HiFi-Traditionsmarken im Vergleich | Yamaha vs. Onkyo

Product(s) compared

• Yamaha RN 2000 (streaming amplifier)
• Onkyo streaming “VN” combo (described as a streaming preamplifier + separate stereo power amp)
  • Streaming preamp: €1499
  • Stereo power amp: €1599
  • Together: roughly comparable to Yamaha’s price at street time

Key specs / features mentioned

Power output (comparable at rated loads)

• Onkyo power amp
  • 2×200 W @ 4Ω
  • 2×130 W @ 8Ω
• Yamaha RN 2000
  • 2×190 W @ 4Ω
  • 2×120 W @ 8Ω

Phono input

• Both have phono inputs
• Onkyo: switchable MM + MC
• Yamaha: MM only

Streaming + app

• Both have built-in streaming engines
• Onkyo’s app is described as fresh/new

Room calibration

• Onkyo: Dirac Live (smallest version included) + calibration mic included
  • Correction range: 20–500 Hz
• Yamaha: built-in YPAO calibration + calibration mic included

Connectivity

Both were mentioned to include:

• HDMI ARC
• USB / “Title Connect” (wording unclear; likely network/CEC-type functions)
• AirPlay 2

Subwoofer outputs (important)

• Onkyo streaming preamp
  • Has two subwoofer outputs
  • Includes a crossover/bass management approach where main speakers can be limited to a frequency range and the sub covers the rest
  • Supports upgrading to a larger Dirac version (via Dirac website) for more advanced bass control and use of both sub outputs (as referenced in listener comments)

Build / appearance

• Onkyo: aluminum side panels for heat dissipation; described as “retro/old-timer” styling
• Both available in silver or black

Cabling (setup detail)

• AudioQuest cabling used during the demo (Rocket series mentioned), suggesting it was used to help judge sound.

Sound / listening impressions (what was said)

Two tracks were used:

• Vivaldi “Four Seasons” (Summer)
• A Luna Keller recording/playlist (Luna Keller guest announced; also mentions “wind chime” type sounds and guitar decay)

Overall sonic verdict from the listeners

• Both sound very good and are described as being on equal footing, but different
• Differences were described as clear enough to notice outside the exact sweet spot, but still “a matter of taste”

Onkyo sound characteristics (relative)

• More spacious / larger room feel
  • Hall/reverb perceived as more present (“room becomes a bit bigger”)
• Shorter guitar/string “fade out/decay” perceived on Yamaha
  • Onkyo perceived as holding instrument sound longer
• Clearer sustain/detail
  • “Wind chime” tones perceived as more natural and lingering longer
• More depth in the quartet stage
  • Listener felt they could “listen a little deeper” with Onkyo
• Slightly less “brightness”/edge
  • Yamaha perceived as brighter; Onkyo reportedly avoided the same harshness concern

Yamaha sound characteristics (relative)

• Noticeably brighter on the Vivaldi track
  • Initially described as “a touch too bright” for one listener
• Slightly faster / more dynamic
  • Yamaha perceived as having quicker presentation
• Stronger low register / bass impact
  • Multiple mentions that Yamaha had more power/intensity in the bass/low end
• Voice quality
  • Yamaha reproduced Luna Keller’s voice “very nicely,” but with a more “superficial” presentation versus Onkyo (stage/performer position difference)
• Some textures possibly highlighted
  • One listener felt Yamaha made “rattle/rumbling” more prominent (likely dependent on mastering and placement)

Pros mentioned

Onkyo

• Dirac Live included (even if smallest version) + calibration mic included
• Switchable MM/MC phono
• Two subwoofer outputs + crossover/bass management (and potential Dirac upgrade)
• Perceived larger stage and longer decay/reverb, more spacious presentation
• Build quality highlighted (heat-dissipating design)

Yamaha

• Good spatiality and instrument separation
• Stronger/cleaner low-end impact (more bass presence)
• Neutral but slightly warm tuning described; less “too bright” than older Yamaha pairings
• Strong overall sound quality for the price

Cons / limitations mentioned

Comparison “flaw” acknowledged

• The video calls the comparison imperfect because it contrasts:
  • Integrated streaming amp (Yamaha)
  • vs a separate pre + power combo (Onkyo)
• However, they compared them to match price

Yamaha

• Could sound too bright on at least one classical track for one listener

Onkyo

• No explicit “con” stated as a defect, but price/complexity is implied:
  • It’s a combo (more components than the integrated Yamaha)
• The video emphasizes that the Yamaha is simpler by contrast

Placement / sweet spot caveat

• Listeners were not exactly centered in the sweet spot, but still heard meaningful differences—suggesting results may vary with room/placement

Comparisons vs “similar products” / brand history

• Onkyo nostalgia/history
  • Onkyo recalled as strong historically (including a legacy tuner story)
• Yamaha earlier reputation
  • Described as often more analytical/crystal clear (which can be harsh with some speakers)
  • Brightness concern claimed to be less than in the past
• Benchmarking / market positioning
  • Claims that Onkyo can be compared to market-leading streaming integrated amps, though this setup is a combo to match price
• Alternative value mention
  • One comment suggests you can get T&A for 10× the price, implying strong value versus higher-end brands (T&A explicitly mentioned)

User experience / usability notes

• Calibration apps/software
  • Onkyo uses an app and includes Dirac Light
  • Yamaha uses YPAO
• Sub integration via app
  • Onkyo’s app allows sub activation and crossover/bass frequency limits
• Listening evaluation
  • They listened relatively loudly
  • They noted that higher volume tends to make “brilliant/sharp” traits stand out, but it apparently didn’t become harsh for either system in the demo

Unique points consolidated (all distinct product-related claims)

1. Yamaha RN 2000 price: €3699 recommended retail; street price similar in timeframe
2. Onkyo combo pricing: €1499 preamp + €1599 power amp (approx comparable total)
3. Onkyo power: 2×200 W @4Ω, 2×130 W @8Ω
4. Yamaha power: 2×190 W @4Ω, 2×120 W @8Ω
5. Phono: Onkyo switchable MM/MC, Yamaha MM only
6. Both have built-in streaming engines and AirPlay 2
7. Onkyo includes Dirac Live (smallest version/Dirac Light) + mic; correction 20–500 Hz
8. Yamaha includes YPAO + mic (named calibration system)
9. Both have HDMI and network/streaming-related connectivity (as stated)
10. Onkyo preamp: two sub outputs + crossover/bass management limiting main speakers
11. Onkyo supports Dirac upgrade for advanced bass control and using both sub outputs
12. Build: Onkyo aluminum side panels for heat dissipation
13. Both available in silver or black
14. Onkyo sound: more spacious/larger room, deeper stage, longer decay (guitar fade-out, wind-chime tone)
15. Yamaha sound: more brighter, slightly “faster” dynamics, stronger bass/low-end intensity, tighter presentation between speakers
16. Both maintain good instrument separation without drifting into harshness at demo volumes
17. Demo involved pairing with Kanton Fidelity Edition speakers (and other Kanton variants mentioned), chosen because it “works very well”

Speaker perspectives (who said what)

• Speaker 1 (lead/primary narrator)
  • Framed the comparison as imperfect (integrated vs combo)
  • Provided key pricing/power/specs and calibration/sub feature details
  • Discussed Onkyo’s subwoofer outputs + Dirac Light and app controls
• Speaker 2 (listening impressions, guitar/decay/voice comparisons)
  • Emphasized Onkyo’s larger room, more reverb, longer decay (wind chime, guitar texture)
  • Noted Yamaha made some noises/rumbles more prominent but also sounded more “between the speakers”
  • Suggested perceived control/airiness differences may relate to Onkyo’s separate power stage
• Additional in-video commentary (brand history / value)
  • Onkyo nostalgia and tuner references
  • Yamaha rep described as more analytical in the past, but current tuning considered balanced/less harsh

Concise verdict / recommendation

• Choose Onkyo streaming preamp + stereo power amp if you want:

  • more soundstage size
  • longer-decay ambience
  • better subwoofer flexibility (two sub outs + crossover control + Dirac path)

• Choose Yamaha RN 2000 if you prefer:

  • more forceful bass/low-end punch
  • slightly brighter, dynamic presentation

• Bottom line: both are described as excellent and closely matched (“equal footing”), but sound different—so the best pick depends on whether you prioritize spaciousness/decay/sub integration (Onkyo) or bass impact/dynamics/brightness-tuned clarity (Yamaha).