Yamaha RX-V665 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI and Bluetooth

The Yamaha RX-V665 Home Theater Receiver offers 7.2 channel processing with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, two HDMI audio/video inputs with video switching and analog to HDMI video conversion, XM/Sirius Radio Satellite capable, and is both iPOD and Bluetooth compatible. The RX-V665 has an MSRP of $549. Compare Prices

The RX-V665 offers Four HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Two HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite 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-V665 also features one VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder in/out connection loop.

The RX-V665 can also convert all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI and also provides video upscaling up to 1080p 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-V665 also has a set of 5.1/7.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio connection options. The RX-V665 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the RX-V665 also has a set of preamp outputs for multi-zone operation.

The RX-V665 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the RX-V665 to extract 7.2-channel audio from any stereo or multichannel source. The RX-V665 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 compatible inputs. The RX-V665 also features XM-HD Surround processing.

Another useful audio feature is the ability for the RX-V665 to be used in a full 7.2 channel configuration, or in a 5.1 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-V665 delivers 90 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms (at 1Khz) via its seven internal power amplifiers. The RX-V665 can handle any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Speaker Connections

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

The Yamaha RX-V665 features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, video input signals are deinterlaced from 480i and can be upscaled to 1080p via the HDMI output. The RX-V665 also accommodates 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates and up to 36-bit Deep Color as well.

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

The fluorescent front panel display, combined with the Onscreen display 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-V665 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. There 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.

With the optional iPOD dock, in conjunction with the RX-V665, you can incorporate your iPOD listening right into your home theater system.

In addition, the incorporation of Lip-Synch adjustment on the RX-V665 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

Additional Features - Bluetooth Capability

Thje RX-V665 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.

The RX-V665 also features an automated speaker setup function called YPAO. By connecting the provided microphone to the RX-V665 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-V665, Yamaha has incorporated high end features in a reasonably priced home theater receiver, such as two HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion with 1080p upscaling, 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 other practical features of the RX-V665 are the inclusion of 12-volt triggers (used for on/off component control in custom installations), as well as additional speaker connection options to accommodate Bi-Amping, Presence, and Zone 2 speaker setups.

One disappointment is that the RX-V665 does not have S-Video inputs and outputs. Although the emphasis is now on Component and HDMI video connectivity, those that have S-VHS VCRs and HI8 camcorders now have to settle for Composite video connectivity if using the RX-V665 as a switcher for S-VHS and Hi8 camcorder dubbing.

Another omission, which is becoming all-to-common in low and moderately-priced home theater receivers, is the lack of a dedicated phono/turntable input. If you want to connect a turntable to the RX-V665, you must use an additional phono-preamp or purchase a turntable with a built-in phono preamp.

One other area of concern is that this receiver is listed as only weighing about 18.7 pounds, which is 7.5 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the RX-V663. This may indicate a less robust power supply that may affect sustained wattage output.

One the other hand, taking all into consideration, if you are planning to purchase a mid-range priced home theater receiver, then the RX-V665 certainly goes deserve a look and a listen.

The RX-V665 is available in a black finish at a suggested retail price of $549. Compare Prices.

For more details, check out the Official RX-V665 Product Page.