Electronics Gadget Reviews

Yamaha RX V863BL 735 Watt 7 1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

105 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.06% THD * Dolby?True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby?Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby?Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic?IIx, and DTS Neo:6 decoding * improved YPAO sound optimization for more precise automatic speaker setup (microphone included) * SIRIUS satellite radio capable (requires SIRIUS subscription and optional SiriusConnect home tuner kit) * iPod integration (requires optional Yamaha YDS-11) * dual-room/dual-source audio (powered and line-level stereo audio output for 2nd room) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great bang for the buck
I bought this along with the Yamaha 3900. I put the 3900 in my family room and the 863 in the bedroom. Personally, I like the 863 better.

Just as some background, I have a Sony 550 Blu Ray and a Directv HD receiver hooked up to it. It has outputs to a 5.1 speaker system in Zone 1 and a simple 2 speaker system in Zone 2 (in our bathroom so we can listen to the radio in the morning). Video is thru a Samsung 7 series 52″ LCD TV.

Great sound. The upscaling of DVDs is tremendous. It can turn a DVD into (almost) a Blu Ray. Easily does 2 zones. It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output. Can handle 2 subs. If you don’t do HDMI, has tons of other inputs which can easily be seen on the pictures. It also has all the capabilities of more expensive receivers. HD Radio, Sirius, XM, ipod dock and all the acronyms.

So, why would you pay more (for the 3900 for example)? The 3900 is a network receiver, which the 863 is not. The 3900 has 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs (vs 3/1 for the 863). The 3900 is a little more powerful (140W/channel vs 105 for the 863).

However, after buying both, I wish I had just bought 2 863s. In fact for the cost of the 3900, I could have.

Great receiver. Great price. Incredible value.

4 Stars Yamaha RX-V863 Review
I have been using this receiver for the past three weeks, and although it takes some time to properly customise at the end I am very impress with the sound Quality and overall performance of this unit

4 Stars Nice Receiver
This is my 3rd Yamaha receiver I like to up grade. This one has the hd radio and hdmi hook ups that my old one didn’t. I do wish they would have impoved the remote control. I like my old one better with the lcd screen on it.

4 Stars Formerly owned the venerable RXV-659…
Got this receiver when I got the Panasonic Blu-ray player. Easy setup, many soundfields, a few changes from the RXV-659. I really wanted this unit for its analog video upconversion and ability to perform lossless PCM and the upgraded Dolby and DTS audio from Blu-rays.

Only gripe: relatively expensive, although I got mine (new in box!)from a clearance sale.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to music on Yamaha receivers, and with this unit’s ability to play my DVD-Audio discs, I am pretty pleased.

4 Stars Yamaha RX-V863
I’ve been a long time Onkyo listener. I went with Yamaha this time for it’s price and loyal customers. Plus I heard the competing Onkyo unit had a video issue in 1080P. I am very pleased with the Yamaha, it delivers very clean sound, plenty of HDMI hook ups, and an easy to set up interface. Prior Onkyo users will not like the rear hookups for anything other than HDMI. They are split up by type of input unlike the Onkyo where you could define what input the different video modes used. This somewhat constrains you in hooking up VCR’s, Wii’s, Ipod (without the onkyo dock). Overall though this is a great unit and I recommend it to anyone.

Buy/More Info

Denon AVR 1609 7 1 Channel Multi Zone Home Theater Receiver

Affordability and versatility are the hallmarks of the AVR-1609, which features a powerful 7 channel amplifier section to drive a 7.1 multi-channel speaker system, along with the latest extended surround decoders, including Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS ES. Equipped with the latest HDMI v1.3a digital video signal pass-through technology, the AVR-1609 provides 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, allowing a single HDMI cable run to your HDTV display.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Disappointed in Virginia
I received the Denon AVR from Amazon at a great price, but it was not all it was advertised to be. Supposed to be HDMI in and out but when I read the instructions the fine print said the receiver only transfers the video portion of the HDMI and I would have to use a separate digital cable from each component to the AVR. Thats old technology! Do not buy this item. Go for one that is HDMI compatible.

4 Stars Denon AVR-1609 7.1 Channel Receiver
This is an awesome receiver. I have paired it up with the Mirage 5 NanoSAT speakers and a Klipsch 8in subwoofer and the sound quality is very good. For the purchase price of $204 (USD) you cannot go wrong. The only downside is the HDMI does not carry the sound – you have to use the optical connection. Not a big deal unless you need more optical inputs – then you have to upgrade to a more expensive receiver. I use this in a 13 x 22 inch bonus room so I am not sure if the power would be sufficient for larger areas. I plan to add two more Mirage speakers for the full 7.1 experience. I was able to get my Direct TV remote to control the volume pretty easily. Also commercial volume can automatically be calibrated to the level of what you are watching. This is a major plus for a reciever in this price range. Setting up the reciever requires time. Read the manual carefully and do not be in a rush. It will be worth it.

5 Stars avr-1609 review
I am very very pleased with the Denon AVR-1609. I have nothing but good things to say. It is a budget receiver with a lot of functionality. I would definitely recommend it for the money.

5 Stars Excellent product
The primary reason that I selected this product was the automatic sound leveling. It does that job very well. There are so many options that it is a little difficult to setup but once done, it works flawlessly. I am very satisfied with it.

3 Stars Great sound, horrible interface
I have been using this receiver for a few weeks. I love the sound, which is far better than my previous Onkyo when used with my BA speakers for music (I don’t use the 7.1). However, my big complaint is that the interface is a train wreck. If I had 3 or fewer inputs (including radio) the ‘Quick’ 1-3 buttons might be OK once configured — though I’d prefer a UI that allowed me to label them for my wife’s sake if not my own — but as is it’s a pain. I have other minor issues, like the double-sided remote (two sides that don’t work with my Bravia!), the lack of an analog passthrough, and a horrible manual, but usability is the big one.

I am planning on exchaging this, probably for the Sony 820 or 920.

Buy/More Info