Component video, input/output flexibility, build, good price point for mid range receiver, solid 5.1 amp

remote construction, proprietary 6 channel, video signal cut off.

Have owned the Yamaha RX-V1000 for less than a week, purchasing it during Boxing week sale for a third off suggested list (not bad for a recently released model).

Primarily a 2 channel audiophile, but now just recently entered into the HT realm with my first A/V receiver. With the advent of video switching and remote couch potatoism, I am quickly giving into the merits of receiver"ship"

Held off for a few years to get a better sense of the formats that would emerge with largest market share of the media/movies that would be available. Hence while I listened to the superior V1 and RX-v3000 and higher Denon models (3801 etc.), I could not justify the significant premium, despite acoustics, features and construction, if such channel formats (6/7.1) do not readily establish themselves.

My system currently includes only the Front speakers (Martin Logan Aerius Is, Bedini amp and Hafler Pre). I have a pair of Musetek Planars which I am considering for rears.

Will review again in more detail once broken in and when I have decided on the full speaker contingent. Have only just listened in stereo mode for both DVD and CD content, with the initial reaction that the receiver clearly lacked in musicality, mid range definition and was a bit bright. Taking the advice of a previous review and hope the acoustics (at least in stereo) will improve with burn in.

Mind you, this is an unfair comparison given the cost differential against separates. In its class, I believe it is a significant feature/acoustical boost over its 995 predecessor and a nice Price sweep spot in terms of price per sound quality /specs /features, noting that you double the price to get to the next level rx3000.

Bang per buck is big to me, given the rapid technological evolution, changing formats, depreciation and obsolence relative to the speakers and wiring. I'd rather put the extra thousands toward speaker quality such as the ML Cinemas and Scripts which don't come cheap.

Go forward, I may consider using separates for the front and centre channels piped from the receiver to get the best of stereo and HT worlds. I'm hearing that more are considering this route, given that many of the higher level A/V pre-amps alone (matching those popular 5 channel power amps - Bryston, Proceed, Acurus), are typically in the $2500 range, a huge investment and potential obsolescence if DTS ES takes off. It's another reason for the RXV1000. Loads of flexiblity in the back channel for pre-outs and inputs. The AV and signalling section of the Yamaha is particularly clean.

I have a weak secondary video source, which when flickers, cuts both the audio/video signals off and doesn't switch them back on. I guess its much more sensitive than the tv to weaker signals. Don't know if this is my receiver or a design fundamental, but it can get irritating having to change tv channels up and down quickly to get the signal to return.

Pricing considerations were also important to me looking at comparables from Sony, Denon and Pioneer Elite. In Canada, the Sony ES 333 and 555 and Denon 2801 /3801 are priced at a relatively higher premium to the RX-v1000 than in the US. Both the Denon 2801 and ES 333 are about $200 more than the v1000, a larger spread than what I saw for US comparables. Pioneer Elite Pricing is even more dramatic with discounts a rarity.

The Denon and Sony lack in component switching and higher bit rates. I liked the uncluttered look of the Yamaha. I found the Gold coloured version to be more aesthetically pleasing, unique and a superb alternative if you can get for the same price as the black.

Musically, I found the 3 to be in the same class overall, each one having different signatures in sound, rather than dramatically better dimensions (spatial, separation, depth, neutrality), particularly in my stereo focus. Sonys were the most forward, punchy but lacking in lower end definition. Use where you have the abilty to bring speakers out a few more inches from the wall. The Denon played with the familiar Denon musicality. It didn't seem to do anything particularly exceptional but was the most "balanced" sounding. I would have considered this were it not for the sales price on the Yamaha. The Yamaha has nice separation and imaging for a receiver of its kind. This combined with its brightness suggests the need for careful speaker matching if you like this kind of sound. Built like a tank and I imagine lots of reserve once the full HT comes into play.

From a value proposition, one might also consider the Sony 940. I auditioned and felt just a notch less definition and if playing at reasonable levels, (95% of the time for me) unmissed. With its age and likely a successor in the near future and sold a la mass market, lots of bargains to be found on the 940 with the $ differential that could be put to a better speaker ensemble.

On that note, I leave you to your and my listening. Cheers and Seasons greetings.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES. Yamaha 3000. Denon 2801 3801

Sound is excellent, well built receiver

No crossover frequency adjustments and paid to much

Bought this unit after going through 2 differnt Sony ES 333 receivers. Both Sony units were defective. Will never buy another Sony receiver, EVER!

However, the Yamaha is a great sounding receiver that really is a musical piece of equipment. That is to say that the sound is tight.

My equipment list:

Yamaha RX-V1000
Sony 7700 DVD
M&K 750THX front/center
M&K 550THX Surrounds
M&K 1250THX Sub

Plenty of power for my setup. After my problems with the Sony equipment the Yamaha is great!

Similar Products Used:

Sony DA50ES, Sony 333ES, many others in the past

Awsome Sound, Looks good, not too bulky.
Great price for it's capabilities.

Didn't come with a recliner.

After years of owning inexpensive and lousy sounding rack systems, I decided to to go with a home theatre system that can produce great sound for both Music and Movies. My good friend Mike was already researching home theatres for himself so I ask for advise. He was looking into the Yamaha RX-V800 so I decided to do a little homework for myself. I went to JandR Music World and ask for demos on the Pioneer Elite, Onkyo, Denon, Harman Kardon, and finally the Yamaha (the demos were done on a pair of Klipsch SB3 Synergies, nice sound for large bookshelf speakers). I'm no audiophile but it was obvious to me that the Yamaha had a more natural sound than the others. I decided to go with the upgraded system RX-V1000 for added features. I purchased The klipsch
Quintet Micro Theatre along with the Klipsch KSW12 subwoofer
to go with my Yamaha and I couldn't be more satisfied for the money I paid. I love this system!
My system is as follows:
Yamaha RX-V1000 $800.00
Klipsch Quintet Micro Theatre $300.00
Klipsch KSW12 Subwoofer $330.00
JVC XV511 $299.00
Thanks for your help Mike and all of you who reviewed this product.Happy listening!

Similar Products Used:

First time I ever owned a receiver of this quality.

SOUND

Manual

This unit has everything you could possibly want, and for the price I don't how anyone could go wrong. 50 topsellers made the transaction a dream. I have this unit hooked up to an Atlantic Technology System 170. When I turned it on for the first time it was to a dvd of Independence Day. All I could was just sit there and smile. My wife thought I was crazy but when she sat beside me the same smile came to her face. You know the smile, the one you get when you hear exactaly what a system is supposed to sound like.

Similar Products Used:

dennon 2801

sounds great/ matrix 6th channel option/ inputs are renameable

external amp for 6th channel

I initially wanted the Denon avr-3801; being the enthusiast, slash, a/v fanatic that I am, I needed that discrete 6th channel. While still saving up money to purchase it, I was comfronted with a smoken deal; the yamaha rx-v1000 for $600.00. This was a delima for sure. I hesitantly bought it, knowing I was sacrificing true dts es for matrix.(A sucker for a good deal, indeed!) With frown on face I drove home, questioning the wisdom of the choice I had just made. I got home, took the sucker out of the box and noticed straight away that it didnt have a digital coaxial input for dvd; AHHH! I hooked everything up, dvd into cbl/sat, threw in a cd, sat down and listened. "Whoa!," I thought; fumbled around with the remote and manual, did a little on screen speaker setting up and listened again. WHOAAAAAA! What was once a frown quickly became a smile. This is a damn good sounding reviever! Cd after dvd after cd after dvd, my heart fell deeper and deeper in love with the Yamaha. I used my old reciever to power the 6th channel and wow, perdy cool! No one should feel bad about buying this reciever. I smile to this day, and marvel often at the warmth and clarity of it's sound.
ps: The lack of a dvd digital coaxial input ended up not being a problem; the inputs are renameable.

Similar Products Used:

rx-v800

Sound, versatility, lots of inputs and the remote

Lack of amp for 6th channel

While I do not have a lot of experience with HT receivers except for the cheaper Kenwood 407, I have used stereo equipment for too many years and do know the kind of sound I like. Some people have complained of some Yamaha amps sounding "tinny". I have not found that at all with the RX-V1000. The sound is fairly warm and well rounded. The DTS-ES mode with an additional amplifier is fantastic. It really makes a difference. The Gladiator is an excellent disk to demonstrate the capabilities of this receiver. It would have been nice to have the 6th channel amp on board but for the price I guess I shouldn't complain. The remote works very well and is not awkward at all. Bottom line this is a very powerful and clean amp with lots of flexibility at a great price.

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood 407

Sound and build quality, vast number of inputs and outputs

None

This is a review for the Yamaha HTR-5280, which essentially is the same identical receiver feature and power wise with the exception of the remote control. This is the finest receiver I've ever owned. The build quality is very good and the unit is quite heavy and fairly large in stature compared to others close to it's price. It has tons of digital inputs (7 in all) and outputs as well as both S-Video and Component video switching. The sound is very clean and very powerful particularly for a receiver under $800. It stacks up to the Pioneer Elite models quite nicely and even surpasses them in some areas. Watching DVDs in both DD 5.1 and DTS-ES through this unit is light years better than through lesser receivers close in price to this one. The on screen display also makes setting the unit up fairly simple. The remote takes a bit of getting used to with the selection dial at the top, but it's slim and controls most of the features nicely from across the room. Overall this receiver gives you basically everything you could want, except for 7 channel sound if that is the type of setup you're looking for. Highly, highly recommended, this is definitely a receiver you can enjoy for years to come.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha

NEW REMOTE THAT WORKS! Clean powerfull sound. Usefull DSP modes, 6.1 (5.1) channel stereo. Renamable sources onscreen and on remote. Sounds good with music and HT.

Hard to see display on rcvr. No rear center amp, pre-out only. Volume knob not as visual as the -995.

I originally bought the Denon AVR-3300, and had to return the 1st when a rear channel quit. The 2nd one had a loud fan that you could hear cycle off/on. Ulimate was really good about all that mess, and offered the -995 as a loaner until the -1000 came in (so I had the -995 over 3 months). For the price, you can't beat the -995, except for the crappy remote. Nice unit.

The Yamaha RX-V100- sounds almost the same, which is to say GREAT, but the 6 channel stereo (5 if you don't have a rear center amp/speaker) sounds awesome, actually useful and better than the Denon's. The DSP modes work well, overall a very quiet amp section. It switches modes quietly and almost immeadiatly, as opposed the the Denon which was slow and clicked when changing dsp/stereo modes. The Volume knob does not have the little LED that showes relative volume, and requires more turning (or longer button pressing on the remote) to change volume, which at first kinda bites. Conversly, it allows for much finer (.5db increments) volume adjusments which I am getting to like more each day. I guess the -995 had higher gains, but it is difficult to compare as the control is so different. The rotary source selector is now gone and replaced with 2 buttons, but the remote is how I usually change sources.

Speaking of the remote: 100% improvement on the old flippy monstrosity of the last generation of Yamaha recievers! This new one learned all my components, does macros, everything! And, it did not run out of memory! It is fairly powerful too. The only fault is one button I picked and programmed for my DSS Guide seems to need to be pressed repeatedly to work. You can rename the source's which show up on a small orange backlit LCD display to whatever you want, (and rename them on the on-screen-display). Very cool. I use this remote while I am setting up my Pronto remote, or as a second remote. Boy am I lazy or what....

The new look is great, with a solid look and feel to all the controls and the door that hides the controls and front panel inputs, which includes a fiber optic and S-video input. The setup menu is ok, not the easiest to use but does have some neat features. My favorite it the Low Frequency test, so you can rumble the room with 35hz-250hz test tones. You can also select which speakers get the tones.

The Yamaha RX-V1000 truly delivers both music and Home theater sound with no problems. It has plenty of inputs, component video, everything you could ask for in a reciever in this price range. Don't pay over $800 though. I highly recommend giving it a listen.

My System:
-----------------------------------
Yamaha RX-V1000 reciever
Pioneer DV-434 progressive scan DVD
RCA 4280 DSS receiver
JVC HS3600U S-video VHS
Yamaha CDX-510u CD
Klipsch RF-3 Reference main speakers
Klipsch RC-3 Center
Klipsch RS-3 surrounds
Sunfire True Sub MKII sub
Sony 27" Trinitron TV (looking for a replacement)
Philips Pronto RU-890 programable remote

Similar Products Used:

RX-V995, Denon AVR3300 (junk)

Remote! DSP modes

None so far.

After six months of careful evaluation I think I choose the best receiver for its price range. I am glad I waited for this unit instead of the RXV995 if only for the upgraded remote. Then I found out about the increased power, higher linear damping factor, and component inputs. This unit really lets you put your system through a workout. I have yet to experience anything negative about it. I read all the reviews about the Denon and Harmon Kardon and was really persuaded by the fact that the only complaint I ever read about Yamaha was the remote! That has to say something about Yamaha when all the other guys are getting hammered about something overheating, popping, whining, poor construction etc... and the only negative about them is the remote design. Then most people said once you got use to it you liked it. I also put the other two units through the tests at the stores but kept coming back to the Yamaha because of the sound difference. Everything seems to sound crisp and clean yet natural. Movies sound better at home than at the movie theater (but then again that is the idea you are going for). The opening fight scene of Gladiator using the "DTS Normal" mode has you ducking for cover as the approaching army advances! I will say the Yamaha sounds unbelievable but it is hard to give it all the credit because the Klipsch speakers by themselves take your breath away. My advice to anyone contemplating buying a new system is to do as much research as possible and make a decision that best fits your criteria. However, for what ever it's worth the Yamaha is superb system against all others in its class.

Home System:

Sony 27" Wega
Yamaha AVR1000
Sony DVP-S360
Yamaha CDC 675
Klipsch RF-3
Klipsch RC-3
Klipsch RS-3
Paradigm PDR-10

Similar Products Used:

Denon AVR 3300 & Harmon Kardon AVR 7000 (Both tested extensively at stores)

Plenty of clean power, remote control, connection options, component video switching, 6 channel stereo, sturdy build

see review below for minor shortcomings

I've had this thing for only a short time, but am thrilled with the purchase. My setup is:
Yamaha RX-V1000
Sony DVP-S530D (DVD)
Yamaha CDC-501 (CD)
Sony SAT-B55 (DSS)
Sony Wega 27"
Polk CS245i (center)
Polk PSW350 (sub)
Polk RT25i (main/surrounds)

The sound is clean and full. Not much more to say about that. Yamaha (IMO) has a distinctive sound and either you like it or you don't and I'm a fan. Since "tone" is subjective and dependant on speakers and acoustics, I'll not review it.
Feature wise, it's packed. Set-up is simple and step by step...the manual is good enough (not great though). There are hookups for most anything you could throw at it and plenty available for future uses, such as DVD-Audio. The speaker outputs are a binding post type that don't seem to be "super duty" quality, but are loads better than spring clips. Component video switching was a big plus for me...DVD for now and PS2 [or X-Box (if it has it)] when I can get my mits on one. One of the biggest reasons that I selected the RX-V1000 is the 6 channel stereo mode....it's great for CD listening and concert DVD's (Metallica Cunning Stunts and S$M). The remote is very capable and I have no complaints as to it's use. The macro's are a great remote function...one button fires up the receiver, TV, DVD player, then plays the DVD...(just an example).
Minor downsides....I wish the remote was backlit all over. It is nice that when you select CD on the receiver, the unit remembers the "surround mode" that you used last and likewise for DVD, tuner, DSS, etc.....but what would be nice is if the speaker levels were also stored. The sub level has to be altered (increased) for DVD or DSS as compared to other sources. A sub level direct access on the remote would be enough of a remedy for me. You can increase the sub level through the remote, but it is through the set-up menu.
I have owned several Yamaha products and can say that they are reliable as can be...the only time they ever need replaced is when technology advances enough to warrant an upgrade.
My ratings are based on the biased fact that it has the features that I wanted (as compared to the others in it's price range) and it does everything that I want and more and, as I said before, I like the tone of the Yamaha receivers.

Similar Products Used:

Not used, but compared against...Denon, Pioneer Elite, Sony ES, Onkyo....various models of each