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Yamaha RX-V2700 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Short Review

About.com Rating fourhalf out of Five

By Robert Silva, About.com

Yamaha RX-V2700 Home Theater Receiver - Front View - Panel Closed

Yamaha RX-V2700 Home Theater Receiver - Front View - Panel Closed

Photo (C) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

The Bottom Line

Having had a chance to use the Yamaha RX-V2700, I must say that it is an excellent value, providing solid audio and video performance. In addition, practical features, such as, HDMI upscaling and switching, iPod connectivity and control, XM Satellite Radio, and built-in Networking provid great operational flexibility for a receiver in its $1,500 price class. For those wishing to get a home theater receiver that will meet current and future needs, consider the RX-V2700 as a possible choice.

After reading the review below, also check out a more detailed photo look of this receiver at my, RX-V2700 Photo Gallery.

Pros
  • Sound quality excellent in both stereo and surround modes.
  • Analog to HDMI Video signal conversion and Video Upscaling.
  • Incorporation of an XM-Satellite Radio and iPod Control.
  • Extensive speaker setup and adjustment options.
  • Networking capability and Internet Radio access built-in.
Cons
  • Heavy - Use caution when lifting or moving.
  • Only one Subwoofer output.
  • No Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity.
  • No front mounted HDMI or Component Video Inputs.
  • Speaker connections too close together.

Description

Guide Review - Yamaha RX-V2700 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Short Review

The RX-V2700 delivers more than enough power for an averaged-size room and provides exceptional sound with its high-current amplifier design. Practical features that work very well, include: 7.1 channel surround processing, analog-to-HDMI video conversion, video upscaling, and Multi-zone operation.

Analog video sources when converted to progressive scan via component video or HDMI, looked slightlty better, but the component video connection option produced a slightly darker image than HDMI. Also, the fact that you didn't need to use several types of video connections just to see everything on one video display is a great convenience.

Although upconversion of video inputs signals to HDMI is limited to 1080i, the RX-V2700 can pass a native 1080p source through to a 1080p television or monitor.

Several innovative features of the RX-V2700 that also work well, are the inclusion XM-Satellite Radio connectivity, (paid subscription required), built-in networking and internet radio reception capability, and both speaker connections or preamp outputs (your choice) provided for second and/or third zone operation.

One of the indicators of a good receiver is the ability to perform well in both stereo and surround modes. I found the audio quality of the 2700 in both stereo and surround modes to be very good, making it a good receiver for both extensive music listening as well as for home theater use.

I also found the analog to digital video conversion and upscaling functions worked very well. This also simplifies connection of older components to today's digital televisions.

The RX-V2700 packs in a lot of features and delivers great performance. If you are looking for a home theater receiver that function as a complete centerpiece for your home theater system, consider the RX-V2700 as a possible choice. I give it 4.5 Stars out of 5.

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