Yamaha's new 2009 AV receivers: Big improvements

The Yamaha RX-V765

The only Yamaha AV receiver we reviewed from the 2008 model year was the RX-V663, and although we were fans of its sound quality, it was tough to recommend. It had only two HDMI inputs; its upconversion quality was subpar; and the rear panel layout made it difficult to hook up your gear. Yamaha has announced its new 2009 of RX-V65 receivers, and we're happy to see that most of the last year's missteps look to have been addressed. Let's take a quick look at the specs:

2009 Yamaha AV receiver photos

Yamaha RX-V365BL (also known as HTR-6230BL)

Key features of the Yamaha RX-V365BL:

• 5.1 channels, 100 watts per channel
• Two HDMI inputs
• Three component video inputs
• Three digital audio inputs (two optical, one coaxial)
• Four composite AV inputs (with no S-Video)
• 5.1 analog multichannel input
• Ministereo front-panel jack for portable audio players
• Yamaha's SCENE feature
• Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, with purchase of accessories (the YBA-10 for Bluetooth and the YDS-11 for iPod)
• $250 list price

Yamaha RX-V465BL (also known as HTR-6240BL)

Key step-up features of the Yamaha RX-V465BL:

• 5.1 channels, 105 watts per channel
• Onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• YPAO Automatic System Calibration
• Four HDMI inputs
• Two component video inputs
• Four digital audio inputs (two optical, two coaxial)
• Step-down: lacks analog multichannel input
• $380 list price
• See full comparison with RX-V365BL

Yamaha RX-V565BL (also known as HTR-6250BL)

Key step-up features of the Yamaha RX-V565BL:

• 7.1 channels, 90 watts per channel
• Upconverts analog signals up to 1,080p
• Onscreen display
• $480 list price
• See full comparison with RX-V465BL

Yamaha RX-V665BL (also known as HTR-6260BL)

Key step-up features of the Yamaha RX-V665BL:

• 7.1 channels, 90 watts per channel
• XM- and Sirius-ready
• Second zone functionality
• 7.1 analog multichannel input
• 7.1 preouts
• Digital ToP-ART design practices
• $550 list price
• See full comparison with RX-V565BL

Yamaha RX-V765BL

Key step-up features of the Yamaha RX-V765BL:

• 7.1 channels, 95 watts per channel
• Discrete amp configuration
• $650 list price
• See full comparison with RX-V1900

It's easy to get lost in all those specs, so here's a quick breakdown of the most important changes on Yamaha's 2009 receivers.

More HDMI connectivity
We knocked last year's RX-V663 pretty hard for only including two HDMI inputs, while the competition offered at least three or four. This year, all the receivers from the $380 RX-V465BL and up feature four HDMI inputs, which should be enough for almost every home theater.

Better rear-panel layout
Another major complaint we had with the RX-V663 concerned its confusing rear panel, where the video and audio inputs were completely separated. This made it hard to set up your home theater without a nest of wires. All the receives this year use a more conventional layout, which is a big improvement.

Yamaha is dropping S-Video
Last year, Sony and Pioneer dropped S-Video connections from their receivers and Yamaha is following suit in 2009. In our opinion, it's not a big loss, as almost all new gadgets come with HDMI, but if you're still using a legacy video component that relies on S-Video, you may want to look elsewhere.

Will lighter design mean lightweight sound?
We had our issues with the RX-V663, but we couldn't deny it was a great-sounding receiver. We won't know how Yamaha's 2009 receivers sound until we get them in for testing, but we have to admit we're a little worried based on the spec sheet. The RX-V663 weighed in at a beefy 26.2 pounds, while its replacement, the RX-V665 weighs only 18.7 pounds. Where did the extra weight go? Meanwhile, the more expensive RX-V765 is touting "discrete amp configuration" and weighs in at 24.3 pounds. Again, we won't know until we listen, but we'd bet the RX-V765 is more likely to feature that signature Yamaha sound that the company's fans have come to love.

Altogether, Yamaha's new line looks to be a significant improvement in the features and design departments, and we're anxious to get the models in the lab to see how they sound.

(For an explanation of why Yamaha has two model names for each receiver, read the company's FAQ.)

[pooplets]

I'm looking to upgrade receivers and was curious... do most receivers translate component HD signals to HDMI? I'm thinking of how to plug in an older xbox 360 w/o hdmi.

[MoskovciakM]

In the midrange price level, most receivers don't upconvert HD component signals to HDMI. (One recent exception is the Sony STR-DG920.) We do test this in our AV receiver reviews, so check back to see if these new Yamaha receivers offer that capability.

[rhettp]

Do you know when Yamaha is going to have an upgrade for the RX-V863? I do like the RX-V765BL, however, I would like to go up a little higher with power and HD radio. Also, do you have any screen grabs of the Yamaha 2009 GUI? I hope its as slick as Sony's latest offerings.

[paulvieth]

I called Yamaha, the discrete amp configuration means they have a separate amp for each channel in the 765 model. The 665 manual is on line, the 765 isnt there yet. Im looking to set up a second zone without a second amp. and im not sure i can with either of these

[schapman55]

If you want to simplify your cabling and wanted the analog video flexibility of the Sony dg-920 ( which you cannot find anymore), this is the receiver you want. Handles HDTV, PS3 Blueray, PS2 and other analog video up conversion through 1 HDMI output cable to your TV. Sounds like a Yamaha to me. I have had no issues with this receiver in either the video or audio features. Speaker setup was automatic and accurate. I have 4 cables hooked up to this unit which handle all my AV connections! This unit is a real nice value.

[mrpaul]

These receivers reviewed are more of the moderate priced units. The high end Yamaha receivers do have significant sound quality differences. One might want to demo the Yamaha high end receivers with the Pioneer Elite models and let their own ears choose which receiver really sounds best to their ears. Also, the Elite models of Pioneer have a special (and it works) 1080P upscaling circuit to boost all video signals. Reading reviews will never beat you listening for yourself.

[paulvieth]

Mathew,
Cant wait to see your review of the video performance of the Yamaha RX-V765BL whenyou get your hands on this and other 2009 models. Trying to decide on a multiroom receiver to use with my new panasonic plasma, yet get good sound performance as well, with ease of use being important. I want it all of course!
Looking at Denon 2309 or 2809 , but remote is a killer. Any news when we willsee 1009 Denon models with maybe a GUI and better remote, Denon seems to do prety well on both audio and video performance if you are less sensitive to price.

[Hewick]

Here we are in Sept 2009, I am still waiting for a review of RX-V765BL. The strange thing about this model is that it is the only new Yamaha model not available in Best Buy Stores, only on-line. Am I missing something????