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Yamaha is pushing to make the RX-V665 (90W x 7) the new market leader. In addition to the features outlined above, the V665 includes Deep Color (30/36 bit) technology, 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates and Auto Lip-Sync compensation, which automatically (according to Yamaha) eliminates audio/video sync issues. Assignable amplifiers for bi-amping, powering presence speakers (back surround or front) or a second zone are included, as well as zone 2 on/off control from the front panel, remote in/out and programmable +12V trigger outputs. The RX-V665 is also Sirius/XM satellite radio ready with XM HD Surround powered by Neural Surround.
I have had good luck with Yamaha in the past so I gave this one a shot based on it's "zone 2" abilities. I had it up and running in minutes and the unit performs very well. I am not using much of it's video switching capabilities but it works well for what I have tried. The zone 2 funtion is just what I was looking for. You can control two areas from one remote. You can watch a movie in 5.1 surround in one room and listen to another source (ipod, tuner, etc) or the same souce in another area with seperate volume levels. All controled from one remote. This unit also has line level outputs that I am using an external amp for which works well, but has to listen to the same input as the main, but for my application, that is just fine. I like the unit.
I won't necessarily take issue with reviewers that claim there are better receivers on the market. I'm sure there are, but I wouldn't want to pay for one. Here's why. I purchased this receiver to replace a set of Logitech Z-680s. (precursor to the Z-5500) I loved them dearly since they included Dolby Digital, ProLogic, and DTS decoding (unlike my previous 5-speaker stereo system, which left out the DTS) and yet did not require a separate receiver. They also had 5.1 analog in via headphone jacks a-la most computer speaker systems. Here were the flaws: *Satellites lacked mid-range *Subwoofer could not be turned low enough not to disturb my neighbors, and PC equalizers just didn't cut it *Hiss emitted from center speaker Since all of the electronics for the system were in a "control pod" and the subwoofer, I had to replace the sub, and I needed a way to decode digital audio. I replaced the sub with an $80 Yamaha, and purchased the V665 for $230. (originally a $550 product) The primary reason I purchased this model is because it is the cheapest receiver on the market (that I found, anyway) to offer multi-channel analog inputs. (7.1, although 5.1 would have sufficed for me) Even though I am still using the Logitech satellites with the system, it sounds phenomenal. There's a little bit of distortion with center channel audio, but I believe that is the Tangband speaker driver's fault. Midrange has been restored to incredible levels I never thought possible with these satellites. That said, I am also in the process of replacing the satellites. I wanted Yamaha's second-tier system (the first-tier, cheapest doesn't have tweeters on the satellites) but it is no longer available. Consequently, I am buying old Klipsch ProMedia Ultra satellites. I may update this review once I have them in place. Since they are used, they are quite cheap, and they have 3.5" woofers and 0.5" tweeters for an unbeatable price. (I think the electronics in the subwoofers on the Klipsch systems would often die, leaving people left with the satellites to sell) I always wanted one of the Klipsch sets back in high school (I settled for the Z-680s for much less dough) but they were too big/heavy/expensive. Now I get to benefit from the incredible design of their satellites. Ultimately I'll probably get some nice bookshelf units for speakers, but I just graduated from college and am now back in grad school, so I don't have a lot of money to burn. The entire system might have been a little wasteful, but I think it's highly flexible and very upgradeable. Note that there isn't much in the way of analog conversion on this unit. Yamaha saved weight (which is nice) but not size (which is not). I'm just glad I've got my analog in. The system is highly configurable and decodes all modern formats. (no 3D and no return channel on the HDMI, but I don't care) I think the biggest gripe is the cruddy on-screen display, but I wouldn't want to shell out a few hundred more just for a pretty interface. Since the used Klipsch satellites are so cheap, I may jump to 7.1, or add "presence" speakers at the front. Note that Zone 2 is also a feature on this unit, but I'll only use that if I can find a reasonably inexpensive way to do a high quality wireless connection to my study.Read full review
If you don't need 3D, 4K or a beautiful, idiot-proof menu system, then you can't go wrong with this feature packed receiver. 7.2 channel, both the older Blu-ray and HD-DVD lossless standards, powered zone 2, bi-amp, the list goes on and on. This is my second, after I lost the first due to lightning. There are newer and better, but if you don't need the extra features, be sure to give this one a serious look.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I really am happy with this receiver. It does everything I needed. I like the HDMI switching. I have a Harmony Remote to use with it and turns everything on when I want to watch a movie and switches to the right HDMI channel. The sound quality is excellent. It works great with my Ipod Touch. The included microphone worked great getting all the speakers set for optimum sound. There is allot to read about how to use all the features the receiver can do, but it is easy to understand if you have had much experience with home theater receivers. This is the first Yamaha receiver I have ever owned. I am very happy with it and would highly recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their home theater system.