Yamaha has announced five new receivers for 2008, ranging from the budget $230 RX-V363 to the $1,000 RX-V863, which features HD Radio and three HDMI inputs. As is usual, Yamaha's receivers certainly don't impress from the spec sheet, as they offer fewer features than
Yamaha RX-V363
Key features of the Yamaha RX-V363:
Yamaha RX-V463
Step-up features on the Yamaha RX-V463:
Yamaha RX-V563
Step-up features on the Yamaha RX-V563:
Yamaha RX-V663
Step-up features on the Yamaha RX-V663:
Yamaha RX-V863
Step-up features on the RX-V863:
First, let's tackle Yamaha's SCENE functionality, which is present on all five of the receivers. The concept behind the SCENE function is similar to macros on universal remotes; by pressing a SCENE button, the receiver automatically configures itself for a specific scenario, such as DVD viewing. When we tested last year's RX-V661, we found SCENE somewhat limited, though, as the only parameters that could be set for each Scene are which input should be selected, which DSP mode should be used, and whether a Night mode (which is designed to improve audio at low volume levels) should be used. We would have liked the ability to configure a default volume level for each SCENE type. Hopefully this is improved upon in the new models.
Out of the five models, the RX-V663 looks like the sweet spot. You get most of the future-proof features you want, such as HDMI upconversion, high resolution audio decoding, and a bunch of analog inputs, for a reasonable $550. Two HDMI inputs seems a little stingy--especially when Sony offers four on its $400 STR-DG820--but you can always add an HDMI switcher for more connectivity. On the other hand, 2007's Onkyo TX-SR605 offer most of the same functionality for less, as well.
The step-up RX-V863 doesn't seem worth the extra money. The major upgrades are HD Radio (which really isn't that exciting in our opinion), 1080p upscaling and an additional HDMI input, yet it costs almost twice as much. Most buyers will be better off sticking with the RX-V663, adding an HDMI switcher and skipping HD Radio altogether. And any HDTV will scale lower resolutions to 1080p, so unless the RX-V863's video processing it better than your HDTV's, you won't get any benefit from that feature.
Yamaha's
Product Specifications:
Product Description:
Yamaha RX V863 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel
Product Type:
AV receiver
Dimensions (WxDxH):
17.1 in x 15.5 in x 6.7 in
Weight:
26.2 lbs
Sound Output Mode:
Surround Sound
Surround Sound Effects:
Neural Surround
,
SILENT CINEMA DSP
,
Virtual CINEMA DSP
,
SRS Circle Surround II
Surround System Class:
7.1 channel
Equalizer:
Graphic
Radio:
Radio tuner - AM/FM - 40 preset stations
Headphones:
None
Microphone:
None
Remote Control:
Universal remote control - Infrared
Power:
AC 120 V ( 60 Hz )
Product Basic Spec:
Built-in Decoders:
DTS 96/24
,
DTS decoder
,
Dolby TrueHD
,
Dolby Digital
,
DTS-HD decoder
,
Dolby Pro Logic
,
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
,
Dolby Digital Plus
,
Dolby Pro Logic II
,
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
,
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
,
Dolby Digital Surround EX
Amplifier output details:
105 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD0.06 % - 7 channel(s) (Surround)
Optical Digital Input:
Yes
Coaxial Digital Input:
Yes