Yamaha RX-V667 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Product Review

Using both analog and digital audio sources, the RX-V667, in both 5.1, and 7.1 channel configurations, delivered an excellent surround image. The RX-V667 is robust over long listening sessions and it did not get overly warm after extended use. However, it is always advisable to have ample space for air circulation.

This receiver also provided a very clean signal via the direct 5.1 analog audio inputs from Blu-ray sources in addition to the HDMI and Digital Optical/Coaxial audio connection options. I fed both uncompressed two and multi-channel PCM signals from the OPPO BDP-83, as well as undecoded bitstream output via HDMI and Digital Optical/Coaxial to get a comparison between externally processed audio signals and the internal audio processing of the RX-V667.

In addition, another aspect of the RX-V667 was its ability to operate a 2nd Zone. Running the receiver in the 5.1 channel mode for the main room and two channels in a second room, and using the provided second zone control options, I was easily able to run two separate systems. However, no video signals and only analog audio sources can be sent to Zone 2.

I was able to access DVD and Blu-ray audio in the main 5.1 channel setup and easily access FM radio or CDs in the two channel setup in another room using the RX-V667 as the main control for both sources. Also, I could run the same music source in both rooms simultaneously, one using the 5.1 channel configuration and second using the 2 channel configuration.

The RX-V667 has the option of second zone operation with its own amplifiers, using provided speaker connections, or using a separate external amplifier via Zone 2 preamp output. Specific details on Multi-zone setup are outlined in the RX-V667 user manual.

NOTE: I did not use the RX-V667's second subwoofer output option in this review.

Video Performance

Using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD as a testing tool, I found that the internal scaler of the RX-V667 does a very good job upscaling analog video to 1080p. The video processing is as good as many upscaling DVD players, but not as good as the OPPO BDP83 and DV-980H players and DVD0 Scaler used for reference. Although upscaled images from the RX-v667 was mostly artifact-free, the images were "noisier" and softer than with comparison references.

Further testing revealed that the while the RX-V667 can upscale 480i/480p to 1080p very well, it does not further upscale incoming 720p or 1080i signals to 1080p. In other words, if you have an incoming 720p or 1080i signal via Component or HDMI inputs, the output signal from the RX-V667 is not processed further and will remain 720p or 1080i. For a closer look at the video performance of the Yamaha RX-V667, check out my Video Performance Test Gallery.

With regards to video connections, the Yamaha RX-V667 has just about all the connections you need, including an abundance of 3D-enabled HDMI connections. However, the RX-V667 continues the trend towards excluding S-Video connections.

Note: 3D pass-through was not tested, as a 3D-enabled TV and Blu-ray Disc Player ware not available for this review.

What I Liked About The RX-V667

1. Sound quality excellent in both stereo and surround modes. I have no complaints regarding the audio quality of the RX-V667.

2. Lots of HDMI inputs, including one mounted on the front panel.

3. Good video upscaling from 480i/p to 1080p. However, as noted previously, the RX-V667 does not upscale 720p or 1080i to 1080p.

4. Incorporation of both Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

5. Two Subwoofer outputs. This is an uncommon feature on most home theater receivers, but is a great convenience, especially for larger room settings.

6. Multi-zone operation included. Second Zone operation is also available via pre-outs (additional amplifier required) or by using 5.1 operation in the main room and using the 6th and 7th channel amplifiers of the RX-V667 to power a second zone.

7. Visually appealing onscreen user interface.

What I Didn't Like About the RX-V667

1. Poorly designed remote control - small buttons, no backlight.

2. Only one connection provided for both iPod and Bluetooth docking stations. This means that you cannot connect the iPod and Bluetooth Dock to the RX-V667 at the same time.

3. Speaker connection terminals too close together. The speaker connections need to be a little farther apart for easier access for bare wire connections.

4. No S-Video inputs or outputs.

5. No dedicated phono-turntable input option. If you need to connect a phono turntable you need to add an external phono preamp or use a turntable with a built-in preamp.

6. No networking or Internet Radio access.

Final Take

The RX-V667 offers very good audio performance and more than enough power a medium size room. Useful audio processing features and connectivity, especially the large number of HDMI inputs, provide a lot of practical setup and listening options for most home theater setups.

The audio from audio-only CDs, DVD-Audio Discs, SACDs, and Blu-ray disc soundtracks, was clean and distinct, making the RX-V667 more than suitable for both extensive music listening and home theater use.

The RX-V667 also showed good stability during very dynamic audio tracks and delivered a sustained output over long periods of time without eliciting listening fatigue.

The RX-V667 offers consideration for both audio and video. The image quality from pass-through 1080p HD sources is very consistent and the video conversion and upscaling of analog video sources, although with some shortcomings, was surprisingly good, especially for a home theater receiver in this price range.

Taking all into consideration, the RX-V667 is a very flexible receiver that delivers great audio and video performance, features, and connectivity options and is a very good value for the price. This receiver is definitely worth consideration.

To dig into the Yamaha RX-V667 a little deeper, also check out my Photo Gallery and Video Performance Tests

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.