Performance to Cost, ProLogic performance

DSP management

With over 40 reviews posted, I won't elaborate too much on my overall take on the unit, but wanted to pass along my decision process to purchase this unit rather than the Pioneer Elite 26TX. (similarly priced in my market area).

(No real criticism of the 26TX; it's a fine piece of equipment)

I currently use a Vandersteen 5.1 speaker rig with 2CEs, VCC, VSMs, and V2W sub, along with a parasound 140 wpc 3 channel amplifier for the front array. Both receivers allow pre-amp out connections making the Vandy sub and Parasound amp feasible for the system.

I rated the convenience of use slightly better, actually, in the elite unit rather than the Yamaha, especially the remote control and surround calibration routine. Also, the 26TX runs 24/96 DAC/ADCs, (Burr Brown I think), while the Yamaha employs its own proprietary 20bit/48K chips.

That being the case, I'll explain my decision to go with the Yamaha rather than the Elite.

1. Volume control: The Yamaha is analog (or certainly behaves more like one relative to the Elite's, which is definitely digital (complete with dB readout on front panel). This makes a purely analog signal impossible in the Elite unit.

2. The preamp voicing in the yamaha was definitely more forward and "brighter" (not harshly so). This was an advantage with the Vandersteens, which are rather "laid back" in the upper registers. (If I owned Klipsch, or other similar loudspeakers, I probably would have leaned more towards the 26TX).

3. Experience/reputation. I bought a Yamaha CA-1010 integrated amplifier in 1976-77 and with only minor repairs, it still operates adequately. (Again, no complaint against the Elite units in this regard; it's purely personal experience). I also have a 70's era Yamaha turntable and tuner, both operating perfectly with no maintenance/repairs ever required.

4. Pro-Logic as an enhancement to 2-channel stereo. The Yamaha guys really have come up with a great steering algorithm (or something, I'm no engineer) that is a true enhancement to standard stereo. This was demonstrably better than in the Elite unit. The other DSP's are less usable (to my ears) and a little hard to call up and manage (there're a lot of them).


To be a little negative towards the end, here, both units should have their binding posts sized to accept standard dual banana plugs (neither one does).

To sum up, this was an example of specifications being less reliable than trusting one's own ears. While the 26TX was more impressive on paper, with my particular set of components, the Yamaha actually delivered a more pleasurable entertainment/listenting experience.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX 26Tx

Lot´s of Inputs (including a lot of Digitals) - High Fidelity - Power - Easy Customization -

Remote Control - Switches

Very Good Receiver .
Excelent Sound Quality .
I choose this model aginst the 795a because the quantity of AV inputs and tons of digital entries .
I have this equipment connected to a wonderful English Speakers Tannoy profile Series . You can´t believe your ears about the clarity and pure sound .
A Weaknesess , at least in my case , was the power on Switch , in one moment it didn´t work (for almost three weeks) - the only way to turn on the amplifier was through the remote control - but (nobody knows) it began to work again . In general the switches in the front of the equipment appear to be a little bit weak .
The remote control is horrible - and terrible to use - The cover is an undesired feature - specially if you have kids (teen agers) that handle the equipment also .
The quantity of inputs is a good feature in comparison with other brands in the same price / performance area .
In general - excellent equipment - very good features - very good effects - and in my case very good audio quality -

Adolfo

Similar Products Used:

First AV Receiver - Replacement of an Pioneer Power Amplifier

Ability to create your own sound fields, lots of inputs, manual, sound quality, multi-voltage and multi-mode (NTSC, PAL) inputs

No THX

It is great receiver. I researched for about 2 monthly very actively before buying this one. Some models come with multi-voltage and multi-format (NTSC, PAL ..) which was a nice surprize to me. Contrary to many people's openion here, I did not find remote a negative. In fact, I liked it - its trendy, its cool and NOT so difficult to use.

I recommed it any time, to any one who would like to spend around $750.00. I got mine from MoreAudioVideo.com

It would have been great, had it been a THX-Compatible.

Similar Products Used:

Considered Denon, Onkyo, Marantz

multi-room/source capable, clean sounding, easy to use.

Some missing features on remote

I have been using this receiver for over 6 months and it sounds just as good now as it did when I first plugged it in. It is great for HT and it works very well with my Yamaha DVD player. I am limiting the sound quality of it by using a mirage sourround speaker package instead of using floor standing speakers, but it still sounds very, very clean and is far superior to my friend's Harmon/Kardon package. I picked it up for about 850 - a good deal compared to what I was going to pay, yet, it is still a large price tag. I guess you get what you pay for!!

Similar Products Used:

none

Customizable DSP's, clean power, S-video switching, loads of inputs.

Can only make -10 db adjustments to front channels

I've had this receiver over a year now.
I'm just as happy now as I was when I got it.
It drives my speakers loudly and cleanly.
The DD and DTS processing are spectacular, and it automatically switches when receiving a different signal.
The DSP's, to me, are a blessing. A lot of people say they taint or otherwise falsely color the sound, but I don't agree with that at all. I think Yamaha designed them to simulate different venues that would be impratical if not impossible to simulate in our homes. How many of us have 70 mm type setups in our homes? :-) I paid $740 last spring for it from an authorized dealer as an upgrade to the Pioneer vsx 608, which was WAY underpowered.
The remote isn't an issue, cuz I use a Marantz RC 2000.
I would recommend this receiver to anyone with real home theater aspirations. It WON'T disappoint!!!

Similar Products Used:

Sony DB 930, Sony 555 ES, Pioneer vsx 608

great in decoding dolby digital than pioneer.clarity & natural sound.lots of i/o @ back pannel.loud @ the lower volume.

after a year i notice the hissing @ the surround channels.lack of deep bass when not using subwoofer.volume control motor easily get dirty & uncontrorable.

Hi! for the past months i submit a review since @ that time I had not still notice the hiss from the rear & slightly also @ the main speaker. I oftenly hear even playing a Dolby Digital DVD disc. when @ pause mode, you cannot really hear anything but when playing along even in a low volume or even off & you put your ears very near to the tweeter @ the soundbox you still hear hiss. not unless you mute them then you absolutely no hiss sound can be heard.I got more hiss after & upgraded my sony surround tweeters like THX cert.. Even you put the treble min. still no effect for the hiss.I thought digital is 0101010101 signal only & no space for unknown background sound sopposedly.But in this case it violates the digital meaning.I known Onkyo has this problem but lately I relized Yamaha also had too. How come others don't hear them,since I read all the review & i think only me has this experience so far. Is it i'm already to concious?
Not that I don't love Yamaha believe me I do so much since for me, when it comes to music & sound they are the master.
Have you heard a keyboard,drums,music intruments made by Denon or Onkyo(I DON'T THINK SO?).I think you answer is no! When it comes to sound reproduction Yam still #1 for me @ the average level money can buy.(NOT COMPARING TO THE VERY HIGH ENDS PRODUCT SUCH AS PROCEED, ETC.)
As an owner please try to test, noticing for some DVD movies that involve's dialog only & listend to the background @ rear chanels & till me if I'm wrong.
Note: be sure that your ears are in good listening condition. Hear from you soon

Similar Products Used:

pioneer 608

wonderful DSP modes, an abundance of power (100x5...20Hz-20KHz), connectivity, and ease of use.

remote control (it's pretty scary!!!), LFE x-over is not variable (fixed @ 90Hz)

What can I say, this is the piece to beat!!! It's very simple to use and set up... all that you can do with the on-screen display (using monitor out) can be seen on the 995's front display (unlike the Denon AVR-3300). As far as sound...... WOW!!! It comfortably drives reasonable loads (down to 4 ohm) with great dynamics. The Dolby Digital and DTS processing is fantistic and the movie DSP modes only enhance the overall movie experience. As far as the future, the 5.1ch input keeps it flexable enough for the near future, and mating this with an outboard amp(s)whether it be 5-ch, or 2-ch/3-ch configuration, the 995 will make an excellent preamp that will rival some of the best that are out there.

Similar Products Used:

RX-V460, RX-V501

clear sound, excellent ac3 , powerfull

LED display is too small,
leaky tuner noise

I just bought this yammy rx-v995 on 7/20/00 from LetGoDigital for $612 + $43 shipping. Hook it up and after 20 minute warm up , this baby start to sing beautifully. the sound is clear, bass is punchy but not boomy. The set up is easy, remote control is working pretty good but it will take me sometime to get use to this remote. I played the movie MATTRIX, and it is awesome, sound/dialogue/surround effect are clear and precise. I think this receiver is worth the money and i recommend it for anybody looking for a cheap but good receiver, forget other brands. The TRICK is setting up the bass management:
go to level button, select subwoofer(SW), then select BOTH.
BOTH means the bass will go to main channels and to the subPreout. If BOTH is not selected there is very little bass comming out of subpreout, all bass will go to the main speakers !. I love this baby.

Similar Products Used:

sony strd-e1090, yamaha 5050(very old yammy!)

Clean uncluttered looks. Very high WAF (wife Acceptance Factor). Ease of use. Sounds OK.

Requires more coax inputs. Inputs pre-defined. Remote control is total overkill! Reciever should be RDS. No LFE test signal. Delay times not adjustable. Amplifier headroom or current driving capability is somewhat lacking.

The unit replaced a NAD3080 stereo amplifier.

As this was my first attempt at Home Theatre, the system is part of the learning curve. The innitial plan was to purchase the 2095 or the A2, but due to financial restraints one had to go for this option.

Setting up the unit is easy. The connectors at the back are pretty self explannetory. The connectors are OK, but not the best constructed or strongest on the marker. Somewhat flimsy, one could describe them. I had to use the manual a bit to get the speakers and the tuner section set up. The manual was not of the best print or paper. It did not compliment the well constructed quality of the 995. The manual did not cover everything I wanted to know. There was no explanetion on how to set the FM/AM channel spacing switch at the back. Neither was there any explannation on where to set the speaker impedance selector if your speakers were 6 ohms rather than 4 or 8 ohms. Another part that was lacking, was a block diagram of the reciever. This normally makes understanding of a unit much easier. Lastly, a good rundown on stereo, pro-logic, AC3, DTS, etc for first time users could be a great help.

Overall I am pleased with the sound, even for stereo purposes. I listen to various music but specifically to classic music and can not fault the unit on "musicality". It is clear and clinical and did not add to the sound. I also enjoy the phono input and regularly use an Ortophon MC3 cartridge on an SME3009 and Technics 1200, as input. The phono stage sounds good. The output amplifiers seem to be a bit limmited as to their current driving ability which makes the speakers sound slightly out of control. Compared to the NAD3080, the 995 is not sensitive to mains interference or noise. I did not experience any hissing problems as was reported by other users.

As for the tone controls, I don't use them normally, but during tests they sounded OK, though somewhat limited in range. One uses tone controls normally to cover other defficiencies, which makes criticizing them irrelavant.

I never use the Effects though my son (22) enjoys them. The rest of the unit is functional except for the remote control, which is a drag. There should be a simpler optional unit for those who prefer to use it. What I can say about the RC is that it is a conversation piece. Every visitor talks about it, especially if one opens the front cover.

Something irritating that I experienced twice was that the processor inside the 995 got screwed-up. It would not select video or audio. A quick mains switch-off-switch-on, reset the problem.

Would I recommend the unit? Most definatelly I would. It is a well priced, well functioning, good-looking unit. And it sounds good.

My system:

* Reciever Yamaha RX-V995
* CD Player Marantz CD 6000 OSI
* DVD Sony DVP-S725
* VCR Sony SLV-ED70
* TV Panasonic FX 74 M
* Turntable Technics SL1200 Mrk1 SME3009/S2 Ortofon MC3
* LS Main B&W 603 S2
* LS Surround B&W 602 S2
* LS Center B&W LCR6 S2
* LS Sub or LFE B&W ASW 1000

Similar Products Used:

None

Very good bass until I hooked up a powered Sub. Then it was floor shaking awesome! (with neutral tone)

Remote is for those who designed it. I just use the volume button and power. Once I pop in a DVD the receiver automatically goes to digital and the sound is GREAT!

100 Watts per channel X 5 - - Its Great! I do need to upgrade my rear surounds now to handle the extra power. Overall, I'd recommend this 995 to anyone who wants a good 'kick in the pants' high qualtity receiver. I even use it for checking my HI-8 video editing. I set it up using 'Video Essencials' DVD.
The results: Not much on the audio end needed adjusting for my 14 X 20' room. The sound is the best part of the movies I watch now.
I even enjoy listing to Jazz. This receiver is so clean.

Similar Products Used:

Older Yamaha prologic