mdvillaflores

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Dawliah

Summary:
I have just purchased this receiver as a replacement for my Yamaha RX V540 that I have sold for US$300 after using it for more than 2 years. I was very much impressed with Yamaha YPAO because it always give accurate results and it helps me a lot in optimizing my system. All the reviews that I have read about this receiver at audioreview.com are true and without hesitation I recommend this receiver to every audio enthusiast. Great sound. DSP are excellent and i love the pure direct and straight stereo sound.I am planning to purchase the Yamaha YST SW315 Subwoofer as an additional sub for my existing system.Bravo Yamaha!!!

Strengths:
YPAO Pure Direct & Straight Stereo

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha RX V496 Yamaha RX V540

lourens

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $900.00 from Sound & Image Eastga

Summary:
Upgraded from a RXV 420. Got the Yamaha S550 DVD player as well - bundled with amp. Great volume control over old 420 model. My Kef Cresta speakers actually has base with the RXV-650. I really enjoy the pure direct mode and are actually enjoying two channel stereo sound more than all the overwhelming array of sound formats available. Sound stage in stereo mode is exceptional and many times it sounds as if the centre channel is also active. I had the amp for 4 weeks and then also changed to Monster Bi-wire cables for the two front floor stander speakers(Kef Cresta 3) At low volumes the base and treble is much more present than before and midrange is very much defined and always in balance with the base and treble. I think the bi-wire cables made the biggest difference with base being exceptional crisp without sounding as if it is falling behind with the mid and treble sounds. Being able to see what volume level is set to is a huge improvement over the old RXV 420 just indicating "volume up" or "volume down". On screen display very nice and makes setup of system very quick and easy. Also very easy to make changes to setup afterwards. Have not played yet with features such night listening mode or lip sync. I must add this, the guys at Sound & Image Eastgate gives really good advise and are always prepared to listen - thanks for a nice purchase experience.

Strengths:
Complete control of power delivery at virtually all levels. Excellent balance between base and mid and treble from low volumes right through to high volumes. Comprehensive display panel and onscreen menu(Although this is comming from a guy used to a RXV 420)

Weaknesses:
When listening to DTS DVD's with 96/24 encoding the centre channel does not produce any sound. Might be this particular DVD(Best of Queen volume 2). Auto setup did not correctly set the distance of my sub and also did not sound very good especialy with regards to surround sounds for movie DVD's Remote takes some time to get used to. I must admit I found the old 420 remote better layed out, but I suppose this will change with time and might not realy be a weakness.

Similar Products Used:
RXV 420, Denon 1803

south_park

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.67 of 5, 9.00 votes

Price Paid:  $350.00 from on-line

Summary:
I was forced to buy Yamaha because my rack depth would not allow me to go beyond 17" depth, and this baby just sneaks in there at about 16.5" deep. Having looked at HT receivers, I cannot imagine the bargain we all get, digital processing and 7 channels of amplification for about $350, its simply amazing, in the 80's you would get a 2 channel stereo receiver for $350 which could not do half the stuff of this. Anyway, I digress. Set the unit up last night, works great. I set up the surround "presence" speakers as "zone2" for my outside speakers, and after a while with the manual got those working. The mic/calibration system seemed to work ok, and this plays quite loudly with my 4 ohm speakers without getting very hot (so far). On screen menus and video switching are ok too. Overall, I like it so far, more later maybe.

Strengths:
7 channels of amplification, DSP, zone 2 can play radio while zone 1 watches a dvd.

Weaknesses:
complexity of user interface

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer pro logic receiver.

Theis

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.08 of 5, 12.00 votes

Price Paid:  $585.00 from www.hifi-import.dk

Summary:
I've just bought this brand new midclass reciever. I must say - I am very impressed with its quality and performance. All the features you can dream off. Together with my Yamaha DVD-S830 and a digital coaxcable it has even replaced my Onkyo Integra DX 5500, with lots and lots of details and control - even the deep bass area is under control. The integration with autochoosing is perfect - and the mic. is working perfectly. This is a perfect working maschinery - And I am not paid to say this !!!

Strengths:
All the features you can ask for - even automatic mic. included. high quality.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Luxman, Sony