will have superior room correction.

• Receiver: Yamaha RX-V381 - $230 Like New
  
  
• Bookshelf Speakers: Elac B5 Debut - $200 Like New
  
  
• Stands: Sanus 31" - $48
  
  
• TV: 50" Vizio m50-d1 4K HDR - $600
  
  
• Entertainment center: WE Furniture 58" - $100
  
  
• Record player: Ion Air LP - Christmas present
  
  Not purchased yet: hopefully sometime this year
  
  
• Center Speaker: Elac C5
  
  
• Subwoofer: Maybe Dayton 1200 or Bic F12
  
  
• Side Speakers: Maybe Micca MB42X or Pioneer BS22
  
  
• Xbox One S
  
  
• Blu Rays

I suppose I could. I might just get this [Yamaha](Yamaha RX-V381BL Receiver (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BY7YOAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S7jtybPRX2J5W) or this [Denon (not sure if this one has HDR) ](Denon AVR-S510BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YAO43YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_B4jtybWHT3WFK) to got with my LG 55UH7700

-Not sure why first link is messed up

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V381BL-Receiver-Black/dp/B01BY7YOAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473034325&sr=8-1&keywords=Yamaha+RX-V381 gonna go with this one and not the pioneer

I ended up getting a new TV bench so my options for receivers have opened up a bit. Do you have any recommendations? I'm trying to figure out why the Marantz is nearly twice as much as the following but am not sure if that's because of the small-stature, name, or is actually way better?
 
Sony STRDH550, Denon AVR-S510BT, Onkyo TX-8020 and Yamaha RX-V381BL
 
I'm guessing maybe these, especially Sony, are all the lowest level of receivers these companies offer? To my knowledge the last 3 are pretty well-received names in audio.

Two KEF Q500s and a stereo receiver. If you're planning to ever add a subwoofer or surround speakers an AV receiver would be the better choice. This one would keep you below $1000 total, but if you can add $100, pick this one. Even if you don't want to add any more speakers (which is perfectly legitimate, I think two towers are fine for everything), the AV receivers has a few features that make it more desirable in terms of convenience, such as HDMI inputs, room correction and smartphone control (on the higher end model).

Would this not be a good option? It was recommended to me.

EDIT: I'm realizing that is not nearly as good of an option as some other receivers available in the same price range. Is the NR747 worth increasing my budget over $350 options?

1. Budget

I don't have a budget since I'll be saving for each individual necessity for the long run, though I would not spend more than $1,000 for speakers. That being said, you can make a decision on what are price points for each respective item.

2. What are you looking for?

I'm essentially looking for a living room audiophile set up. I would not mind recommendations other than floor standing speakers, but that is what I have now and I'm very pleased with the way it looks. I do not know what I'm looking for since I'm not sure what should be upgraded and what is missing.

3. How will you typically be using the gear?

Mid-Field

4. What gear do you own?

Specifics, I have a Yamaha RX-V381BL Receiver with a pair of Andrew Jones's ELAC B6 speakers. For headphones, I only use an Audio Technica's ATH-M40X.

5. What do you intend on using for a source?

I'll be using a laptop connected via HDMI to the receiver (unless someone thinks I should opt for a different source if I get a dedicated stereo receiver.)

6. What material will you be using your gear for?

Dedicated for music. I would like it to connect this system with HDMI ports i/o, but if a dedicated stereo is necessary, i'll be glad to go through that route.

7. Are you willing to buy used?

Yes, I am willing to buy used, though craigslist, etc. is not preferred. Something like Amazon would be nice. Local: Los Angeles.

Thoughts:

I do not know anything about amplifiers, DACs, tubes, etc. so if you could inform me, that would be appreciated.

Note:

This was re-uploaded with updated information for further suggestions and aid. I'm not too new to audiophile but I never have owned my own full set up. Any information would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advanced.

It's doable, but you'd get better bang for your buck getting factory refurbished from Accessories4Less. These are models the factory has gotten back (open box/display models/slightly used) that are inspected and if needed, repaired. It comes with all the accessories and a 1yr warranty from the manufacture.

If going that route, I'd recommend:

* Denon X1300 for $350 plus shipping.

• Denon X2200 for $390 plus shipping. Adds more HDMI in, has upscale from composite/component/1080p to 4K UHD (and will do it better than your 4K UHD tv. And it can run dual video output (switch between video output display, or simultaneous playback).
  
  For <$400 for truly new, the only one decent ones are this Yamaha or this Yamaha. I can compare them to the Denon models if you want.

My recommendation is do NOT get a sound bar! You can get much better sound for the money and bars are notoriously bad, even the higher end versions. If you can spend up to $500, I would get a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 2's. For $200 less, you can pick up some KEFQ100s (I use the Q500s for gaming personally). These are both passive speakers meaning you will need an audio visual receiver to power them, but you can pick one of those up very cheap on craigslist. If you do not have an amp/avr to power these, I would get these:

Speakers: https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q100-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Black/dp/B0047K3X1M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511213706&sr=8-1&keywords=q100

AVR:https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V381BL-Receiver-Black/dp/B01BY7YOAY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511213787&sr=1-1&keywords=rx-v381

If you already have an amp/avr *or can get one for free/cheap on craigslist, I would get these:https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Audio-Bronze-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002LPTH92/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511213758&sr=1-3&keywords=bronze+2


Both of these options are highly regarded in the audiophile world and receive great reviews by reputable audiophile groups like WhatHiFi. The best part is if you decide to upgrade your sound system or want to use them for something else, they will be great stereo speakers that you can use somewhere else in your house. If you buy a soundbar it's use is limited and it provides very low quality imaging.

You'll need a receiver and I'd recommend sticking with a standard 5.1 setup and ditching the ceiling idea with your price range. I don't know anything about in-wall/in-ceiling speaker mounting, but it sounds expensive compared to putting some bookshelves on stands. You might look into something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-PK52FS-Theater-Speaker-Package/dp/B00IK8I9K2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484575380&sr=8-3&keywords=pioneer+andrew+jones

A receiver for this might look like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V381BL-Receiver-Black/dp/B01BY7YOAY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Though I've not heard that particular model, I have a similar Yamaha that powers my andrew jones pioneer setup.