Yamaha HTR-5650 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I truly love this receiver. One of the things that initially attracted me to it was the 480 watts of power. I couldn't wait to take it home and see how my CD's and DVD's sounded on it. What amazed me was not only the really great bass responce, but the clearity. I watched my Phil Collins DVD and it was like I was actually there in front of the stage. For the first time I really feel like I now know how the artists truly sound. I can honestly say, I know I got my money's worth with this receiver! Thank you Yamaha! Jess

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High convenience and high quality doesn't have to mean "high ticket." Yamaha's HTR-5650 is loaded with features and exclusive Yamaha technologies. Easy to set up and operate, the receiver can power two rooms at once (one in surround sound, the other in stereo), and it offers the convenience of DVD-Audio/multichannel SACD-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 80 watts-per-channel HTR-5650 (95 wpc peak) handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the HTR-5650 also processes Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, which create an even more expansive soundfield through the use of a center-rear surround channel, totaling six discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: left, center, right, and left, center, and right surround.Exclusive Yamaha technologies include Quad-Field Cinema DSP (based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, this processing is designed to highlight the full potential of movie sound mixes), Silent Cinema (which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones, not included), and the company's YSS-938 32-bit DSP chip providing 25 unique surround algorithms with 44 variations to help you perfectly match your simulated acoustic space to your video program.Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too--with enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides five channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs. Pro Logic II delivers full-bandwidth stereo surround channels with 40 dB of left-right separation.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. If these formats are so high-tech, you might wonder, why do you need analog inputs to appreciate them? Because, for reasons of content protection, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog, rather than digital, signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)The versatile unit offers nine video input connections (with three S-video inputs and two high-resolution component-video inputs), four fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DVD, DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The HTR-5650 comes with a preset remote control.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5650 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. ToP-ART's goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analog circuitry. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, a user's manual, warranty information, and registration information.

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Yamaha HTR-5750SL 6.1 Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)It took awhile after I got the unit to hook it all up because I was just plain lazy. Little did I know what I had in my possession other than the fact that a friend of mine that works at Sears recommened it to me. This system beats my parents system and they had invested something like 3 grand on their complete system. The speaker set I had was about 2 grand and this just went together with the reciever perfectly. I haven't run into any issues and everything was easy to understand and figure out. The only thing I despise about the system is the usage of another remote, of course that comes with any system.

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Bringing ease of use, broad format compatibility, and high sound quality to forward-looking home theaters, Yamaha's HTR-5750SL audio/video receiver offers the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing and premium Yamaha sound technologies. The receiver's stylish silver appearance will augment many decors.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 90-watts-per-channel HTR-5750SL handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, and DTS-EX Discrete 6.1. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear channel, resulting in six discrete, full-range signals in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, and front/rear center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too. With enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides 5.1 channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5750SL accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers four audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video, two with component-video), four fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite-video to an S-video signal to simplify TV hookup.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5750SL benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Yamaha HTR-5660 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not a hardcore audiophile, but I did a fair amount of research before buying this receiver. I found this unit has all of the features I was looking for, and at an exceptional price.
This receiver is basically the new version of the 5560. It adds 10 watts per channel for 85 watts each. It also now has digital audio inputs and s-video inputs for every video input including the front one. This receiver is also basically identical to the RX-V640 that Yamaha sells through it's retail channels. According the Yamaha website, the only difference is the coloring of the lettering on the front of the receiver.
There was a list of features I was looking for in a receiver and this met all my criteria. Support for both 6.1 channel Dolby Digital and DTS were a must. For my particular application 7.1 channel surround was overkill, and there currently aren't that many sources for it. Discrete circuitry for each speaker is a must. No spring clips for speaker connections. All support banana clips. I use a DVR and a VCR, so I wanted 2 AV in/out hookups. I have an oddly shaped room with less than optimal speaker placement, so I wanted the ability to adjust each speaker volume level independently. I don't have a HDTV compatible TV yet, but I wanted composite video support for when I get one. This receiver has 2 composite inputs and 1 output. Size was also a consideration for me as the receiver would have to fit into an entertainment center. The Onkyo I was looking at had similar features, but was just too massive to fit. The Yamaha was a more reasonable size.
Performance wise, I have been very impressed with the Yamaha. With the ability to adjust each speaker volume level independently, I was able to set it up to create impressive surround effects despite my less than optimal room. The Dolby Digital and DTS effects are impressive. When the receiver detects a DD or DTS source, it switches to those modes automatically. There are 40+ additional surround modes. Yamaha apparently went to a lot of trouble to develop them, but in my opinion they are mostly useless. I've settled on Dolby Surround II for most of my non-Dolby Digital AV viewing which is very impressive so far. 6 channel stereo is great for listening to music and really allows you to take advantage of your surround system. I've tried most of the other surround modes. Some are interesting, but I haven't found that I use them much. The included antennas for AM and FM reception are adequate and I found that my reception was much improved over my last receiver (Sony).
I found the remote and manual to be adequate and simple to use. I was able to adjust most of the settings on the receiver with minimal hassle. I was able to map all of the remote features to my Sony learning remote and it works fine.
If you are looking for a step above entry level receiver with many of the features and quality of the high end models, I highly recommend this model. I did a search on the internet and found many stores offering it at very attractive prices. I called J&R and they matched the lowest internet price and I had the receiver in 2 days. They also have a very reasonable return policy though I haven't had to test it yet.

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Packed with connections and proprietary audio-enhancing technologies, Yamaha's HTR-5660 is your gateway to home-theater bliss. The receiver can power two rooms at once (one in surround sound, the other in stereo), and it offers the convenience of DVD-Audio/multichannel SACD-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing and premium Yamaha features.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 85 watts-per-channel HTR-5660 (105 wpc peak) handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the HTR-5660 also processes Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, which create an even more expansive soundfield through the use of a center-rear surround channel, totaling six discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: left, center, right, and left, center, and right surround. Want even higher power? The receiver offers 6.1-channel preamp outputs for direct hookup with a six-channel power amplifier.Exclusive Yamaha technologies include Quad-Field Cinema DSP (based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, this processing is designed to highlight the full potential of movie sound mixes), Silent Cinema (which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones, not included), and the company's YSS-938 32-bit DSP chip providing 25 unique surround algorithms with 44 variations to help you perfectly match your simulated acoustic space to your video program.Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too--with enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides five channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs. Pro Logic II delivers full-bandwidth stereo surround channels with 40 dB of left-right separation.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. If these formats are so high-tech, you might wonder, why do you need analog inputs to appreciate them? Because, for reasons of content protection, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog, rather than digital, signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)The versatile unit offers 12 video input connections (with five S-video inputs and two high-resolution component-video inputs), five fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DVD, DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup (including S-video and an optical digital-audio in). The HTR-5660 comes with a preset remote control.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5660 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. ToP-ART's goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analog circuitry. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, a user's manual, warranty information, and registration information.

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Yamaha HTR-6140BL 525 Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Since the time of my review, there are only two reviews, a 5 star and a 2 star, the 2 star being based on a supposed bad remote and manual. I thought I had to set things straight. I've owned many other brand receivers and both Yamahas I've owned are great. The sound quality is excellent and the only problem I might see with someone not liking the manual is that Yamaha has so many features and options it might scare away the type of person that likes to use it out of the box without barely any set up. As for the remote I see no problem with it... it's attractive, functional, all features on it work so I don't understand what's not to like. Sound quality and construction of the unit are also superior. After having other receivers in the past that burnt due to overheating and had a dry, radio like sound, I think I'll stick with Yamaha from now on. Their "music enhancement" setting makes all sound including voice sound so incredibly warm and rich that I use this setting for everything and prefer it to any other setting. Yamaha receivers are also extremely low distortion. You will be very plesantly surprised with this receiver as long as you can follow instrucions and read a manual, even if you don't like doing this, the pay-off is worth the initial effort.

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The Yamaha HTR-6140BL 5.1-channel digital home theater receiver offers a wealth of entertainment features that will enrich your audio and video experience. This high-performance home theater receiver boasts 1080p-compatible HDMI, and it's ready for XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The Yamaha HTR-6140BL is also iPod and Bluetooth compatible. Other innovative features include CINEMA DSP for full surround sound, YPAO sound optimization and speaker setup, and 4 SCENE buttons for quick setup of audio sources.

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Yamaha RX-V659BL 7.1 Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an A/V novice, and this is how/why I bought this receiver:
I originally bought it while looking for a 6.1 receiver in the $400.00 range. Best B** had a Pioneer that was THX certified for about $475. I had them put a rain check on it, then went to another store to listen to what they had (Best B** has a new policy of 'upselling' by sending any customer who is interested in mid-level audio to a 'specialist' who wants to unload Denon etc. - usually in the Home Theatre room. This annoyed me mightily, as I didn't even get a chance to listen to the Pioneer.)
At the other store, I listened to the 6.1 Yamaha HTR-5850 and was happy with that. My wife pointed out that the 7.1 RX-V659 was only about $50.00 more, and wondered what the difference was. We gave it a listen and were pleased. My wife listened to a Luther Vandross CD, and I listened to a classical music CD, then we popped in a copy of The Matrix DVD (you know what scene). My main concerns were HDTV compatability (has 3 component video inputs) and the RX-V659's audio/video auto upgrade feature. As neither me nor my wife have an iPod, we didn't care about the docking station capability of it, but it is a pleasant upgrade for later. We bought it for quite a bit less than what is listed on the Yamaha website, and less than the Pioneer receiver at BB.
I hooked the receiver to a Bic America Venturi bookshelf pair as front ends, then went with the Yamaha NS-SP1600 5.1 HTIB set-up (yes, it's their low end model, but I listened to them and they sounded fine for our 20'x30' room with nine foot ceiling.) I replaced that Yamaha HTIB center speaker with a KLH 525 II Platinum-II 125-Watt center speaker. I bought a roll of 12 gauge speaker wire - avoided the Monster stuff - went with Lowe's. The CD's and movies sounded great already, but there's more to this: the front speakers still have to 'break in' and only recently did I discover what the Neural Surround Sound exhibits when pumping XM satellite radio through them. WOW! Incredible separation! Our little room now has an audio sweet spot that allows me to consider never going out to the movies again. I've spent hours going through the different sound fields, and continue to come back to Neural Surround. Also , listening with headphones is wonderful with the Night Listening Enhancer - listening to TV with headphones never sounded this good for me. Set-up was breeze - the YPA sound optimizing thing takes some getting used to, but I like that the menus are on your TV's screen, not the face on the receiver unit.
Now I 'have' to get a new DVD/CD player that has DTS output. If this receiver lasts for at least a decade, Yamaha has a fan for life...
Unfortunately, this receiver is not HDMI-ready, but that might not be a gripe if/when I get a new HDTV and can run the video line directly into the TV instead of the receiver. Otherwise, this is a 5 star review.

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Yamaha HTR-5760 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Oh Boy ! Prices have come down on quality receivers. Not only do you get more ... but you pay less than the previous version. This one has everything a picky home theater enthusiast is look for:
1 - 7.1 ch amplification
2 - 7.1 preouts (to connect a robust poweramp)
3 - Dolby ProLogic IIx (don't watch movies without it)
4 - Microphone Calibration (not parametric as the name suggests) ... better than an SPL since this measures spkr delays etc.
5 - Adjustable SUB Crossover (down to 40hz)
5 - Construction and overall quality
For Home Theater and Movies ? 5 STARS (Audio in a movie disc is not audiophile grade, so this receiver is just fine for that)
As an audiophile 2-channel receiver ? 3 STARS (get a external good quality poweramp for this)
Suggestions to Yamaha:
1 - Upgrade firmware to allow receiver to use a specific setting as te default for all signals. For instance, if you have a 7 speaker setup ... you should be able to make the player default to Dolby Prologic IIx for any and all signals.
2 - Remove the TUNER and reduce the cost. If you want to listen to the radio ... use that clock radio ! or go out for a drive in your car.
3 - Give us a lighted remote. Any Home Theater component ought to have a lighted remote. I am sure you know why. Right ?
Overall a very good receiver. Good work Yamaha. Bye Bye overpriced Denon.

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For incredible quality and setup flexibility at an amazingly affordable price, it's hard to top Yamaha's high-current HTR-5760 audio/video receiver. With the HTR-5760 you get the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready eight-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround processing, multiroom control, and premium Yamaha sound technologies.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 95-watts-per-channel HTR-5760 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear surround channel, for which THX suggests using two separate speakers. The result is seven discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, front center channel, and a pair of rear-center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.The receiver comes with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and a dedicated microphone to help you establish the best possible sound at your primary listening position. The optimizer uses the microphone to "listen" to the sound from the speakers and determine, based on its test-signals, how best to equalize the sound for your room. Corrections include speaker/subwoofer phase relationships, speaker/subwoofer distance measurements (corrects for differences down to 5 cm), frequency response (measures and optimizes each speaker's response using a parametric equalizer), and speaker level (measures and aligns the relative volume levels of all speakers).Then there's the eight-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5760 accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers five audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video, two with component-video), eight fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections with digital-audio jacks for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite-video to an S-video signal to simplify TV hookup.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5760 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, microphone for YPAO, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Yamaha RX-V995 Surround Receiver with Dolby Digital and DTS Decoding Review

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(More customer reviews)This is such a feature-ladened high quality Dolby Digital Receiver that is blows the others away! My last receiver was a Denon, but I will tell you that this is heads and tales above the Denon. This Yamaha receiver is able to accurately reproduce the Dolby 5.1 format in all of its glory fully enabling the expressive power of Dolby Digital!

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Yamaha RX-V663BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Before you go out and buy a fancy $1k+ AV receiver with all the bells and whistles, please ask yourself, do you really need all the extra little features like HD-radio, network connectivity, USB ports, a bazillion HDMI ports, fancy video processor, etc? If all you want is a basic receiver that will allow you to enjoy the latest lossless 5.1 or 7.1 audio codec from blu-ray movies (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master), or even just multi-channel PCM tracks from movies or the latest generation game console, without having to pay for all the other extra stuff, look no further!
Yamaha did us all a favor with this unit. It does everything most people will ever need (unless you're the most technology-hungry of audiophiles) and does it all remarkably well. Sure, it is not the prettiest looking AVR out there and the OSD (on-screen display) will look like you just found that old Atari 2600 from childhood and plugged it in to your big 1080p plasma. The text and menu system looks prehistoric! Presentation and esthetics are definitely not this receiver's forte. But rest assured that in designing this receiver, Yamaha has skimped on such aspects only so they could splurge on components that count! Burr-Brown DACs and other high quality bits and pieces normally found on receivers that cost many times more are utilized in this budget AVR to deliver outstanding sound. Yamaha spent the money on things that count: the sweet sounds of music or the immersive 7.1 channels of your favorite movies delivered to your ears with uncompromising sonic quality. I also have the much pricier Onkyo NR905 and Denon 4308 that I use in my main home theater and living rooms respectively and this little Yamaha RX-V663 that costs a small fraction of those units rivals their sound. I originally picked this up so I could also have a home theater experience in the bedroom but have been floored at how it performs so much so that I will likely find myself watching more movies in bed.
It does have its limitations though. For one, it is probably not suitable for a very large room unless you use a separate multi-channel amplifier. Don't get me wrong, 95 watts per channels is probably suitable for many, but rooms upwards of 300+ square feet might be a stretch. Secondly, it only has 2 HDMI inputs (not a big deal for many, and is actually ideal for most who just have a PS3 or Xbox connected in addition to a Cable or Satellite box). Even if you needed more HD capable inputs, there are some component inputs that can still be transcoded to HDMI so you still retain the luxury of having a single HDMI cable going to the TV and use the receiver as a true AV hub. Thirdly, it has a cheap feeling and looking remote that lacks enough buttons to control other component functions (not a big deal if you use a Harmony). Lastly, it doesn't upconvert all video sources to full 1080p (again, not a big deal since most TVs do a better job at video scaling anyway). The only 1080p upconverting AVRs that are worth using for their upconverting/video-processing abilities are those with the HQV Reon or Realta chip like the higher end Onkyos and the $5000 Denon 5308. That all said, you really do get a hell of a lot in the box with this $500 Yamaha.
In conclusion, everything listed on the features list on Amazon's page about this receiver works as advertised. The YPAO automated sound optimization/calibration works flawlessly and in some ways even better than the Audyssey system used by Denon & Onkyo. Lossless audio decoding of DTS-HD Master and TrueHD works perfectly and even HDMI switching operates quick and smoothly unlike the long pauses and sometimes buggy HDMI handshaking issues Onkyos has with earlier firmware. I can confirm that there are no LFE flaws, DTS-HD Master issues, or other major problems that have often been discussed about the first batch of next generation "future-proof" receivers. It even has nice extras like a 12v trigger, and second subwoofer pre-out, speaker posts to accept banana plugs, and all the other ins and outs that you don't normally find on receiver under $500 are present. And of course I've already raved about the sound. This is the best bang for the buck in terms of AV receivers and the only thing that may be comparable is the upcoming Pioneer VSX-1018 or Sony DG-920 which will arrive summer of 2008. But based on my previous experience with the DG-910, they are definitely a step down from Sony's ES line and will probably not sound as good as the Yamaha but will have a nicer looking OSD.
I will give this product 5 stars simply because you get so much for so little. Sound quality being of higher priority than esthetics.

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Yamaha's RX-V663BL high-performance home theater receiver features full support for HD audio formats, HDMI video upconversion and deinterlacing, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, improved YPAO for sound optimization and speaker setup in any room.4 SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever when switching between audio sources. 2 volume-setting functions are included on this receiver for additional convenience. Initial volume setting allows you to set the volume level that will be heard each time the power is turned on. Maximum volume setting prevents unexpected loud sounds. You have a choice of 8 unique CINEMA DSP surround programs to bring out the full audio potential of your entertainment sources. The RX-V563BL receiver is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of high-energy peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources. It is XM ready with XM HD surround sound powered by Neural Surround, and is also SIRIUS satellite radio ready. Other features include improved YPAO for automatic speaker setup, iPod compatibility via optional dock, Bluetooth A2DP compatibility with optional YBA-10 wireless audio receiver, 1080p-compatible HDMI (2 inputs, 1 output), analog video to HDMI digital video with upconversion and deinterlacing, CINEMA DSP and adaptive DSP level for accurate surround sound reproduction, an improved compressed music enhancer for compressed music files, adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control), 40-station preset tuning / Auto preset tuning, and a preset remote unit.

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Yamaha RX-V565BL 630 Watt 7-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)There are two model numbers for this AV Receiver as disclosed on CNET. One model number is the RX-V565BL, the other is the HTR-6250BL, which I purchased. At various times, the prices of the two vary on Amazon, so I just went with the cheaper one. I coupled the receiver with the Energy Take Classic 5.1 and was able to get two satellites on Ebay to complete a 7.1 speaker system. To round out the system I have the Mitsubishi DLP 73". I also have the PS3, xbox360 and Wii hooked up.
Unlike another reviewer who had a problem with his Tivo Series 3 with RX-V565 version of the receiver, I had no problem at all. If you have a problem with the HDMI, just use the Tivo component out and digital optical out direct into the Yamaha. It works perfectly.
The biggest problem I had in hook up was my inability to connect the Wii directly through the Yamaha. I use the component video cable for the Wii. This Wii cable has two rca connectors for audio.
There are two composite inputs on the Yamaha. One has a coaxial audio and the other has digital optical audio. There is no connection for composite video plus two rca female audio inputs. I ended up connecting the Wii output video straight to the tv, without the benefit of the 1080p upscaling of the Yamaha, and the audio only to the receiver. Because of this I can only give the receiver 4 stars.
The sound from the system is very clear. I am still playing with all of its sound options and will update the review after I have more experience with the sound options.
UPDATE I found this inexpensive work around for the Wii audio hookup on Amazon: RCA DT2AD 2-Way Signal Converter DT2AD. It allows conversion of the analog audio to digital audio.

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Yamaha RX-V565BL 630 Watt 7-Channel Home Theater Receiver

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Yamaha HTR-5560 Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this receiver after not being satisfied with my ...Marantz digital receiver. A friend of mine bought a Yamaha receiver shortly after I purchased my Marantz receiver, and his Yamaha blew me away. My Marantz had a thudy sound when listening to CD's. I thought it might be my speakers so I bought a very good pair of speakers, but it sounded no better. So now four years later I decided to shop around for a new receiver. I checked out many top of the line receivers, but when it came down to sound for the $$$ the Yamaha receivers could not be beat. This receiver sounds fabulous listening to cd's as well as watching movies. The power put out is simply awesome, as well as you have all the inputs and outputs you could possibly need, plus you have the ability to hook up two sets of main speakers. You will also find this receiver simple to operate, and a great veriety of sound fields to choose from, (jazz club, rock concert, pro logic 1&2, spectale, sci fi, tv sports, just to name a few). The only downside to the HTR-5560 is that there is no phono input, you need to buy the [more expensive] model to get it, or you can do what I did and buy a ...stereo pre amp for your turntable. All in all this is a great receiver, if you buy it you will get plenty of bang for your buck, and you won't be disappointed.

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The HTR-5560 AV receiver puts high-end home theater well within the grasp of affordability, offering the convenience of DVD-Audio-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing and premium Yamaha sound technologies.
When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 75 watts-per-channel HTR-5560 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the HTR-5560 also processes Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, which create an even more expansive soundfield through the use of a center-rear surround channel, totaling six discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: left, center, right, and left, center, and right surround.
Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too--with enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides five channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs. Pro Logic II delivers full-bandwidth stereo surround channels with 40 dB of left-right separation.
A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.
And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.
Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio-ready inputs mentioned above. "If DVD-Audio is so high-tech," you might wonder, "why do I need analog inputs to appreciate it?" That's because, for reasons of data density, DVD-Audio players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)
DVD-Audio can deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD), and some discs will exploit the chance to offer an ultra-high-resolution, stereo-only 192 kHz sampling rate. In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5560 accommodates decoded DVD-A signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.
The versatile unit offers five video input connections (with four S-video inputs), five fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The HTR-5560 comes with a preset remote control.
Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5560 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. ToP-ART's goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analog circuitry. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.

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Yamaha RX-V661BL 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking at receivers for months trying to make sense of it all. I was set on one of the similarly priced Onkyos when an AV friend of mine came out of nowhere and recommended this Yamaha V661.
I love it. Everything was very easy to use and setup, and there are tons of customization options. I couple this with some Klipsch Quintet IIIs and a custom sub, sound is fantastic. I love the fact that I was able to program my own customized input names. I have each input labeled "Wii" "Xbox" "PS2" "Cable Box" etc accordingly. Furthermore, with the use of the buttons on the bottom of the remote (can't remember the name but they let you preprogram inputs/settings for devices) you can program full names like "Nintendo Wii" or my other longer one "Xbox Media Center."
The auto setup was a dream, and the sound quality is fantastic. I love the amount of inputs, it even includes HDMI. What more could I ask for!?!?!?
Highly recommended.

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Yamaha RX-V2065BL 7.2-Channel Network Digital Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just received this receiver (no pun intended) yesterday. I spent around 2 months researching this purchase and finally decided to go with the RX-V2065 because I have always owned Yamaha receivers. I'm amazed at the sound quality!! This unit replaced my old Yamaha HTR-5140 and there is a world of difference in the sound. The internet radio is amazing. It sounds great and there are thousands of stations to choose from. I was listening to a radio station in India earlier. The HD radio is also a very nice feature and the few stations that I do get sound great in HD. I did have some trouble getting connected to my network because for some reason I had my router only assigning 11 IP addresses and they were all taken, so the 2065 wasn't being assigned an IP address. Was an easy fix once I discovered it. So if you have any problems connecting to your network, be sure to check your router settings first, as the Yamaha should just connect with no intervention.
CONS:
As some people have stated in other forums, Yamaha has cut some corners on their new receivers. My Yamahas have always had two power outlets on the back and I have always used one of these to plug in the subwoofer. The 2065 has no power outlets which I did not notice until after I bought it. I'm going to have to get a power strip in order to plug everything in and I won't be able to power on and off the subwoofer simply by turning the 2065 on and off.
The FM reception is not very good at all. I cannot get the two local stations that I listen to (and I could easily get them on the HTR-5140). If you go to the AVSForums and look in the 2065 thread, you will see that others have complained about this as well. With all the choices I have with the internet radio, this isn't going to be a big issue for me, but it might for someone who listens to the radio a lot.
The speaker connectors are very close together. I spent way more time than I should have getting the wires connected. If you do not already have them, I highly recommend getting banana plugs for the connections to the receiver. As soon as I get the chance I'm going to order some banana plugs and cleanup the connections.

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Yamaha RX-V2065BL 7.1-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver

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Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I recommend this unit highly. It would get five stars if it was a bit less complicated. But it does so much so perhaps that is inevitable. The remote has fifty-nine buttons! So far I have used about ten. Maybe when I get around to controlling my CD player from this remote I'll use some of the others, and need one less remote too. Currently I am using it as a stereo receiver with a Yamaha CD player, with two Polk side speakers and a Polk sub-woofer.
I am very pleased with the sound [I do not consider myself an audiophile but I do enjoy my music, classical, opera and rock mostly]. Plenty of volume, more bass available than I need but that part is easy to adjust. The room where I have this unit is 20' by 25' with a 12' celing, and there's no problem filling it with sound. Rock on!
I am impressed and consider it very good value for money too.


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Yamaha HTR-6230BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver

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Yamaha RX-797 Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an excellent 2-channel Stereo Receiver, for several reasons. Let me explain why I chose this brand/model over others and how I came to it. If you are in the market for Stereo Receiver, it may be useful for you.
A few months ago, I was listening to a jazz CD on my cheap ($200) Sony Home-Theater-In-A-Box and noticed that the sound was noticeably tighter than when I listened to it on my much more expensive, but significantly older stereo system. My old stereo system was purchased as separate components in 1993. It consisted of Sony STR-D990 Receiver ($400), single-disc Sony CDP-211 CD player ($100) and pair of Advent Baby II speakers ($250). Mind you, each of these components work and sound as good today as they did 15 years ago at the time of purchase (kudos to Sony for that), but I suppose I'm getting a little pickier now that I'm in my 30s. Music plays a MUCH larger role in my life than movies or television does (hence the cheap Home Theater set-up), so I decided I needed to upgrade.
PRIORITIES: 1) SPEAKERS--> 2) RECEIVER--> 3) CD PLAYER --> 4) CABLING/INTERCONNECTS
I decided that speakers were most important and thus the place to begin. After reading several reviews, I decided that Polk Audio Rti6s might be a good choice. I went to a retail store to listen to them and they sounded really good, but then the sales associate let me listen to the Polk Audio Lsi9s. Whew! They just blew me away. I had never heard anything like them. While the Rti6s run for $270, the Lsi9s are $900, but well worth it for that price, as a long-term investment (Polks come with a 5-year warranty). But I noticed that these run at 4 ohms and need a low-impedance amplifier/receiver, that is, one equipped with so-called "high current amplification," to drive them. Well, my old Sony did not have this function (it could take only 8-0hm current speakers). So, I looked all around for a receiver that could fit the bill and the Yamaha RX line became the obvious choice, after reading positive review after positive review. Since the Lsi9s can handle 200 watts per channel, I chose the RX-797 because while it has a power rating of 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, it allows one to use two 4-ohm speakers and when doing so there is a power boost. Customer representatives from various retailers couldn't give me an exact watt rating (because Yamaha does not conduct tests at with 4-ohm speakers), but the general concensus was that it would increase to about 140 watts per channel with 4-ohm speakers. (I just didn't want to shortchange my speakers). I also chose this receiver because of the extremely low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rating of .019% as well as the Pure Direct and CD Direct modes for the lowest possible distortion. (Compare these features to say Onxyo and Harmon Kardon A/V receivers in this range and you'll see that the advantage lay with Yamaha).
When the RX-797 arrived, it not only lived up to but exceeded my expectations. Paired with the Lsi9s, I can hear a much, much crisper separation of instruments, and this is especially nice for my digitally remastered jazz CDs. I live in an apartment complex now and never have the need to turn the volume beyond the 9 o'clock position. I have gone up to 11 o'clock for testing (when I knew my neighbors weren't in!) and, as expected with these ratings, I couldn't hear any distortion whatsoever. (I can't wait until I move into a house for a larger sound stage). Other pluses: The knobs and controls have a nice solid feel and look great. It picks up many more FM radio stations than my old receiver, and the reception is noticeably cleaner. The remote is simple and sensible (just how a remote should be). My only gripe is that one cannot program CD players made by other manufacturers with this remote, but perhaps thats standard practice. This has other nice features such as being XM Satellite Radio Ready and dual room/dual source for those who are interested, but the main selling points for me were the 4-ohm capability, the wattage rating and the extremely low distortion. The fine looks and sensible controls/display and remote are icing on the cake.
I found one from an authorized dealer by a fluke for $350, but certainly would have been willing to pay the full $499. If you see one for less than $450, be sure to first confirm with the seller (or better yet Yamaha) that they are indeed an authorized dealer; otherwise your two-year warranty won't be honored if you run into problems (not that I'm expecting to).
In sum, if you are looking for a receiver with ample, clean power, extremely low distortion, the abilitiy to drive 4-, 6- or 8-ohm loads, excellent FM reception, and easy to use and well laid-out functions for 2 channel (as opposed to Home Theater) listening, I don't believe you can do better for under $600 than Yamaha's RX-797 receiver.

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Yamaha RX-V3900BL 7.1-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit a week after it went on sale. I had been investigating the device for some time prior to the actual release. I used this to replace a Yamahe DSP-A1 purchased about 10 years ago. I wanted to simplify my cabling by switching to an HDMI capable receiver. The availability of 4 HDMI inputs was a big selling point for me.
After initial setup I put the unit through it's paces with SACD recordings of Elton John's Madman Across the Water and the Alman Brothers Eat a Peach. The SACD 5.1 sound from my PS/3 over the HMDI was exceptional, wonderful depth to the soundfield. The video upscaling in this unit is far superior to that included in my 50" LG Flat Panel and has made watching non-HD signals much more palatable. Using blu-ray DTS HD and DD Pure HD both sound amazing. I also purchased a Rhapsody subscription account to use with the unit and love the virtual library of hundreds of thousands of CDs at my fingertips through the remote. I have found several albums on Rhapsody that result in a "unable to play" error, I am not sure if they are encoded in a format other than MP3 or if this error also occurs when using Rhapsody on a PC, these were usually extremely obscure recordings.
The onscreen Ipod controls are great and the album cover display is a great addition, now if they could only get the album, flip view from the iPhone or iPod touch working for scanning through and selecting albums/songs that would be truly fabulous.
The lack of inclusion of wireless networking is a big mistake in my view, how many people would have their ISP drop right next to their stereo system? I overcame this easily with the purchase of a "Wireless Gaming Adapter" which attaches to the Ethernet port on the receiver and connects it to my wireless network, this solution has worked well and runs about 50-100 dollars.
My biggest concern with the unit has been the adaptive sound leveling. This is a great feature to make sure you don't get blasted out of the room when commercials come on at twice the volume of your show. Usually this feature mutes the sound and makes the adjustment very quickly but every now and then it has difficulty setting the volume accordingly and drops the audio for as much as 10-20 seconds, very annoying when using DVR functions to skip commercials then having to go back 2-3 times to get the audio enabled again at the end of the commercials. Once the unit could not seem to set the audio at all and it required selecting a different source before sound was enabled again.
Overall I am quite happy with the unit and hope that a software/firmware upgrade may alleviate the audio level drop issues at some point in the future, while sometimes annoying this issue comes nowhere close to outweighing the great benefits of this receiver.
Pros:
Exceptional sound quality
Great video upscaling
Extensive features listing
Amazing array of device connections
Cons:
Not in everyones pricing range
Initial configuration not for the inexperienced
No built-in wireless networking (could have been a design decision to reduce potential degration of the audio signal)
Infrequent extended audio drop outs when relevelling the audio between programing and commercials or when changing stations
Some CDs visible through Rhapdosy cannot be played

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Yamaha's next generation 7.1-channel Network AV receiver offers unsurpassed versatility, access to today's most popular music sources including Internet Radio, Rhapsody online music service, music streaming from PC, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready, USB, iPod and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as extensive multi-zone custom installation and convenience features, plus a Web Browser Control.

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Yamaha HTR-6240BL 525-Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had the RX-v465 for over a month now, so i've had plenty of time to get comfortable with the receiver. I purchased this b/c it seemed like the best value. My major goals were to find a receiver that had HDMI vid and audio pass-thru and had good quality cd music output - and the rx-v465 delivered!
PROS:
I used the mic to auto-calibrate the sound quality - very easy (do this before using it). CDs (analog) sound great and digital audio sounds even better. The sound settings are great: it has several sound enhancer settings for a full/modern sound and even a 'direct' mode where the receiver uses the minimum electronics to provide a pure (almost vinyl) sound. These settings are easy to access once you get comfortable with the remote.
It has plenty of inputs for all of your older (rca) and newer (HDMI) devices. For TV, I run my comcast dvr box via an hdmi cable to the receiver, then run an hdmi from the receiver to the tv. For dvd, i run hdmi to the receiver. Only one cable (an hdmi) is needed from the receiver to the TV (sony bravia 52v5100). Video quality and dolby digital audio quality is excellent. It even allows you to view TV without turning on the receiver (downside in this mode is you can't listen to the sound system). Also, my cable remote can control the receiver volume when watching tv when the pass-thru mode is set (control-on).
CONS:
1. There is an annoying time delay (up to 3 seconds) when switching from HD to non-HD channels and when pulling up the dvr menu/list and cable guide. The receiver is thinking /switching digital modes and makes clicking sounds as it switches resulting in sound but no vid. This issue took me some time to get used to and will be a deal-breaker for most people.
2. Longer delay / thinking when the receiver is turned on and the hdmi input is set. Same clicking and no vid as it finds the right mode for the data that is coming in.
3. Remote is annoying, not built well, but whatever, its not a deal breaker.
OVERALL, i'm happy with this receiver at the price i paid when compared to other available receivers with similar features/functions.


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Yamaha HTR-6240BL 525 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver

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Yamaha RX-V1900BL 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this receiver to replace my older Yamaha RX-V1000 which I liked a lot and had no problems with the entire time I had it. I purchased this receiver to get HDMI, HD Radio, and Zone 2 amplified sound. I have the amplifier set up to drive an LCD HDTV via HDMI and a projector w/ component video.
Sound Quality: This was high priority for me as I primarily listen to music. I was VERY happy with the sound quality and I feel like it sounds better than my RX-V1000 (which I feel sounded much better to the Denon 38xx receivers and was on par w/ a B&K receiver my friend has). I don't use any of the different DSP effects for sound stages, etc. The surround sound (at least 5.1 as that's all I use) audio sounds better than my RX-V1000 too. Sound from the center channel is much more defined and clear. Not sure why but it's nicer. BOTTOM LINE....excellent sound!
Connections: The receiver could have a better layout for connections but in the end, I really don't have any problems with it. There are a lot of connections so you should be fine. I would have liked dual HDMI outputs but you get that w/ a more costly receiver and it wasn't that important to me. Note, as with many other multi-zone receivers that I have used/tested, only the main zone can handle digital audio inputs, other zones must have analog inputs so you must connect all your audio sources to analog (or digital + analog) if you want audio in Zones 2 or 3. Bottom Line....very good quantity of connections of course I would like vendors to "drop" support for composite and s-video....I mean, c'mon, who really needs those connections w/ this type of amp? :) Also, it's difficult to get to the speaker terminals and would be better if they were all in one line at the bottom of the receiver. BOTTOM LINE....good array of connections.
Setup: Typical Yamaha on-screen menus. I did not use the YPAO to set up the receiver yet so I can't comment on that. I set it up manually and it wasn't particularly difficult. I like the fact that the amplifier has a "maximum volume" setting as I use this for Zone 2 so I won't overdrive the amp by accident. I also like the fact that the the main zone and 2nd zone are completely separate. The main amp can essentially be "off" while zone 2 is playing or vice-versa. Granted, not all electronics are off when you do this but turning off the main zone keeps the amp running cooler if all i need is audio in the 2nd zone. BOTTOM LINE....setup is average and probably just as easy/painful as one might expect.
Surround: I find the Surround Settings to be odd. I obviously need to play w/ the amp some more but it's not clear to me when dolby digital or DTS sound is being played as I can make the "dts" sign light up even if it's just Dolby Digital. Still, I confirmed that DTS works at least w/ regular DVDs. I'm sure Blu-Ray dvd's will be fine but I'm still fine-tuning this portion. BOTTOM LINE.....the audio from Surround sources sound great, getting the Surround settings configured correctly is a bit confusing.
Tuner: I really only listen to 1 station that supports HD Radio but strangly enough, I can't pick up the HD signal from this station but I can from others. Being public radio, I'm guessing that they don't broadcast w/ as much power as many other stations so I think I'm too far to pick up the HD Radio signal from this station as I understand that the HD Radio signal is like 1/10 of the power of the normal analog signal. Oh well, it still sounds good but tuning stations w/ this receiver is as painful as my previous receiver. Again, this should normally only be done during initial set-up so the pain should only be front-loaded. BOTTOM LINE.....it's a tuner and does its job, just a somewhat painful setup.
Remotes: Somewhat standard Yamaha remote controls.....average, poor, confusing. I definitely like the Zone 2 remote control and really wish that it had a "sleep" button on it like the main remote does. I mean, if I can set Zone 2 to a sleep timer with the main remote, it seems like I'd like to have this feature on the Zone 2 remote, right? :) Ultimately I don't use the remotes all that much except for simple things so it's not too much of a pain for me. BOTTOM LINE.....somewhat painful main remote but zone 2 remote is nice.
Summary: I am very happy with this amplifier and would recommend it to anybody.


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Yamaha's latest 7.1-channel AV Receiver offers superb HD Audio and Video realism, with the most extensive multi-zone custom installation compatibilities that will bring new versatility and excitement to the home theater entertainment experience.

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