Sound quality,power, etc.

Wouldnt mind a dB level display

I have now lived with this unit for several months now and really enjoy it. I have learned to use and enjoy the effect some of the DSP modes yield with certain kinds of music - it actually enhances some CDs, especially the "disco" mode for some reason (NOT for disco music -I've always detested that music style). Better speaker placement and pink noise adjustments of the rears have yielded knock your socks off surround sound effects, especially on those DVDs with DTS sound. Gladiator and Fantasia 2000 will astound you. These DVDs prove that DTS is yet another leap over Dolby digital that is worth investing in. It is essential that you get a unit like this that can excell at reproducing an awesome HT experience with DTS.

Incredible sound, awesome value

A little tricky to set up (for the newbies), remote forgets that "ergonomic" isn't just a catch-phrase

I just wanted to say that I've never been happier with an audio purchase. Using the wonderful sears price match tactic, I was able to save $100 bucks on this receiver and $70 bucks on an awesome sony subwoofer- yes.. sony).. (Heck, I didn't even have to pay shipping because I got sears to match a local store's bait and switch price :)

*****I NEED SOME HELP*****
This receiver sounded great right out of the box- dvds and music cds sounded great.. But me being a curious newbie, I kinda messed around with the settings and now have a muddier sound.. Is there a way to reset the receiver to the default settings??? Also, what settings should I be focusing on when making adjustments in the future? I get a strange echo, muddy sound and hollow center after messing with it.. Any help would be wonderful (freedomsbeat@aol.com). Thanks again and take care!

Similar Products Used:

Older yamaha prologic receiver

Excellent sound, theatre experience very good for the price.

Remote not programmable for any RCA/ Thomsun products, hard if you have stubby fingers.
Hiss on high treble

This is a great product for someone on a budget, but still is trying to get all the current 'standard functions' like DTS/ Dolby digital/ digital cable / opticalcable, S-video hook-up to fit that budget.
I even got a pair of KLH satellites thrown in for free ( sure, they may be mediocre but even they sounded pretty good)

Similar Products Used:

Marantz ( I dont recall the model)

Clarity, Power, DTS and DD, Great price

Minor: Volume knob, some DSP modes not needed. No major weaknesses.

Being in the market for my first receiver, I wanted to make sure I got a good unit for a good price. So, using the information located here, I went to Sears and used their Internet price matching feature to get this receiver for $100 off the regular price, no questions asked. Great deal.

Got the receiver home, hooked it up to my old speakers (which have since been replaced by Paradigm LCR-350's) and powered up the unit. For 70 watts/channel, this unit rocks. Very clear, powerful delivery out to the speakers, allowing the paradigms to do their job well.

I find the DSP mode I use most while watching TV is the Disco mode with four channels active. This mode gives the best feel for TV when sitting in your favorite easy chair. I usually turn the DSP effect off to listen to CD's, unless it's a classical CD. The concert mode is great for these, makes it sound like you are at the concert.

Remote works out okay. The buttons are different shapes for feel, and the layout is satisfactory. It's definitely not nearly as bad as the one for my Toshiba DVD player, which as all the buttons the same size and shape. I try as much as possible to use the Yamaha remote to control DVD functions rather that the remote that came with the DVD player.

A couple minor weaknesses. First, the Sports DSP is a mystery. When I first saw it listed in the manual, I thought "Ooo, cool! I bet that sounds great with college football." Nope. Is it supposed to sound like you're at a sporting event? Sounds more like when I cup my hands over my ears to create echo while watching TV.

The lack of a lighted volume dial is a bit more of a problem. It's pretty much impossible to see what the loudness is set to with the lights off, and there's always a chance to get started by extremely loud output switching from one input source to another. This is always a hazard when living close to neighbors in an apartment building.

Anyway, enough nitpicking. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives. This is a great unit for a super price. It does very well with stereo and also with DTS/DD, with plenty of DTS/DD DSP modes to choose from. Recommended!

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer

Exceptionally well, high-range notes compared to Pioneer, Sony, Nakamichi - works great with movies specially when DTS is active.

None.

This is one of the best receivers I have tested, currently I am running them with my Mirage speakers with an Energy ES-10 sub. this receiver just rocks! Very good sound separation between channels, TRUE 5.1. Actually sounds like Concert hall when such an effect is choosen.

Digital delay's for every channel (center, rears) makes watching movies more like a theater.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Nakamichi, Denon, Optimus.

Not a single one

I have been in the market for a new DD and DTS receiver for quite some time now. I was originally going to purchase a Sony, but upon reading their reviews, I looked at the Yamahas. I was going to purchase a HTR-5250, but my local Best Buy was out, so then I decided to try the HTR-5240 since it has received great reviews on this site. The only one that they had was an open-box buy that I picked up for $200. I've listened to many systems over the years, and let me tell you, this receiver is worth it's weight in gold. It has plenty of power to get the job done, and excellent sound quality too. As far as the remote goes, I don't think it's all that bad. It works every other component that I have easily, and even my wife can figure it out. I could keep going and going, but I won't. All that I have to say is.... if you're looking for a great DD and DTS receiver for under $500, BUY THIS ONE!!!!! You will NOT be dissapointed.

Similar Products Used:

Technics, RCA

None

This receiver has lived up to and beyond all reveiws posted so far (good ones). I purchased after researching on this site for a couple weeks.It seemed like it had the best review for the price and options. The receiver has ample hookups on rear and powers my JBL S-38's with ease. The DSP modes are awesome, especially when listening to a CD, CD-R, or the TV. Disco mode seems best for near equal output to all speakers and subwoofer while Classical setting actually sounds as if yoiu were sitting in an opera house.DVD's in DTS or Dolby Digital are near recreations of a movie theater and I havent even sampled all the different listening modes yet, although so far Spectacle and Adventure seem great. Best DVD's so far include Gladiator, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Saving Private Ryan. This really cant be compared to my Pioneer receiver because it wasn't Digital capable, just 2 channel. As far as the remote is concerned,it will take a little time to get adjusted to, as with probably all remotes, and I think it does the job well. All said, this is a great unit for a great price and although I haven't tested the high end units, I couldn't see why anyone would want to spend the extra money on one.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-305

Price and features

remote control, no bannana plugs

First I tested the HT in a Box that included the 5240. It cost me $640. I liked the HT quality but not enough mid-range in 2-channel stereo from little speakers. Took it back and went with the 5240 and a JBL N-center. Asked salesman if they would replace my free KLH surround (free w/ 5240) speakers with the free yamaha speakers you get with the 5250. They did it but I paid $20 difference for the Yamaha NS-A638. Now my old Sherwood powers the Yamahas...sounds good. The 5240 has enough power to fill my living room(12x20). Sounds great with movies and music in 2- channel.

Down side - Volume control doesn't have a light on it.
- remote doesn't swap discs on my 5 disc Pioneer DV-C503
- no bannana plugs for surround and center

I believe the best DSP for TV is the Disco setting. It is the closest you get to 2-channel surround using four speakers. I notice loud echos when watching basketball players shooting and dribbling in the Sports DSP. Any one else?

Rest of system

Fronts/mains - MTX 124 (provide enough bass for now)
center - JBL-N
Surrounds - BIC Venturi 52
TV Sony KV-27S42
Pioneer DVD DV-c503

Overall I am happy with my purchase. Sounds great. Biggest problem is I can't turn it up past nine o'clock with out waking up the neighbors. It does have a dynamic range control but I like it loud.

Any suggestions for controlling my 5-disc changer and/or something I can put on the volume control knob (glow in the dark paint?) so I can see it at night?

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7-year old Sherwood RX-4010R

Very Good Distortion Rate, Equal Quality of output

Lack of Analog or Digital Level Adjustment (graphical Equalizer, or analog equalizer)

This reciever is one of a kind, with it's great sound quality and powerful amplifier styling it easily drives any reasonable type of speaker you can throw at it. Exceptional surround processing and a processor for Dolby makes this a great value and a sound investment for your home audio system. I have owned many high end sound components over the years and this fits well with my small home theatre and serves it's weight in gold. I truly recomment this for moderate or serious users who are looking for small home theatre quality and reliability. For those who are looking for high end speaker driving ability which I also work with, I recommend High End Yamaha Products, but for average home user this is the best Bet.

The Crisp Sound, clear voice, best price

Lack of bass control for the sub

I think this product is great, altough they didn't have the bass control for the sub, they still the best for me.

I play it with a pair of speaker. I tested the sub with my friend sub woofer. When I played a song and a DVD with 3 speakers, the sound that this unit produced was great. You can hear people voice very clear.

First time I want to buy a receiver, I didn't think about yamaha, I think about sony, denon, nakamichi, pioneer and the others. But when my brother told me to look at yamaha, wow, they have the same specification as sony. However, i read sony review and they said that sony have hiss, so I tried to ask people at best buy and HH Gregg, they said that yamaha is a lot better than sony, and it's a lot cheaper also.

The first time I bought this unit, I played a music, a pop music, wow....the sound is very great and It has a powerfull bass also, although at that time I didn't use a sub woofer.

But the weakness for this unit it doesn't have amplified output for just a subwoofer, so I have to buy another amplifier for my 12" sub woofer.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, kenwood, pioneer