The Yamaha RX-V665BL: Does More Features Mean Better?
The Yamaha RX-V665BL 630 Watt 7-Channel Home Theater Receiver attempts to offer maximum quality and enjoyment with added features of full support for HD audio formats, video upconversion, Sirius and XM satellite radio readiness and iPod & Bluetooth compatibility compared to its predecessors. Yet so far, it seems that they could have done better.
The unit features support for Dolby Digital and DTS HD sound systems and the Pure Direct mode which can cause signals to pass only through basic audio circuitry to prevent noise distortions. It also features Zone 2 power audio with power amplifier output feature, which lets you enjoy different music in separate rooms, and the Yamaha Cinema DSP, which creates independent sound fields to give you enhanced surround sound experience. In addition, Yamaha brings its Sound Optimization system which analyzes your room’s acoustic and adjust speaker parameters to improve performance automatically. For graphic performance, the unit comes with the HDMI interface with Deep Color transmission that supports the latest color depths and 1080p video upscaling for more vivid, realistic video quality. And for controls, Yamaha offers the unique SCENE buttons which launches multiple operations with a touch of a button, and an on-screen menu display.
While Yamaha may seem to offer many features with the RX-V665BL, the truth is it doesn’t stand out from its fellow receivers. Image quality is poor, sound production could have been better, users can’t customize a/v inputs, fewer input ports compared to similarly priced receivers and fault connection with audio sources drag down the quality of this product. Despite its claims of features which can supposedly match with its competitors, Yamaha has a long way to go before it can catch up. The RX-V665BL can still perform as a decent receiver, but you’ll probably have better choices elsewhere.
↑ Back to Top