The Bottom Line
Pros
- Clean, undistorted sound with power to spare.
- Automatic speaker setup function worked better than I expected.
- THX Cinema processing added just the right touch of surround imaging enhancement.
- Composite and S-video to Component output conversion worked well.
- Abilty to run a 5.1 channel main zone and 2 channel second zone without the need of an external amp.
Cons
- Lack of HDMI or DVI connectivity
- Cramped speaker connection terminals made bare-wire connections difficult.
- Remote Control was not always intuitive.
Description
- 7.1 Channel THX Select Certified AV Receiver with multi-zone operation.
- Minimum RMS power output is 120 watts per channel with a THD of .04%.
- Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES Matrix/Discrete, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and THX audio processing.
- Yamaha Cinema DSP processing and Silent Cinema Headphone Surround.
- YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) to assist in speaker setup.
- Composite to S-Video conversion and Composite and S-Video to Component conversion.
- Analog and digital audio input/output connectivity and switching.
- 6 or 8-channel direct input function usuable with both analog and digital audio sources.
- AM/FM tuner with 40-channel presets.
- Onscreen display for setup procedures and universal learning remote control.
Guide Review - Yamaha RX-V1500 7.1 Channel THX Select Home Theater Receiver
The setup of the RX-V1500 is facilitated by both extensive connectivity options as well as its YPAO automatic room setup option. There are enough analog and digital input and output connections to satisfy the needs of most home theater setups. The 1500 also has the option of running a 5.1 system main zone, with an independent 2-channel second zone. The only complaints here were the lack of either DVI or HDMI connectivity, and the cramped spacing of the speaker terminals, which makes bare-end wire connection cumbersome.
The RX-V1500 has several practical features. One practical feature is composite and S-video input conversion to Component output. I found that the video conversion function worked well, and the 1500 passed both interlaced and progressive scan video through its component video connections. In addition, the inclusion of THX Cinema processing added subtle enhancements in equalization and spatial cues to both the Dolby Digital and DTS surround environments.
The RX-V1500, delivers exceptional sound, with power to spare, with its high-current design and low distortion. If you are either upgrading from an old AV receiver or starting a system from scratch, the Yamaha RX-V1500 7.1 Channel AV receiver delivers the features, flexibility, and performance for most home theater needs. I give the Yamaha RX-V1500 a 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
