Audio Quality, Build Quality, Ultra Low Distortion, DSP, Ergonomics, Connections, Made in Japan
Cons
This receiver has no cons
Review
I've had this 8.3 channel (Main L/R, Center, Rear Center, Rear L/R, Front Effect L/R, 3 subwoofer outputs) Yamaha Flagship receiver since it came out in 2000. They don't make them like this anymore. The amps used in these older Yamaha's are far superior to what is used today in most receivers. The 44-bit DSP LSI chips and 24-bit/96kHz Burr-Brown PCM1704 DAC's for all channels are top-notch. It's a 62 pound beauty with the finest parts used throughout. The audio quality is the best thing about this receiver which is what it's all about. It has true stereo subwoofer outputs and a mono subwoofer output, all of which can be used at the same time. Because it was the flagship from 2000 to 2002, it does not have HDMI connections. But this receiver can still be used by anyone for which that is not a concern (i.e. HDMI video signals sent to your Display). It sports 6-channel external analog inputs to take advantage of lossless audio from a Blu-Ray player, DVD-Audio and/or SACD player. The phono stage is excellent for Vinyl playback. This is a true audiophile receiver.
Top notch audio quality, excellent flexibility, built like a tank, incredible reliability, 5.1 analog audio inputs
Cons
No hdmi handling, no decoding of lossless audio or multi channel pcm, no ability to boost lfe channel analog input
Review
Oh how I wish this baby had included hdmi handling and lossless audio codec decoding. If it had these abilities, I would have continued using it as my primary home theater receiver for many years further on. The audio quality provided by this behemoth is outstanding! It got along very well with our M&K speaker/sub system. It is unfortunate that the analog audio inputs do not offer a way to boost the lfe channel input (except by reducing all the other channels and running the receiver at higher volume) as that probably would have extended its stay in our primary home theater system for blu-ray lossless audio. It is still in operation, however, in our secondary home theater setup elsewhere - and has been replaced with a newer Yamaha in our primary location.
Powerful, extremely low THD, tons of connections, Made in Japan, high-end audiophile-grade AV receiver, extremely well-built to esoteric standards and a lot more
Cons
No HDMI, no lossless HD audio decoding, no auto-set up; no on-screen GUI
Review
I was looking for an AV receiver to replace my 9 year old Yamaha RX-V1 - Yamaha's flagship receiver in 2001. I was happy with the RX-V1 (I still am) but I felt I was missing out on the new lossless HD sound (ie, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD) when I watch movies or concerts on Blu-ray. I tried using the RX-V1's multi-channel analog inputs with my blu-ray player's analog outs to enjoy lossless HD audio but eventually felt that the soundstage was just not there. I thought of getting a new receiver but I did not want to let go of my RX-V1 also, I do not want to spend a fortune on another receiver (I already had 4 AV receivers).
Since I have a 5-channel power amplifier that I am not using - the Sony TA-N9000ES - I thought of getting a mid-level lightweight AV receiver that I can use as an AV pre-amp/surround processor. To this end, I chose last year's 25-lb Yamaha RX-A800 Aventage AV Receiver and paired it with my 53-lb Sony TA-9000ES Power Amplifier. And they drove my 8.2 Paradigm Reference Speaker system like my beloved 62-lb Yamaha RX-V1. I totally love my new receiver, especially its YPAO feature (it's a Yamaha!). I couldn't believe that for $308, my audio system is back in the big league. Because of this perceived improvement in sound quality, I felt that my 5 year old Sanyo PLV-Z4 720P LCD Projector was now lagging in the picture department. To this end, I replaced it with the unbelievably amazing Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 8350 1080P LCD Projector.
But, this does not mean that my Yamaha RX-V1 is now retired. I moved it upstairs (with the help of my 20-year-old son, of course), in my HDTV-based secondary system in the family room. Like I said, I am still happy with it.
Built in Japan extremely powerful bit of gear has great volume controle so responsive in the audio department I love it
Cons
No hdmi, contectetion verey deep reciver not compaterbull with hd equipment
Review
Verey good reciver 1 of the best I've had in a long time I must say I'm goin to replace myn eventually but do far it great not a bad component in it but what else can I say it one built in Japan of course it goin to be great
No
