Price Paid:  $500.00 from Sears

Summary:
I replaced my 7 year old Kenwood KRV-9010 Receiver with the R-V901 and can say it blows it away. The Kenwood was rated 130Wx2 and the Yamaha at 85x2 plays cleaner and louder. I only use it for music so I have not used the surround sound but if you are looking for a great sounding and powerful receiver give this a listen if ya can find one good used.

Strengths:
Awesome power. Simple layout

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood KRV-9010

Summary:
Definitely a great buy for stereo listening, but not really the best for home theater.

Strengths:
This is an excellent receiver for stereo listening. While the DSP's were available, I hardly ever use them. I get execellent sound and power when listening to music and two channel movie viewing.

Weaknesses:
I was very disappointed with its ability to power the surround speakers. There just wasn't enough power to create the surround sound effect you would expect from a Pro Logic receiver.

Summary:
I purchased the RV-901 about one year ago for $225.00 at a going out of business sale. The retail was over $400 so I got this receiver for an excellent price, and I have been extremely happy with my purchase. I use the 901 for music and home theater, and my system consists of a Proscan PS32700 TV, Sony Hi-Fi VCR, with B&W 305's in the front, 302's in the back, and the B&W CC3 center channel. A Toshiba DVD player will be added in the near future, so to get Digital sound, I will need to upgrade my receiver as the 901 is not digital ready (but receivers in this price range weren't when I bought this anyway). The power is excellent, and the pro-logic enhanced is fills the room with a wonderful natural sound. Don't be worried about the 15 watt ratings to the rear channel because I have noticed that the Yamaha's in particular use the rear channels very well and I have had to turn my rear's down in many cases. At high volumes, the highs can get kind of scratchy and tinny, particularly on voices, but this could be partly because of the fairly inexpensive center channel (although I love B&W and would recomend them to anyone). The DSP modes are great, Disco is great for rap and techno, but I find that for Jazz and Classical, regular stereo is fine. I believe that the RV-902 is equivalent to the 901 but is Digital ready, and the RX-V590 and 592 are also almost identical. This receiver is great for a mid-quality home theater like mine. I would recomend it to anyone, especially at a price of under $300.00. Great job Yamaha.