Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Yamaha RX-V1 Receiver by ka7niq

Model:	RX-V1
Category:	Receiver
Suggested Retail Price:	$1499
Description:	was Yamaha's flagship receiver
Manufacturer URL:	Yamaha

Review by ka7niq on September 16, 2008 at 19:40:49
IP Address: 71.180.216.15 Add Your Review
for the RX-V1

I am not really a receiver kind of guy.
I got one of these in a trade deal for a set of speakers I sold.
It sat for almost a year, unused.
Just for kicks, I hooked it up to my B&W 801's.
I was shocked.
It drives the 801's about as loud as I want to play them.
It has a very open, transparent, detailed sound.
Imaging is wide and deep.
It's sound is one of transparency and low coloration.
It is NOT bright at all, but it is not rolled off either.
IF you need coloration's to "round out your system, look elsewhere.
It sounds like it is not there at all.

No, it is not QUITE as good as my separate tube DAC, separate tube preamp, and Moscode 600 amp, OR my Luxman M 117 amp either.
But it is SO close, it really is hard to decide between my options.
For a "one box solution" to your audio needs, this is as good as I have ever heard.
A remarkable achievement Yamaha!

This thing also has the Yamaha DSP, so I put up a bunch of matched surround and DSP speakers.
HOW does it sound ?
Well, the DSP does expand the sound stage, but I haven't got it quite right yet.
Really, I am a 2 channel type of guy, but movies DO sound great through it.
I LIKE the dual STEREO sub woofer outs, because I run TWO subs in each corner.
The Yamaha Bass Management works ok, but I kinda miss my 24 db electric crossover at times.

The FM Tuner is OUTSTANDING, sound quality is good for FM, and signals come in full quieting that were scratchy on other tuners.

Remote works good, and it is an impressive looking piece of equipment.
My non audio friends love it, and ask me "Why don't you just stick with the Yamaha, and dump all that other "junk" ....
The Moscode 600 and the Luxman M 117 are VERY good amplifiers, and the RX V1 keeps up musically with them.
Both the Luxman M 117 and the Moscode 600 have a Turkey sound, really NOT good on the B&W Matrix 801's.
The B&W Matrix 801's have that "old school British warmth", and the additional warmth of the Moscode 600 and/or Luxman M 117 are just a BIT too much in combination.

I actually prefer the transparency of the Yamaha RX V1 on my 801's ??
WTF did JUST say ?
Yep, I said it.
I have spent 6 months with this receiver.
I unhooked it a few times, to try some of my other stuff again.
I find myself going back to the Yamaha RX V1

The B&W 801's are quite revealing, and known to be a bit intolerant of what is in front of them.

SOME of the many stereo pieces I own sound HORRIBLE on the 801's.
Not the Yamaha RX V1

I recently came across a Sony 5000ES, the one with 7 digital 170 wpc amps in it.
RX V1 kicks its azz in every way, makes it sound like a TOY
The Sony is veiled in comparison, and that big, no holds barred image of the RX V1 disappears.

I am enjoying the RX V1 paired with my 801's.
Sorry if my review does not describe every bell and whistle, I am only concerned with it;s 2 ch sound.

I did place a ferrite sleeve on the power cord, to keep RF out of the receiver.
Did it help ?
I THINK so, the images were placed in a blacker, quieter background.

The bottom line to it all is, does it make you tap your toes ?
I would have to say "Yes, it does".
I consider the yamaha RX V! a remarkable achievement for a one box solution to your musical needs.

The BEST separates will beat it of course, but not embarrass it, Unless you have a wicked load to drive.

It is beautiful, sounds great, and does not call attention to itself,

What more can I say ?
I like the Yamaha RX V1

Product Weakness:	Transparent, low coloration and revealing sound may not be for the bright speaker crowd.<br>
Product Strengths:	Open, 3 dimensional, transparent sound, low coloration, stereo sub outs, stellar tuner, beautiful and impressive looking.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Moscode 600
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Dared Tube
Sources (CDP/Turntable): CD Player
Speakers: B&W 801's - Polk SRS 2's - Von Schweikert Vortex Screens
Cables/Interconnects: Radio Shack Flat speaker wire in true bi wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections): all kinds
Room Size (LxWxH): 20 x 24 x
Room Comments/Treatments: suspended sloped ceiling, my fat ass
Time Period/Length of Audition: 6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PowerVar
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Moscode 600
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Dared Tube
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CD Player
Speakers:	B&W 801's - Polk SRS 2's - Von Schweikert Vortex Screens
Cables/Interconnects:	Radio Shack Flat speaker wire in true bi wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all kinds
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 24 x
Room Comments/Treatments:	suspended sloped ceiling, my fat ass
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PowerVar
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner