Yamaha Tops Off RX-V Series OF A/V Receivers

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 8/9/2011

Buena Park, Calif. - Yamaha began shipping the final and most expensive model in its RX-V series of A/V receivers (AVRs).

 Shipments of the $899-suggested 7.2-channel RX-V871 follow May shipments of the 7.1-channel RX-V671 at a suggested $599, 7.1-channel RX-V571 at $499, 5.1-channel RX-V471 at $379, and 5.1-channel RX-V371 at $249.

The features of the new models include DLNA 1.5 and Windows 7 certification to stream audio from networked PCs and network-attached storage drives; Internet radio streaming; and streaming of Rhapsody, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Pandora and Napster. These networking features also appear in the 7.1-channel $599-suggested RX-V671.

The V871 also features front-panel USB iPod/iPhone input, which is also available on models priced down to $379 to capture an Apple device's audio output as digital PCM. Consumers can use the A/V receiver's supplied remote to control and play audio content from the Apple devices, with song titles, cover art and playback information appearing on an onscreen menu. Like last year, an optional iPod/iPhone dock is available on AVRs priced down to $249 to capture iPod/iPhone-stored audio and video.

Compared to the $599 model, the $899 model steps up power to 7x100 watts from 7x90 watts (two channels driven simultaneously from 20Hz to 20kHz into 8-ohm loads with 0.09 percent THD), adds two subwoofer outputs instead of one, adds aluminum front panel, and incorporates a more sophisticated version of the company's YPAO room-correction technology. The HDMI jack pack also gets an upgrade to eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, including a front-panel input, and two HDMI 1.4a outputs with audio return channel. That compares to the $599 model's six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.

Like models priced from $379, the $899 model features proprietary Cinema DSP 3D technology to add height and width to the sound stage without adding additional speakers.

The AVR is also compatible with a free iPhone/iPod Touch app available for use with the company's other networked AVRs. The app controls basic functionality as well as network content navigation and zone controls on this and other select Yamaha networked products. A similar Android-based app will be available in the fall, the company said.

 Decoders include Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio.

Other key features include graphical user interface that can be overlaid on HD and 3D video signals, proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology restores lost detail in compressed music files, assignable amplifiers for bi-amp and second-zone use, and compatibility with an optional stereo Bluetooth module.