Price Paid:  $80.00 from Buy-Sell-Trade

Summary:
Needed something for a basic surround setup. I wanted something with two coax digital inputs, which this has.

Mains: Event 20/20s.
Center: EV Sonic XS (very sweet for computer speakers)
Surrounds: Polk R15 (needed something, they are cheap)
Sub: McCauley 6232 in a custom box driven by QSC PLX 1602.

This receiver has plenty of power to drive the 20/20s and preouts for all channels which is nice. (I drive the center channel using the preout.) I can only ride the volume control up to about 1/4th before it is too loud.

I would highly recommend as a basic receiver, provided you don't absolutely need component switching. If you can find it cheap, it is a worthy receiver.

Strengths:
Digital decoding from my computer. I just plugged it in and it worked. Using coax output.
Preouts on all channels.
Built like a rock.

Weaknesses:
DSP modes are essentially useless, I always have them off.
Cannot drive 4ohm load into rear speakers.

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Sound Advice

Summary:
Bought it new in 1998 when DD 5.1 was still a bit new. This is a very good reciver. Has many DSP's that are very good ( Jazz, Rock Concert, And of course the DD and DP.) and some that aren't ( Church, Concert Hall, And Stadium ) they sound like your in an echo chamber. Remote is a liitle out there, too many buttons and most are to small, I use the One for all kamelon ( it is a great remote ). The sound from the onboard amplifier is very good, clean power. Features of this reciver are decent, has all the main inputs and outputs ( love the fact that it has the 5.1 outputs to hook up seperate amplifiers ). But it needs more Digital audio and S-video inputs plus there are no component video inputs but as there was no component video when it was made that is understandable. But I think this was/is a great reciver for HT and music. Great sound and looks. But since I started upgrading my system this will get replaced, but it will be the last part of the system to go.

My System:

Reciver: Yahama RX-V793
CD Player: Denon DCM-370
DVD Player: Denon DVD-1000
Phono: Rotel RP-855
Cartrige: Shure V15VxMR
Amplifier: Adcom GFA-7400
Main Speakers: B&W 602's V1
Suround Speakers: B&W 602"s V1
Center Speaker: B&W CC6
Subwoofer: Velodyne DLS-3500
Speaker & interconnect cables: Blue Jeans Cable

Strengths:
Great sound from a 80x5 watt reciver.
Some good DSP's
Well built ( never had a single problem in 6 years ).

Weaknesses:
Lack of S-video and digital audio inputs.
No bannana connectors of suround and center channel.
A bit outdated as far as processing ( no 6.1 or 7.1, no DTS,or the newer Prologics).

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $850.00 from Good Guys

Summary:
My first entry into Dolby Digital. Have owned since 1998 and love this receiver. Tried Sony, Teac, Pioneer and this blew them away. Sound is crisp and clean. Use nearly 100% for Home theater. I am now n process of upgrading to newer 6.1 DTS ES discreet, Pro Logic 2 model... probably Yamaha HTR-5590. No regrets with the 793. I'm sticking with Yamaha.

Strengths:
Clarity of Movie sound, Remote (complicated but powerful), durability - no problems in 4 years.

Weaknesses:
Remote (too complicated for my wife!), no DTS, no newer features like DTS ES, 6.1 matrix, pro-logic II.

Similar Products Used:
Sony

Price Paid:  $250.00 from The Wiz

Summary:
I heard the Yamaha RX-V793 at The Wiz in stereo mode only and the Salesperson told me for the price that it can't be beat. I took it home and hooked it up to Polk Audio RT55 for the fronts Polk Audio 400 for the center a pair of Polk
Audio fx/500 for the rear and a velodyne sub. The sound is unbelievable. I love this reciever. Thank you The Wiz.

Strengths:
Great price and the sound for DD is one of the best I have heard

Weaknesses:
Long silly remote

Similar Products Used:
Sony ES
Carver

Price Paid:  $600.00 from HiFi House in Wilmington DE

Summary:
This is my first venture into home theater and i must say that i am quite impressed. I used this for home theater, music listening, and for throwing parties. I took this to college for my junior and senior years and it survived a bit of abuse and moving, but i have never had a problem with it. My dvd player did not have a dolby digital decoder in it and this reciever did the job just fine. I love this piece.

my system
yamaha rx-v793
paradigm monitor 3's main speakers
paradigm cc-350 center channel
paradigm ps-1000 powered sub
cheap surrounds (soon to be mini monitors)
sony cdp-ca70es cd changer
panasonic vcr
playstation 2 dvd player
assorted cables

Strengths:
power, imputs, sound, learning remote

Weaknesses:
the remote is a bit clunky and not very ergonomic.

Similar Products Used:
first av reciever