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"Strong feature set, Good sound quality, Easy to set up" on by blortmaster
Pros: YPAO automatic balancing, HDMI switching, customizable inputs
Cons: Only two HDMI inputs, no upconversion to HDMI
Summary: This receiver was extremely easy to set up and support for HDMI switching significantly reduced the number of cables in my home theatre system. Standard AV and S-Video can be upconverted to the component output, so there is no need to connect another input on your TV for those older devices.
The CinemaDSP modes are not all useful, but some of them provide a nice enhancement over the basic Dolby or DTS decoding.
YPAO, Yamaha's automated balancing system, works exactly as advertised. The system determined which speakers were connected, tested them for level, distance, and equalization, then optimized the system accordingly - including the subwoofer channel. No manual level or phase adjustments were needed.
The finish is handsome and the overall build quality seems excellent. I have never had a problem with my various Yamaha receivers. I would definitely recommend this one. -
"Incredible sounding receiver" on by joshuncc
Pros: Power handling, options, 7.1 decoding, price
Cons: feature set is extensive, but requires studying of the manual
Summary: This receiver is incredible. I'd heard that Yamaha's receivers were incredible for the $$, and after purchasing this unit this past summer, it is true. I actually dug out all of my old CDs, just to listen to them again. For two days straight I didn't get off my couch (I'm powering a set of 7 JBL studio speakers and 12" 600w powered subwoofer).
I love the 7.1 audio feature, as well as the ability to dual-zone the unit, delivering audio to another zone that is different from the main zone audio -- IE, I can watch a movie in our movie theatre while playing soft CD music in our dining room.
I highly recommend this unit. Great unit, and moderately priced! -
"Great sound, limited Zone functionality" on by jpitt57488
Pros: Sound is great. YPAO is great. Scene functionality is great.
Cons: No HDMI up-conversion
There are many limitations on multi-zone playbackSummary: This receiver sounds wonderful. For the basic operation of the receiver I absolutely love it. There are, however some limitations to be aware of...especially if you want to use this for a multi-zone configuration and/or you want to take advantage of video switching.
1) No HDMI up-conversion. OK...the specs are very clear on this; but this is really somewhat of a pain if you are hoping to take advantage of video switching. For example, most of my input sources are HDMI but I have some that are component (Wii- Xbox 360). Because the unit does not up-convert; you have to switch both the TV input and the receiver input.
2) Zone 2 only works with Analog sources. If you hope to add a 2nd Zone consider that you cant get music from any digital input. Note that you can overcome this by running RCA red/white from the various input sources(if available). For example, I use my 360 to stream my music collection from my PC. When I tried to play on Zone 2 it did not work because I was using an optical connection (digital). Luckily, the 360 provides a set of standard rca left/right outputs as well. I connected these to another input and it works fine. This can certainly be confusing, however. Try explaining to your wife "If you want to play xbox the input is DVD...but if you just want to listen to music it is CD".
3) If you want to watch a video source and listen to an audio source, then there are limitations. For example, I can't play wii and listen to my ipod. Why? Because the ipod is a video source. You can get around this issue by connecting the Wii directly to your TV...but again this is kind of a pain. Of course another way to get around this issue is to use the ear buds on your ipod ;-P -
"Worth the money" on by cableguy1967
Pros: Great sound
Cons: no upconversion
Summary: I bought the RX-v661 last week $341 i have Sony 55" LCD, Sony DVD ,Scientific Atlanta 8300HDC DVR using HDMI and Optical audio out, 12" 400W powered sub, 2 Bose 301,4 Bose 161 & 2 Yamaha Bookshelf speakers and a Yamaha center speaker.
installation was easy and it sounds great.I am around theater systems daily with far more money invested into them that don't sound half as good.I'd recommend this receiver this is my second Yamaha Receiver the first i've had for about 10 yrs and never any problems. -
"VERY nice unit for the Pirce" on by FlightNurse2
Pros: Price, flexablity
Cons: wish it would convert analog to digitial
Summary: I've had my 661 now for a month, and love it. The unit has performed as I thought it would. This unit is a starting point for me as I'll be upgrading to another receiver in another year, home theater is expensive, so I went with the speakers, TV and DVD player I wanted, so had to buy a lesser receiver then I wanted. But so far no complaints, I'm using a logitech 880 and not having any problems at all. IF you are looking for a budget A/V reciever you can't go wrong with this unit, I was looking at the Pioneer 1016 and took the Yamaha...
Yamaha RX-V661 user reviews
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