Yamaha neoHD YMC-700 Media Controller/Home Theater Receiver - Product Review

The YMC-700 is about half the size of a typical home theater receiver, but features a five channel configuration with an output for a powered subwoofer. The YMC-700 delivers enough power for a small to medium size room. Overall, the YMC-700 sounds good in either two channel or full 5.1 channel operating mode, but this is not a high-end receiver. Also, Yamaha does not provide any information on the YMC-700's power output, but it is definitely modest when compared to most entry-level and midrange receivers.

In addition, although the YMC-700 features standard Dolby Digital and DTS, as well as Dolby TrueHD decoding, it does not include DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, which would disappoint some Blu-ray disc users.

Based on the audio decoding/processing options provided, the YMC-700 does a good job, considering its modest power output. Two features that add some flexibility are the Compressed Music Enhancer, which provides better performance from digital audio sources, such as MP3, WAV, and WMV files, common in internet downloads and streaming, and the Air Surround Extreme function, which simulates up to a 7.1 channel soundfield when only two speakers are used.

Although Air Surround Extreme is no substitute for a true 5.1 channel speaker setup, it does offer more depth and a wider soundfield when using a two channel speaker configuration. However, one thing that annoyed me was that in order to access Air Surround Extreme you either had to go into the setup menu and set the center and surround speakers to "off" or physically disconnect the center and surround speakers.

I think Yamaha should enable the YMC-700 to automatically disable the center/surround speakers when selecting Air Surround Extreme. This would make it easier to hear the difference between 5.1 channel decoded surround sound and Air Surround Extreme.

Video Performance

On the video side, although the YMC-700 does have analog to HDMI conversion (480i to 480p) for all video input sources, it does not include video upscaling to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. This was a bit of a disappointment as the only video output connection offered on the YMC-700 is HDMI.

For a look at the 480i to 480p conversion (deinterlacing) capability of the YMC-700, check out some video performance test results as revealed by the Silicon Optix (IDT) HQV Benchmark DVD.

Media Center Functions

On the network media player side, there are several innovative features, such as the inclusion of built-in wired ethernet and WiFi wireless networking options, internet radio, Rhapsody access via subscription, USB, iPod, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also share media files from your PC via the network connection.

Also, one "secret" about the YMC-700 is that although Yamaha indicates that you need to purchase an optional iPod Docking station to connect an iPod, you really don't, as you can connect an iPod to the YMC-700 via its USB port and still access essential iPod menu functions. This way you can have both a Bluetooth adapter and iPod connected to the YMC-700 at the same time even though technically there is only one port for connecting both a Bluetooth adapter and external iPod Dock.

However, although the YMC-700 has some great media center functionality, it does not offer video streaming from services such as YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Video OnDemand. Perhaps Yamaha will include this feature on a subsequent neoHD media controller.

What I Liked About the Yamaha neoHD YMC-700

1. Compact and stylish design. Thg YMC-700 is about half the size of a typical home theater receiver, with minimal on-board controls, the most prominent being the large master volume control knob.

2. Easy-to-use on-screen GUI. This is definitely the selling point of the YMC-700. Those that are intimidated by all the setup and feature options on a standard home theater receiver would appreciate the simplicity and logical flow of the menu system provided on the YMC-700.

3. Simple, but functional wireless remote control. The design of the remote control goes hand-in-hand with onscreen GUI. Unlike most remotes, there are very few buttons, most everything, except for volume, TV channel changing, and Mute, are controlled by cursor style navigation controls.

4. Back up operating controls on top of main unit. Just in case you lose or misplace the remote, there are back-up menu navigation controls on the top of the YMC-700, just above the master volume control.

5. Wired and wireless network connectivity built-in; Rhapsody, Internet radio access. There are literally hundreds of internet radio stations and podcasts that you can listen to. Of course, you can still listen to traditional FM radio if you desire. The YMC-700 does not include AM radio reception.

1.No DTS-HD Master Audio decoding (DTS core only). For those looking at the YMC-700 for inclusion in a home theater system, take note of its audio decoding capabilities. Although both Dolby and DTS decoding are provided, there are some omissions, including Dolby Digital EX and DTS Neo:6 processing, which are now included in almost all home theater receivers.

2. No onboard video upscaling. If you are planning to rely on the YMC-700 for processing video as well as audio, keep in mind that while it does provide 480i to 480p conversion, it does not include 720p, 1080i, or 1080p video upscaling.

3. IR Flasher cables functional, but creates more cable clutter.

4. Only one connection for both iPod and Bluetooth docking station.

5. Point system for connection setup seems pointless.

Final Take

The YMC-700 is a new breed of product from Yamaha that combines the features and functions of a home theater receiver with that of a network media player. Yamaha refers to this type of configuration as a Media Controller.

The YMC-700 offers practical features, such as easy setup and use via its onscreen menu system and access to a variety of internet-based programming sources. However, while the YMC-700 delivers good audio performance, it does lack some higher-end audio features. If you are looking for a home theater receiver that you can also incorporate into your home network, but is still easy to use, the YMC-700 is worth consideration.

For further perspective and a closer look at the YMC-700, check out my Short Review, Photo Gallery, and Video Performance Tests.

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