Yamaha RX-V567 AV-receiver
The 7.1-capable RX-V567 from Yamaha - a business that's played a critical part in popularising home cinema - is not the most affordable model in its lineup, but at GBP400 still looks like a bit of a deal. The problem is, almost every other AV brand is targeting this end of the marketplace , so does it do to stand out?
Each is 'repaired' and has its choice button that is remote, though you are able to marry the audio associated to an HDMI (which also support 3D with one of those inputs, the audio return channel, and CEC apparatus -control). In addition, it can be tied in with Yamaha's 'picture' function, which will be a variety of four customisable buttons. Pressing on one of these chooses soundfield and a specific source.
The latter is a Yamaha speciality. Its 32-bit DSP processor is united with 24-bit/192kHz Burr-Brown DACs. You can select from 17 soundfields, all of which are modelled on 'real-world' venues. The V567 covers all the essential surround sound formats and codecs, although Dolby Pro-Logic IIz and its 'height' channels are conspicuous by their absence (something which Sony has specced on its similarly-priced STR-DH810).
Hi-fi enthusiasts will appreciate the compatibility of the RX-V567 with stereo/multi-channel PCM and DTS 96/24 soundtracks. In case you're using a worldwide player having an HDMI output signal, SACD and afterward DVDA /DSD content can be appreciated.
Another worthwhile feature is the fact that analogue video sources (up to 1080i for part) are converted to HDMI only one cable is needed. Conversion quality is excellent for a low priced unit - 480/576p, 720p and 1080i/p conversion can be selected, but upscaling of HDMI isn't allowed - it's changing simply.
The RX-V567 may lack sound that is networked or USB, however a dedicated rear-panel outlet readies the V567 for Bluetooth receiver or an optional iPod dock that can stream music stored on devices like multimedia-informed mobiles. Already builtin is switchable enhancement for compressed audio sources. Yamaha asserts this signal processing will restore depth and dynamics.
The RX-V567 is not difficult setting up; the well-organised menus cater for speaker configuration, input signal-trimming (to eliminate volume 'jumps' after changing), lip-sync adjustment and Pro-Logic IIx decoding tweaks amongst others. The RX-V567 additionally features YPAO auto-calibration. We recommend carrying out loudspeaker and degree set up before utilizing it, otherwise some odd errors can result.
The RX-V567 turns from movies in an exceedingly creditable performance, surely. With wonderful detail, the wildlife sounds of the night time Pandora jungle are conducted on a DVD of Avatar. The closing conflict also fares well. Steering System is brilliant, as revealed by the missiles zinging between speakers. Changing to Blu-ray's hi-res soundtracks, especially Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, illustrates the RX-V567 can manage equally well with details that are even subtler. With music, topics aren't so clearcut. In some of the DSP styles, bass passed to the subwoofer sounds not unpleasantly atonal. There's also an overall muddying of the soundstage that could be tamed, although not completely eliminated, by engaging the 'direct' manner. Our Tech Labs additionally rate the Yamaha RX-V567 poorly concerning raw power, having a measurement of 20W-per-channel into 8omega with five channels driven.
That's still enough to get a small scale set up - just the target market to get a low-range AVR with this ilk - but should be taken into consideration when you're drawing up your audition list.
