Yamaha RX-V661

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.