Yamaha RX-Z1
Written: Nov 20 '04
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Pros: Super clean audio, plenty of power, customizeable sound options, nice looking and sturdy build
Cons: Remote control looks neat (until you actually use it regularly), 130x6 instead of 130x7.
The Bottom Line: Great sounding unit all around, but remote is "iffy"
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| db1162's Full Review: Yamaha RX-Z1 8.1 Channels Receiver |
I recently upgraded my RX-V3000 (2nd to the top model in 2001) to the RX-Z1. This review reflects some differences between the two:
Positives:
The RX-V3000 was no slouch, but the RX-Z1 is the clear winner. The difference is that the RX-Z1 doesn't seem to work as hard to achieve loud music. Moreover, the processing seems a little bit cleaner, probably as a result of better DAC's and more of them, than was present in the RX-V3000. Two things impressed me the most about my upgrade.
First, the 45x2 on the front surrounds REALLY helps compared to the 25x2 on the other unit. Before, you barely heard them, now they are finally loud enough to keep pace with the other speakers. My second feature I was impressed with was the addition of DTS: Neo 6. All this hype recently about DPL-IIx, when this does the same thing...and perhaps even a little bit better.
For those that like to tweak their system, there are a lot more adjustments options (i.e. equalizer options for each channel) than in lower priced models. The only model that came close to this level of options was a Yamaha DSP-A3090 I had a few years ago. But, after awhile, too many options can be overwhelming, so I suspect that not everyone will use these options. Still, it is nice to know that for the extra cost of this unit, you are entitled to a perfectionistic listing setup.
Negatives:
130x6. For a flagship model made in the last year that cost over $3K, there is really no excuse for it not being 130x7. Come on, this has been standard on other brand's mid-priced receivers ($1K) for over 2 years now.
The Remote Control...well, they tried to offer something ultra cool, and cool it is. It just isn't terribly useful. Sure, your friends will be impressed that your receiver is operated by a "palm pilot". But, using this thing is a pain, and that is why Yamaha's new RX-Z9 when back to the faithful learning remote. With this remote, you have to cycle through multiple menus to do just about anything.
Also, the on screen display on the face of the remote doesn't stay on long. Every time you want to do anything, even pause a VHS tape, you have to turn the remote on first and then go to a menu for the VCR. In reality, your better off using this remote for the receiver functions and using a "cheapo" $20 universal remote for everything else.
Oh, and if the remote breaks... you are really in trouble! Unlike previous Yamaha models, ALL of the setup functions (i.e. telling the unit what type of speakers are connected to the unit) cannot be accessed from the front panel, and must be set using the remote control. And if this remote breaks, it cost $500 to replace it!!! You can't replace it with any remote, because it needs to have those specific codes to adjust settings from menus that are specific to this model receiver). Arrrrgh!!!!
OVERALL
If you can live with the above remote frustrations, than this receiver delivers ridiculous quality sound. I truly wonder if you could get a much cleaner sound out of a unit, without spending 3 times as much for a slight, maybe even, subjective difference in sound quality.
This is a very neutral sounding unit. Which is a good thing. It is up to the listener to purchase speakers to get "softer" or "brighter" sound, and that is really the way it should be.
Equipment Used:
Denon 2910 DVD / SACD Player
Infinity Alpha Series Speakers
(Alpha 50, 37c, 1200S, QWS-1 (5))
Monster Reference Power Center and Monster Cables
Panasonic LC-75U XGA LCD Projector w/ Draper H.C.G. Screen
JVC S-VHS VCR
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1688
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Epinions.com ID:
db1162
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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