Big Step Up !!
Written: Sep 16 '02
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Pros: Price, Power, Sound, Price!!!
Cons: No DLP II
The Bottom Line: Incredible receiver that should not be overlooked at the current price !!
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| one_listen's Full Review: Yamaha RX-V1 6.1 Channels Receiver |
This receiver marks my first step into higher end audio equipment. I have slowly progressed through the ranks of the Best Buy offerings and finally pluncked down some real $$$$. #1 selling point for me was the price. I got a steal on this receiver at $1300. I read reviews for this receiver comparing it to equipment costing $3000 and more (the RXV1 listed at $3200 until the release of a new 2002 model)
Sound - Top Rate. I am using Klipsh main/center speakers and old Bose Towers for the rears. (very hard to find even in their day) I would have to say that the impact of this receiver over the JVC I had is enormous. The main advantages are that the sound is incredibly full and miraculously clean at any volume level. Movie soundtracks are completely enveloping. The RXV1 has enough power to really create an audio experience.
Options - This receiver has enough input/outputs to keep even the audioholic content. I won't list them all, but a few highlights are pre amp in/outs for all channels and component video switching ability. Yamaha also has a wide array of DSP (digital signal processing) options which can be used even during Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks. This includes a DSP mode for 6.1 with a rear center channel. While most of the DSP modes I will never use, the rear center channel really adds to movies. The RXV1 also offers two more "Front Effect" channels exclusive to Yamaha products, effectively creating an 8.1 movie experience. I have heard both +/- feedback from other owners, but I love the fullness in sound detail this feature adds.
Remote - Great !! This unit comes with a programmable learning remote that will operate pretty much anything you could hook up to it. Setup can be confusing as some of the other reviews imply, but the layout of the menus is pretty intuitive, with all related functions being held in the same menu. With a little patience, the system becomes easy to use and adjust....with the payback for this patience being the superb audio experience.
Setup - As mentioned, this can be a little difficult, but the manual is well written, and this unit is not really targeted at casual users. For someone who takes home theater seriously, it requires an average amount of "tweaking".
Cons - This unit was the flagship model for Yamaha, but the new model has been released. The major deficiency is the lack of Dolby Pro Logic 2. This is a relatively new feature, but is standard on virtually all new receivers. This feature transforms regular surround into 5.1 channel surround. This is not an issue for most DVD's or Digital TV, but is very useful for VCR movies or regular TV. I was willing to overlook this because of the price. A new receiver with similar specs which includes DPL2 would cost over $3000.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1300
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Epinions.com ID:
one_listen
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Location: Pelham, NH
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Bargain hunter on most items, spender on audio/video equipment
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