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Yamaha's RX-V663BL high-performance home theater receiver features full support for HD audio formats, HDMI video upconversion and deinterlacing, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, improved YPAO for sound optimization and speaker setup in any room. 4 SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever when switching between audio sources. 2 volume-setting functions are included on this receiver for additional convenience. Initial volume setting allows you to set the volume level that will be heard each time the power is turned on. Maximum volume setting prevents unexpected loud sounds. You have a choice of 8 unique CINEMA DSP surround programs to bring out the full audio potential of your entertainment sources. The RX-V563BL receiver is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of high-energy peaks that are especially prevalent in digital audio sources. It is XM ready with XM HD surround sound powered by Neural Surround, and is also SIRIUS satellite radio ready. Other features include improved YPAO for automatic speaker setup, iPod compatibility via optional dock, Bluetooth A2DP compatibility with optional YBA-10 wireless audio receiver, 1080p-compatible HDMI (2 inputs, 1 output), analog video to HDMI digital video with upconversion and deinterlacing, CINEMA DSP and adaptive DSP level for accurate surround sound reproduction, an improved compressed music enhancer for compressed music files, adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control), 40-station preset tuning / Auto preset tuning, and a preset remote unit.
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Technical Details
- 7-channel 665W powerful surround sound (95W x 7)- HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color, xv Colorspace, 1080p compatible, and support for HD Audio formats.
- Analog video to HDMI up-conversion and also de-interlacing from 480i to 480p
- Independent 2 Zone, 2 Source operation
- Bluetooth music streaming using Yamaha YBA-10 Bluetooth Audio Receiver
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By mike wood (raleigh nc)
I have had the Rx-V663 for about 14 months. The HDMI went out & I took it to BB for repairs 6 weeks ago. Yamaho says it will take 18 weeks (yes, WEEKS!) to get the part and pointed out that their warranty allows them up to 6 months to repair an item and if they replace it they can send a reconditioned unit. This is extremely poor customer service but Yamaha apparently does not care. I will never buy a Yamaha product again & I advise everyone else to avoid them too.
By Sally (Tucson AZ)
I'm a regular person, not a tech wizard. I purchased this receiver after checking online and with Consumer Reports, which gave information on the preceding model, for use with a Sony 60" HD TV operating on DirecTV, with 6 speakers and a blu ray. I'm happy with the receiver for many reasons: 1) ease of connections with the other units, 2) great sound, 3) automatic adjustments for sound source from DTV (stereo, 5.1, live, HD; with my old system I had to tell the reciever what the source type was, and it was a real pain when changing channels), 4) the unit doesn't produces much heat, 5) it's smaller than the old unit, 6) automatic detection of live speakers, and 7) relative low cost. The only downside was that the connection directions in the manual weren't very good, but I was able to figure it out without too much difficulty.
By Rylan Fernandes (Muskego, WI)
This is the first time I bought a home theater system. Weeks of research pointed at this system. I am completely satisfied with it. Good sound, video, individual equalizers per channel, automatic adjustment using supplied microphone, a direct mode for purer sound, and lots of other features I have not used yet. It has enough inputs for my needs and I can spill over additional inputs to my TV if needed.
By ultrabike (Irvine, CA)
SUMMARY: Great Sound, Good video switching, Decodes all HD sound formats, Great DSP features, tremendous value, Pre-Outs upgradable.
I was interested in buying an A/V receiver and was undecided between the Onkyo SR606 and the Yamaha RXV663 (aka HTR-6160BL), given what I'd read about them. Both are well known, well liked receivers. The Onkyo SR606 seems more popular due to the number of HDMI inputs, 1080i up conversion (though fairly buggy), and decent performance. The Yamaha is popular because of its great sound fidelity and quality, has pre-outs (unlike the SR606 and many other receivers at this price range), and 2 subwoofer outputs (instead of 1 - i.e. this is really a 7.2 system, not 7.1). Both receivers offer great value. Note that both receivers do poorly in video up conversion. BUT both decode all SD and HD audio formats!
SOUND PERFORMANCE:
In terms, of actually hearing the receiver perform: I went to a local store (Fry's) and had a chance to hear both the Onkyo and Yamaha units perform. I liked the Yamaha sound better (more detail). But the Onkyo was very good too. How about in my living room? The Yamaha sound is described by one word: AMAZING.
(April 26, 09: It seems this receiver uses toroidal transformers and Burr Brown quality DAC, while it seems Onkyo and similarly priced receivers do not have such quality in their audio components)
The RX-V663/HTR-6160 power consumption according to the manual is 400W, and the SR-606 is 120V*5.5A = 660W. That means that the Onkyo should be able to play louder. However, 400W is already plenty for a small/medium room and it seems that with in the power specs of the Yamaha, it does seem to do a better job in paper than the Onkyo:
According to HT Labs, in stereo mode (2 channel) the Yamaha was able to perform bellow 0.02% THD @150W continuous in stereo mode. This is substantial since most high end small and medium speakers (and some entry level towers) would probably get destroyed when driven by 150W/Ch continuous power. In stereo mode, the Yamaha OUTPERFORMED NOT ONLY THE SR-606, BUT THE Rotel RX-1057 "450W" (Rotel has a reputation for understating their power numbers) receiver as well in terms of THD.
However, there are no miracles. Like previously stated the Rotel and Onkyo have larger power supplies and can drive 5 and 7 speakers with more power than the Yamaha before distortion takes over. In the 5 channel measurements (and 7) the Yamaha apparently loss ground significantly to both the Rotel and the Onkyo: 112.1W/Ch (Rotel to 4 ohms), 109.4W/Ch (Onkyo to 4 ohms), and 74.9W/Ch (Yamaha to 4 ohms).
Now, if you bought typical small home-theater 5.1 speakers, each satellite tends to require 40W nominal, and can tolerate a maximum of 100W before they start getting damaged. Based on this, this Yamaha receiver should run them effortlessly. Furthermore, if you need to drive power hungry high-end speakers requiring 50-600W to work, none of the receivers in the HTR-6160 class would be a great choice. UNLESS, you use the pre-outs of this receiver along with a separate audio amplifier. Not many receivers in the HTR-6160 class offer 7.2 pre-outs!
Yamaha often gets criticized because they claim 95W into 7 channels (probably dynamic power or peak power). Many receivers rate their power using continuous power numbers (which is rarely the case in real life). With 7 channels driven continuously, according to HT Labs the Yamaha 663 can only muster 46.9W (Onkyo gives 63.2W). That means Yamaha's marketing (and some other brands) may be a bit misleading, but the receiver is fairly good considering their power consumption rating.
VIDEO:
In terms of video up-conversion, this and current receivers in this price range are not great performers (with Sony usually reviewed as the top performer at the expense of audio).
This receiver (HTR-6160) is probably at the bottom of the pack when it comes to up-conversion. In fact it either does nothing (probably best) or up-converts analog signals to 480p (with a lot of issues). Onkyo SR-606 is not much better with their infamous borders around 1080i up-conversion. Sony probably does better, but allegedly at the expense of audio performance (at this price range).
For decent video results you need a much more expensive pre-pro's or receivers (>>$2K) that use very high end video chips, or a dedicated video processor (like the $600 DVDO). They are great in up-converting digital video (HDMI). But analog sources are a little trickier.
If video up-conversion is a deal breaker for you, consider pairing this receiver with a video processor for a better job and less $$$.
HDMI:
One thing this receiver does not have that the Onkyo does is 4 HDMI inputs. You can get a priority 4 port HDMI switch for your Yamaha for $30, but it is an inconvenience. Personally, I can live with that if the Yamaha delivers in terms of sound performance for the $$$.
TEMPERATURE:
If you do not have 8 inches above your receiver for proper ventilation, you may have issues with Onkyos and Pioneers, but not with this Yamaha.
My main concern with the Onkyo was not necessarily that its audio performance was not satisfactory (in fact, its numbers are quite good and you can crank up the volume more than you can with the 663 so that your neighbor's neighbor can enjoy your music). It was the Onkyo's fame for running hot that concerned me. I placed my hand on the top of both receivers while @ Fry's, and the Onkyo did run substantially hotter than the Yamaha. UltimageAVmag actually measured the temperature after the 7 channel test, and the thermometer read 135 degrees! Since I don't have an open cabinet for the receiver, this scared me away from the Onkyo.
Two of my friends had their receivers die due to heating problems, so this is indeed a concern. On Onkyo's defense though, my friend's receivers where not Onkyo nor Yamaha (point is overheating should not be overlooked in closed spaces).
PRICE
The price for the HTR6160 can go as low as $350 (RX-V663 can go that low as well), just depends on the vendor and the time. The Onkyo is usually $400, but you may find it for $350 as well. Rotel RX-1057 usually sells for more than $1K.
OTHER RECEIVERS (PRICE AND FEATURE RANGE):
HTR-6260/RXV665: Has more HDMI inputs and probably better video upconversion. It has pre-outs as well. But it has a smaller power supply, and if people criticize the 663 about its power against its peers, 665 would probably be seen more as a pre/pro than a receiver (and an expensive pre/pro for its feature set)
RXV765: Seems like a 663 with better video stuff, but at almost 2X the price. In this price range, other brands like Marantz might be worth checking out.
Pioneer VSX-1018: Just like the RXV765, but runs a bit hot and it seems discontinued.
HK-254: Worth considering as well.
I would mention Denon, but like Onkyo, at this price range NO PRE-OUTS: No way to upgrade power for higher end speakers down the road.
PERSONAL THOUGHTS:
Now that I have this unit, I can say that paired with a 5.1 Mirage Nanosat system, this receiver rocks my living room and I could not be happier. Some people say this receiver is bright, and some others are warm. Well, after I ran the YPAO calibration it seems the receiver equalized that out (Onkyo's - and other receiver's - Audyssey should do the same). The receiver also has a graphic equalizer that should tailor things to your taste a bit more. I do not feel my system bright at all, and I can definitively hear incredible audio detail out of it through the speakers.
I have my receiver connected to my LN46A650 TV and my WD HD TV hard drive player (1080P), and I have had no problems so far running HDMI video through the receiver (because I'm not up converting), or decoding audio at all. I also control my LN46A650 TV using the HTR-6160 remote. I also can pump the volume up, and can never go above -15 dB before my wife screams at me to turn it down :)
By G. Serpen (Istanbul, Turkey)
This receiver is at the bottom end of Yamaha's mid-range product line and it is a bargain at that. Before I begin let me state that if you are from the "features come before sound quality" school of thought you shouldn't waste any time reading this review. The new Yamaha 665 amp probably has all the features you want but guess what ? Its weight has been cut by almost 30%, its now become a wimp thanks to consumers like you !!
OK, I implied that I won't talk long on features but I will mention one thing to get the word out. Yamaha engineers misinterpreted HDMI specs last year therefore this receiver clips blacker than black (<16) and whiter than white colors (>235) of any video passing through HDMI. Let me emphasize this is not a critical issue as DVDs and Blu-rays are not supposed to use these colors. This may be an issue for gamers who set their PS3 to output RGB full range 0-255. The workaround is to set the PS3 to output RBG limited range (which is default) or use an HDMI splitter so video runs directly to your TV and audio to your amp. I was aware of this issue before purchasing but did not consider it critical as other brands have their own sets of problems that are far worse and related to audio, especially Onkyo. European customers also beware, the European 663 model does not support banana plugs.
This receiver has been tested by German "Audio" magazine and lab results indicate it outputs 61 watts RMS per channel with 5 channels driven continously and 126 watts per channel in stereo. With 5 channels driven the output is almost 50% of specifications but that only makes a difference of 3db and in real world conditions no DVD soundtrack has all channels maxed out so I wouldn't worry about it. These values are useful for roughly calculating the point where your amplifier starts clipping. Some of you already know that after running auto setup your system is calibrated to output 105dB SPL at your listening position when the volume is set to 0dB and the input signal level is also 0dB (max). Since we know our speaker's sensitivity, we can calculate the sound pressure level at our listening position when the amplifier is outputting 61 or 126 watts. For example, I am supposed to read 95db for 61 watts at a distance of 4 meters from the front speakers (speaker sensitivity specifies the SPL level for 1 watt power at 1 meter, add 3dB whenever power doubles and substract 6db whenever distance doubles ). That means I will never get distortion as long as the volume is set below -10dB (95-105) and probably around -8db in real world conditions. The good news is that I never had to turn the volume above -17db (very loud) which means the Yamaha 663 is powerful enough for most people with decent sized rooms and we still got plenty of headroom. You can set the maximum volume in the menus so you don't accidentally go over.
Many people in the audio community consider Yamaha's YPAO auto setup inferior to Denon's Audyssey. Although I have never tested either Audyssey or Pioneer's MCACC I think people have been harsh on YPAO. Its difficult or almost impossible to find an equalization that suits all applications. After I first ran YPAO I didn't like it very much although it was certainly an improvement over no EQ. I listen to mostly rock or metal; the setup sounded too bright to me and the midrange frequencies although clear were somewhat distant. The parametric equalizer's compensation looked exaggerated to me, at some points it was cutting 9dB, at others boosting 7dB (bandwidth parameters were not displayed) !! Only after I inserted Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" CD was I able to understand the value of YPAO. The sharpness and clarity was amazing. YPAO certainly shines with orchestral scores but may not suit your other musical tastes. For other forms of music I suggest you switch to the 7 band graphic equalizer (per speaker). Because these bands were fixed I could not manually outperform YPAO for orchestral music but at least I managed to get distortion guitars to sound more aggressive for rocking. YPAO was very accurate with speaker distances and sizes but it failed with levels in my case. I set the front/surround balance by ear.
The "Pure Direct" mode is probably for audiophiles who do not want to use the amp's DACs because they believe transient signal peaks will drain power from the DACs and degrade tone. Even though the 663 utilizes Burr Brown DACs which offer the best signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range (even better than Analog Devices) they will prefer using their CD player's DAC with direct analog amplification. Personally I'm not that obsessed but I do use "Pure Direct" when I hook up my guitar multi-effects pedal to the amp as I don't want my guitar tone to be degraded by a second analog/digital conversion and don't want to add extra processing delays.
I don't really use DSP programs that much as they generally tend to overprocess the original source but Yamaha's are all customizable allowing you to create subtle reverb or delay effects. You really have to spend some time with them, its quite amazing that the DSP programs have more reverb settings than my guitar FX pedal ! I would encourage you to listen to Vivaldi with the "Hall in Vienna" sound field parameters set to : DSP level +1dB, Room Size 1.2, Liveness 6. Oh and turn on the parametric equalizer of course. That will certainly add depth to cheap speakers, enough to fool most people. Unfortunately you won't be able to use sound fields with Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master sources probably because the chip is busy decoding but you can have your player decode the audio and send it over as PCM in which case you can use sound fields as long as the signal is sampled under 192kHz. The 663 is also unable to matrix decode DTS-HD Master 5.1 content to surround back channels using the Dolby PLIIx decoder for similar reasons.
Overall I would say the Yamaha has very clean and balanced tone, almost no noise at all. When nothing is playing, try increasing the volume to +5dB and place your ears next to your speaker's tweeters. You should hear some static noise but there should be NO humming or buzzing. With a Pioneer Elite, you will get some humming around -5dB and with a Sony ES around -25dB !!! That just shows how well this Yamaha's circuits are isolated, no grounding issues at all. I would categorize Yamaha among clear sounding amplifiers along with Pio, Onkyo and Sony. I don't like Denons and HKs very much because they boost lower mids. Pioneers are generally the most aggressive sounding but are also very clear. Yamahas appear to follow a more balanced "engineered" approach and the RX-V663 certainly falls into that category. I am very satisfied with my purchase!
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Buy Yamaha RX-V663BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Now
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