Yamaha RX-V663 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI - Product Profile

The Yamaha RX-V663 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver brings high-end audio and video performance, as well as flexibility, at an extremely affordable price. This receiver is rated to deliver 95 wpc, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing.

On the video side, the RX-V663 has two HDMI inputs with 1080p pass-through and analog to HDMI video conversion. Extra bonuses include iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as two subwoofer outputs (thus the .2 reference in the 7.2 channel description of the the RX-V663). To find out more, check out the rest of my product profile.

The RX-V663 offers Two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and S-Video inputs, two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The RX-V663 also features two VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder in/out connection loops.

The RX-V663 can also convert all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI (480i to 480p) video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

The receiver has four assignable digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and two Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player, a CD/MD/Cassette audio recorder connection loop, and two Subwoofer preamplifier outputs. The RX-V663 also has a set of 5.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1 channel analog audio connection options. The RX-V663 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the RX-V663 also has a set of preamp outputs for multi-zone operation.

The RX-V663 features extensive surround sound processing options: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the RX-V663 to extract 7.2-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the RX-V663 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a inputs. The RX-V663 also features XM-HD Surround processing.

Audio Delay adjustment allows compensation for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

Another useful audio feature is the ability for the RX-V663 to be used in a full 7.2 channel configuration, or in a 5.2 channel configuration in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operation in a second room. However, if you want to use the full 7.2 channels for your home theater environment, you can still run an additional 2-channel system in another room by using the Zone 2 preamp outputs. However, you will have to add a secondary amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2.

The Yamaha RX-V663 delivers 95 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms via its seven internal power amplifiers. With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz the RX-V663 is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Speaker Connections

Speaker connections consist of banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all main channels with color-coding for simplified wiring.

The RX-V663 incoporates Yamaha's Scene Funtion. "Scene" is a set of preset listening modes that work in conjunction with input selection. The user can either select the default settings for DVD, CD, TV, and Radio, or can select from other options including iPOD, XM, TV Sports, or Video Game. This feature is supposed to eliminate the time needed to make specific adjustments, such as surround sound mode, tone control, etc... every time the user changes the type of audio input signal. However, the user can always make their own adjustments.

The Yamaha RX-V663 features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition Composite and S-Video input signals are deinterlaced from 480i and converted to 480p output and transferred via Component or HDMI monitor outputs.

Additional Features - Front Panel Display, Onscreen Menu, and LFE Features

The fluorescent front panel display, combined with the Onscreen video display menus and provided wireless remote, makes setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channels.

The RX-V663 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in XM and Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity. Subscription and optional tuner/antenna are required for receiving XM and/or Sirius Satellite Radio Service. Their are also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM/XM or Sirius stations or channels. XM-HD Surround processing is also offered for compatible XM-HD radio programming.

Additional Features - Silent Cinema

The RX-V663 also offers the Silent Cinema feature, which provides a surround sound experience using any set of stereo headphones.

With the optional iPOD dock, in conjunction with the RX-V663, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system.

Additional Features - Bluetooth Capability

Thje RX-V663 equipped for Wireless Bluetooth function via optional YBA-10 Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver. The Receiver allows wireless A2DP audio streaming. You can access music wirelessly from Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, portable devices, or PCs.

Additional Features - YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer)

The RX-V663 also features an automated speaker setup function called YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Room Optimizer). By connecting the provided microphone to the RX-V663 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The YPAO uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

Final Take

With the RX-V663, Yamaha has incorporated high end features in a reasonbly priced home theater receiver, such as two HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, iPOD and Bluetooth compatibility, and XM and Sirius satellite radio. Probably most unusual feature, however, is the inclusion of two subwoofer outputs, which is great for large room setups.

Two disappointments, however, is that the RX-V663 does not include more HDMI inputs and video upscaling. With more source components, such as Upscaling DVD players, Blu-ray and/or HD-DVD players, and HD Cable and/or HD Satellite boxes including HDMI outputs, the need more than the two HDMI inputs provided on the RX-V663 may be a notable deficiency for some. Also, although this receiver does include analog to HDMI video conversion, it does not include any type of on-board 720p/1080i or 1080p upscaling function. Although at this price point I wouldn't expect 1080p upscaling - 720p or 1080i upscaling is becoming more common in the $599 price range.

On the other hand, taking all into consideration, if you are planning to purchase a mid-range priced home theater receiver, then the RX-V663 certainly goes deserve a look and a listen.

The RX-V663 is available at a suggested retail price of $549. Compare Prices