Real Bargain Now!
Written: Mar 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Powerful, clear sound, connections for everything!
Cons: Remote is complicated
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| pbernota's Full Review: Yamaha RX-V995 5.1 Channels Receiver |
When I made a decision to upgrade my Home Theater to Dolby Digital and DTS I went and shopped for a real bargain - got an Onkyo TX-DS676 at a good price. Turned out to be a mistake cause it had hiss in all the channels (well known fault in the grounding - but still not always remedied by Onkyo), the sound was muddy and there was cross channel FM signal leakage. Packed it up for shipping back to the dealer and went shopping for a replacement.
I was really in the market for a higher end $800 - $1,000 receiver, maybe a Sony STR-DA777ES or a Yamaha RX-V2095 this time. The local store had an open box Yamaha RX-V995 just sitting there for $449!!! Didn't have the AM antenna, but I don't listen to AM so I grabbed it.
Checked out the huge number of connections to make sure it could handle my system pieces - it had everything, including multiple digital coax, optical, even an AC-3 for my laserdisc combi! (Found out later that this was a General model, not the U.S. model which substitutes something else for laserdisc. Other features are the same, though)
Got home, plugged in the JVC S-VHS VCR, the Pioneer combi laserdisc/DVD/CD player, the JVC TV, held my breath and turned it on. Got a CD spinning and WOW!!!!
First, this Yamaha has crystal clear sound. The high notes are distinguishable and the mid is too. If you have been listening to one of the "warm and smooth" sounding alternatives be prepared to be astonished. The detail the Yamaha RX-V995 puts out is excellent.
Second, the bass came through with authority and power. Most amps overstate their power ratings by using non-standard measuring methods - not the Yamahas. I mean, 10 watts will probably be enough to deafen you in any case, but power reserves are needed for sustained volume and those sharp transient sounds you hear like a sharp rifle shot in a movie or a snare drum, not mention the helicopter crash in "The Matrix".
I read that about the only manufacturer who states accurate amping power numbers is Yamaha. Well, I looked up some third party reviews which actually do measure the amping characteristics (not just regurgitate the manufaturer's claims) and this Receiver really had the full 100 watts it claims.
Third, I went through the variety of DSPs. Most I wouldn't use but if you are into having your Rolling Stones CD sound like you are Anaheim Stadium, you got it here. I did like the Jazz Club setting for my acoustic music.
Finally, the actual Dolby Digital and the DTS decoding works great! Excellent sound separation and placement.
On the negative side:
1. The remote takes a lot of getting used to. It is super featured but complicated with as many buttons as are used. I am getting used to it but it takes concentration to make sure you are pressing the right button. Also there is a cover on it that seems a little weak.
2. The sound tone used for the speaker leveling doesn't lock into one channel - it keeps moving from one speaker to another in sequence. Some people may prefer this method but I don't.
Summary:
This is one great receiver!!!!
Yamaha is introducing their new line right now so you can get most 1999 Yamaha's at greatly discounted prices. A fair price for this receiver right now is $650 - 750 on the Internet. I got a super bargain but I don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone at under $750.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
pbernota
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 3 members
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