 Currently, the best value for a full-featured "future proof" AVR! |
| Review Date: April 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Lars Milano, Chicago, IL |
Before you go out and buy a fancy $1k+ AV receiver with all the bells and whistles, please ask yourself, do you really need all the extra little features like HD-radio, network connectivity, USB ports, a bazillion HDMI ports, fancy video processor, etc? If all you want is a basic receiver that will allow you to enjoy the latest lossless 5.1 or 7.1 audio codec from blu-ray movies (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master), or even just multi-channel PCM tracks from movies or the latest generation game console, without having to pay for all the other extra stuff, look no further!
Yamaha did us all a favor with this unit. It does everything most people will ever need (unless you're the most technology-hungry of audiophiles) and does it all remarkably well. Sure, it is not the prettiest looking AVR out there and the OSD (on-screen display) will look like you just found that old Atari 2600 from childhood and plugged it in to your big 1080p plasma. The text and menu system looks prehistoric! Presentation and esthetics are definitely not this receiver's forte. But rest assured that in designing this receiver, Yamaha has skimped on such aspects only so they could splurge on components that count! Burr-Brown DACs and other high quality bits and pieces normally found on receivers that cost many times more are utilized in this budget AVR to deliver outstanding sound. Yamaha spent the money on things that count: the sweet sounds of music or the immersive 7.1 channels of your favorite movies delivered to your ears with uncompromising sonic quality. I also have the much pricier Onkyo NR905 and Denon 4308 that I use in my main home theater and living rooms respectively and this little Yamaha RX-V663 that costs a small fraction of those units rivals their sound. I originally picked this up so I could also have a home theater experience in the bedroom but have been floored at how it performs so much so that I will likely find myself watching more movies in bed.
It does have its limitations though. For one, it is probably not suitable for a very large room unless you use a separate multi-channel amplifier. Don't get me wrong, 95 watts per channels is probably suitable for many, but rooms upwards of 300+ square feet might be a stretch. Secondly, it only has 2 HDMI inputs (not a big deal for many, and is actually ideal for most who just have a PS3 or Xbox connected in addition to a Cable or Satellite box). Even if you needed more HD capable inputs, there are some component inputs that can still be transcoded to HDMI so you still retain the luxury of having a single HDMI cable going to the TV and use the receiver as a true AV hub. Thirdly, it has a cheap feeling and looking remote that lacks enough buttons to control other component functions (not a big deal if you use a Harmony). Lastly, it doesn't upconvert all video sources to full 1080p (again, not a big deal since most TVs do a better job at video scaling anyway). The only 1080p upconverting AVRs that are worth using for their upconverting/video-processing abilities are those with the HQV Reon or Realta chip like the higher end Onkyos and the $5000 Denon 5308. That all said, you really do get a hell of a lot in the box with this $500 Yamaha.
In conclusion, everything listed on the features list on Amazon's page about this receiver works as advertised. The YPAO automated sound optimization/calibration works flawlessly and in some ways even better than the Audyssey system used by Denon & Onkyo. Lossless audio decoding of DTS-HD Master and TrueHD works perfectly and even HDMI switching operates quick and smoothly unlike the long pauses and sometimes buggy HDMI handshaking issues Onkyos has with earlier firmware. I can confirm that there are no LFE flaws, DTS-HD Master issues, or other major problems that have often been discussed about the first batch of next generation "future-proof" receivers. It even has nice extras like a 12v trigger, and second subwoofer pre-out, speaker posts to accept banana plugs, and all the other ins and outs that you don't normally find on receiver under $500 are present. And of course I've already raved about the sound. This is the best bang for the buck in terms of AV receivers and the only thing that may be comparable is the upcoming Pioneer VSX-1018 or Sony DG-920 which will arrive summer of 2008. But based on my previous experience with the DG-910, they are definitely a step down from Sony's ES line and will probably not sound as good as the Yamaha but will have a nicer looking OSD.
I will give this product 5 stars simply because you get so much for so little. Sound quality being of higher priority than esthetics. |
My Yammy Vice
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| Review Date: June 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Scorpio69, Hawaii, America's Paradise |
The RX-V663 is an outstanding unit and a true audiophile bargain. With the ability to decode the latest HD sound formats, flawlessly route HDMI signals, and perform a top-notch room EQ adjustment automatically at such a low price point, it is nothing short of amazing. The automatic room EQ adjustment function (using the supplied microphone and the YPAO - Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) also correctly picked up on the fact that I had wired the center channel speaker out of phase and alerted me to this error -- amazing!
It also boasts preamp outputs that allow me to use my two hefty NAD THX amps to power my Front L/R and Center Dynaudio loudspeakers. I use the RX-V663 for powering the rear channels only (a pair of Athena AS-B1's). I also have a Dynaudio powered subwoofer that plugs into one of the TWO available subwoofer outputs.
Granted, the unit does not have all of the inputs one might desire, but at this price, what it does have is done to a very high level of quality. It lacks a phono preamp, for example, but this was quickly worked around by plugging the nifty (and very inexpensive) Behringer Ultra-Compact Phono Preamp PP400 into one of the available line level inputs. Voila! Instant excellent phono action.
The manual, like any manual for such a complex piece of equipment, definitely takes some time to work through, but the needed info is all there. I am not much interested in the various DSP schemes, so I use the thoughtfully conceived "Pure Direct" mode for CD or phono listening. For DVD watching, HDMI audio signals from my Sony PS3/Blu-Ray player are processed correctly, and video signals from both the PS3 and my Oppo upscaling DVD player are passed through to my Panasonic High Definition projector with no degradation whatsoever. (As an aside, I am using way inexpensive HDMI cables obtained from monoprice dot com* -- they're every bit as good as that expensive Monster-hype stuff!)
Bottom line: A high quality, state-of-the-art unit that is very flexible in a fairly high-end setup and processes the latest high-def audio and video signals flawlessly at a bargain-basement price. I won't even go into all of the other features that I presently do not utilize.
So, what are you waiting for?
* Make sure you get HDMI 1.3a Category 2 cables, which are required for the new HD audio formats. |
Yamaha vs. Onkyo vs. Denon
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| Review Date: July 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Siverly, Peoria, IL |
| Over the past few weeks I have been searching for a new a/v receiver to replace my Harman Kardon. I have added a bluray player and a new plasma. The H/K was running out of open connections. I began with the Onkyo 606 which I got at Circuit City for $379. It had a great power section, but ran very hot. The biggest issue was every time an explosion or a flash would go off on the screen, I would lose video signal to my projector. Returned it and purchased the Yamaha 663. Very clean and clear through my Jamo surround setup. I won't elaborate on details because much has already been said about the quality of the Yamaha. A week after I got the Yamaha, CC ran the Denon 988 for $650 on closeout (same as the Denon 2808). I had high expectations since it retails for $1200. Bottom line is it sounded about the same as the Yamaha. I got the Yamaha for $430 at Best Buy and can't justify the extra $$ for the Denon name. Also was not as user friendly as the Yamaha. With my particular setup, the Yamaha gave Denon performance at a much lower price. Hope this helps anyone decide as these 3 receivers are very close in features. |
The "Mac Daddy" of Surround Sound
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| Review Date: July 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. Smith, Tar Heel |
Wow! I've been putting off entering the Surround Sound world for many years, but with the purchase of my LCD TV and "HD" from Dish Network in January I began my search for the best Surround Sound receiver I could buy without sending myself to the "poor house". I certainly understand the phrase "Analysis leads to paralysis" now that I went through the process. With so many products to choose from and so much information available via the internet, it's easy to get squeamish about ACTUALLY MAKING THE PURCHASE. It all paid off with this Yamaha.
I had 2 Yamaha Tower speaker on my 2 channel amp that I loved; so I wanted to use them as my mains for Surround and I have. I bought a Yamaha Center speaker based on size and appearance (I had entertainment center measurement constraints) which sounds very nice and a Yamaha Sub that doesn't overwhelm everything. My Surround speakers are basic KLHs that are quite adequate.
It realy was "plug and play" for me and I did the whole installation myself (my KLHs were already in place as a 2nd set on my 2 channel, positioned for "rear" use in a Surround system). I turned the unit on once everything was connected and basically did nothing and it sounded spectacular. I'm using all HDMI with the Dish Receiver/DVR on one input and my Samsung Upconverting DVD on the other and obviously the HDMI Out to my Samsung LCD HD TV.
I've just touched the "tip of the iceberg" with programming features on this Receiver and yet I'm totally pleased. I added the Ipod Dock and that works perfectly too.
In the $400 range I cannot imagine how this thing can be beaten. If you are in "paralysis" right now over a Surround receiver - BUY THIS. You will not be disappointed. |
Great 7.2 AUDIO Receiver
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| Review Date: April 21, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ultrabike, Irvine, CA |
SUMMARY: Great Sound, Good video switching, Decodes all HD sound formats, Great DSP features, tremendous value, Pre-Outs upgradable.
I was interested in buying an A/V receiver and was undecided between the Onkyo SR606 and the Yamaha RXV663 (aka HTR-6160BL), given what I'd read about them. Both are well known, well liked receivers. The Onkyo SR606 seems more popular due to the number of HDMI inputs, 1080i up conversion (though fairly buggy), and decent performance. The Yamaha is popular because of its great sound fidelity and quality, has pre-outs (unlike the SR606 and many other receivers at this price range), and 2 subwoofer outputs (instead of 1 - i.e. this is really a 7.2 system, not 7.1). Both receivers offer great value. Note that both receivers do poorly in video up conversion. BUT both decode all SD and HD audio formats!
SOUND PERFORMANCE:
In terms, of actually hearing the receiver perform: I went to a local store (Fry's) and had a chance to hear both the Onkyo and Yamaha units perform. I liked the Yamaha sound better (more detail). But the Onkyo was very good too. How about in my living room? The Yamaha sound is described by one word: AMAZING.
(April 26, 09: It seems this receiver uses toroidal transformers and Burr Brown quality DAC, while it seems Onkyo and similarly priced receivers do not have such quality in their audio components)
The RX-V663/HTR-6160 power consumption according to the manual is 400W, and the SR-606 is 120V*5.5A = 660W. That means that the Onkyo should be able to play louder. However, 400W is already plenty for a small/medium room and it seems that with in the power specs of the Yamaha, it does seem to do a better job in paper than the Onkyo:
According to HT Labs, in stereo mode (2 channel) the Yamaha was able to perform bellow 0.02% THD @150W continuous in stereo mode. This is substantial since most high end small and medium speakers (and some entry level towers) would probably get destroyed when driven by 150W/Ch continuous power. In stereo mode, the Yamaha OUTPERFORMED NOT ONLY THE SR-606, BUT THE Rotel RX-1057 "450W" (Rotel has a reputation for understating their power numbers) receiver as well in terms of THD.
However, there are no miracles. Like previously stated the Rotel and Onkyo have larger power supplies and can drive 5 and 7 speakers with more power than the Yamaha before distortion takes over. In the 5 channel measurements (and 7) the Yamaha apparently loss ground significantly to both the Rotel and the Onkyo: 112.1W/Ch (Rotel to 4 ohms), 109.4W/Ch (Onkyo to 4 ohms), and 74.9W/Ch (Yamaha to 4 ohms).
Now, if you bought typical small home-theater 5.1 speakers, each satellite tends to require 40W nominal, and can tolerate a maximum of 100W before they start getting damaged. Based on this, this Yamaha receiver should run them effortlessly. Furthermore, if you need to drive power hungry high-end speakers requiring 50-600W to work, none of the receivers in the HTR-6160 class would be a great choice. UNLESS, you use the pre-outs of this receiver along with a separate audio amplifier. Not many receivers in the HTR-6160 class offer 7.2 pre-outs!
Yamaha often gets criticized because they claim 95W into 7 channels (probably dynamic power or peak power). Many receivers rate their power using continuous power numbers (which is rarely the case in real life). With 7 channels driven continuously, according to HT Labs the Yamaha 663 can only muster 46.9W (Onkyo gives 63.2W). That means Yamaha's marketing (and some other brands) may be a bit misleading, but the receiver is fairly good considering their power consumption rating.
VIDEO:
In terms of video up-conversion, this and current receivers in this price range are not great performers (with Sony usually reviewed as the top performer at the expense of audio).
This receiver (HTR-6160) is probably at the bottom of the pack when it comes to up-conversion. In fact it either does nothing (probably best) or up-converts analog signals to 480p (with a lot of issues). Onkyo SR-606 is not much better with their infamous borders around 1080i up-conversion. Sony probably does better, but allegedly at the expense of audio performance (at this price range).
For decent video results you need a much more expensive pre-pro's or receivers (>>$2K) that use very high end video chips, or a dedicated video processor (like the $600 DVDO). They are great in up-converting digital video (HDMI). But analog sources are a little trickier.
If video up-conversion is a deal breaker for you, consider pairing this receiver with a video processor for a better job and less $$$.
HDMI:
One thing this receiver does not have that the Onkyo does is 4 HDMI inputs. You can get a priority 4 port HDMI switch for your Yamaha for $30, but it is an inconvenience. Personally, I can live with that if the Yamaha delivers in terms of sound performance for the $$$.
TEMPERATURE:
If you do not have 8 inches above your receiver for proper ventilation, you may have issues with Onkyos and Pioneers, but not with this Yamaha.
My main concern with the Onkyo was not necessarily that its audio performance was not satisfactory (in fact, its numbers are quite good and you can crank up the volume more than you can with the 663 so that your neighbor's neighbor can enjoy your music). It was the Onkyo's fame for running hot that concerned me. I placed my hand on the top of both receivers while @ Fry's, and the Onkyo did run substantially hotter than the Yamaha. UltimageAVmag actually measured the temperature after the 7 channel test, and the thermometer read 135 degrees! Since I don't have an open cabinet for the receiver, this scared me away from the Onkyo.
Two of my friends had their receivers die due to heating problems, so this is indeed a concern. On Onkyo's defense though, my friend's receivers where not Onkyo nor Yamaha (point is overheating should not be overlooked in closed spaces).
PRICE
The price for the HTR6160 can go as low as $350 (RX-V663 can go that low as well), just depends on the vendor and the time. The Onkyo is usually $400, but you may find it for $350 as well. Rotel RX-1057 usually sells for more than $1K.
OTHER RECEIVERS (PRICE AND FEATURE RANGE):
HTR-6260/RXV665: Has more HDMI inputs and probably better video upconversion. It has pre-outs as well. But it has a smaller power supply, and if people criticize the 663 about its power against its peers, 665 would probably be seen more as a pre/pro than a receiver (and an expensive pre/pro for its feature set)
RXV765: Seems like a 663 with better video stuff, but at almost 2X the price. In this price range, other brands like Marantz might be worth checking out.
Pioneer VSX-1018: Just like the RXV765, but runs a bit hot and it seems discontinued.
HK-254: Worth considering as well.
I would mention Denon, but like Onkyo, at this price range NO PRE-OUTS: No way to upgrade power for higher end speakers down the road.
PERSONAL THOUGHTS:
Now that I have this unit, I can say that paired with a 5.1 Mirage Nanosat system, this receiver rocks my living room and I could not be happier. Some people say this receiver is bright, and some others are warm. Well, after I ran the YPAO calibration it seems the receiver equalized that out (Onkyo's - and other receiver's - Audyssey should do the same). The receiver also has a graphic equalizer that should tailor things to your taste a bit more. I do not feel my system bright at all, and I can definitively hear incredible audio detail out of it through the speakers.
I have my receiver connected to my LN46A650 TV and my WD HD TV hard drive player (1080P), and I have had no problems so far running HDMI video through the receiver (because I'm not up converting), or decoding audio at all. I also control my LN46A650 TV using the HTR-6160 remote. I also can pump the volume up, and can never go above -15 dB before my wife screams at me to turn it down :) |
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