Yamaha, as the pioneers of home cinema back in the 1980s and '90s, have a reputation second to none when it comes to A/V amplifiers, and the new RX-V671 7.1 Channel Receiver looks set to continue this trend.
First impressions are excellent: the receiver is smartly styled, and as is usual for Yamahas of this class, very solidly constructed. The front panel has a clean layout, with a good selection of controls - although the supplied high quality remote control is the primary control interface - and is neatly styled and well finished.
Round the back, the RX-V671 has a comprehensive set of connections, including an impressive 5 HDMI inputs (there is also an additional HDMI on the front, which is handy for portable devices), plus a connection for one of Yamaha's i-Pod docks. Users of older video sources are well catered for with 2 component video, and 4 composite video, connections provided. For users who want to enjoy music, Yamaha have provided 2 line level inputs. Thoughtfully, a phono stage is also fitted, to allow turntable connection.
The most interesting connection is a network socket, which allows the RX-V671 to be connected to a network. This gives streaming from Napster, and music files from PC (WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC), as well access to Internet Radio. A front panel USB connection allows connection of i-Pod and i-Phone.
The receiver is 3D ready, and able to decode all DVD and Blu-Ray audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
With a rated power output of 150wpc into 4ohms, or 90wpc into 8ohms, the RX-V671 is capable of easily driving a wide range on loudspeakers, from compact sub/satellite systems, to large floorstanders.
The RX-V671 proved very simple to set up, thanks to its well laid out remote control, and easy to follow on-screen menus. This receiver features Yamaha's highly regarded YPAO room and speaker equalisation system. Simply place the supplied microphone in the listening positions, follow the on-screen instructions, and within minutes the receiver and speakers are optimised for the listening room.
Once set up, the RX-V671 was put through it's paces with a wide range of material, both films and music. The main film used was the Blu-Ray of 'Hot Fuzz', which features a wide range of audio effects, from quiet naturalistic moments, through to full-bore shoot outs. The scene where Sgt. Angel first visits the village pub allowed the RX-V671 to display its ability to generate a realistic sound field; dialogue was crisp and clear, and the background pub sounds of chit-chat, clinking glasses, and the pub games machine filled the room superbly, without dominating the dialogue. It really felt like you were in a busy rural pub.
The film climaxes with an over the top, all action shoot-out, and here the Yamaha was equally at home. The crack of gunshots flew around the room, and the blast of heavier weapons showed that the RX-V671 can be a real bass-hound when needed; the subwoofer provided a thunderous performance. All in all, a very impressive movie performer.
Moving onto music from CD, the receiver proved to be a very tuneful, detailed and musical performer. The R.E.M album 'Document', has a fairly cluttered mix, but the Yamaha was able to bring out detail buried in the music. Bass guitar was deep, yet dexterous, and gave a great underpinning to the powerful rockers, whilst the midrange quality of the RX-V671 allowed Michael Stipe's vocals to come over clearly, also giving a good clear rendition of the various layers of instrumentation.
As a contrast, we tried some gentler fare, in the form of the Dylan classic 'Blood on the Tracks', which features a stripped down, mainly acoustic band. The RX-V671 projected Dylan's voice well, giving his sometimes nasal vocals a level of clarity, that lesser receivers would struggle to give. The acoustic guitars and piano were conveyed with a superb sense of realism, whilst up in the treble regions, Dylan's harmonica was clearly reproduced, but without sounding grating. As a music maker, the RX-V671 is a superb performer with a wide range of music.
In conclusion, the Yamaha RX-V671 is a fantastic sounding receiver, able to do justice to everything from the most complex film soundtracks, to the simplest of guitar/vocal recordings, and will form the centrepiece of a great system for both films and music.
No comments:
Post a Comment