Music and movies sound great on this unit. Yamaha has brought the performance of this unit closer to the next one up in the food chain-the 2400. You don't need the 2400 for $200 more. Video upconversion is teriffic. Only one cable to your monitor. YPAO really makes a difference. This receiver is perfect for someone who has different speakers for front, center, and surround. It really does make them all sound similar. You must spend a lot of time with the manual to discover all that this beauty can do.

I thought I would be getting onscreen display with component video-the only display you get is when you want to change settings on the receiver. The volume and DSP mode do not show up on the onscreen display when you change those settings, as I am sure they do with composite and S-VHS.

This receiver makes my SACDs and DVD-Audios sound great. I had a Denon AVR 1082, and the high-rez discs sounded bright on it, but the Yamaha's sound is very smooth and not bottom heavy like the Denon. Also, the DSP modes for movies are fabulous. I usually use THX EX or EX, and I've never been happier with my home theater sound.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha RX-V992, 995, 1000, Denon AVR1082(3802)

Yamaha finally gets THX Strong clean power Nice high end look 7 digital inputs Preamp outs on all channels HDTV swithing

Wish the Dacs were burr-brown Could be a little heaftier

Lord knows how may receivers I've had over the last 6 months I've tried them all. This is probably the best reciever under $1000 dollars. First off all I love the "THX" although it really means nothing, as a matter of fact companies pay for this certification. Alot of receivers out there meet the THX standards without bearing the symbol, but I needed to see the label on my unit (silly isn't it). This receiver has 7 digital inputs which is plenty for anyone. The flip down front panel is an added bonus. There are't many differences between this one and the RX-V2400. The 2400 gives you two additional soundfields, an RS232c input, slighty larger power supply, and 10wpc more. Not worth the $200 bucks in my isight. Even an audiophile can respect Yamaha's sound processing which made me choose this over the Onkyoand Denon. All in all this is a wonderful machine. Yamahas automatic setup with microphone seems pretty cool although I haven't used it yet. The menu is a little difficult without using the on-screen display, using it will make your life easier. My only gripe is a stupid one, I wish the unit was taller. It's no shrimp at 6.75 inches but an even 7 inches would have given it a nice stout look. Overall a great product at a great price.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-NR801 Denon 3803 Harman Kardon AVR 325

Dolby Pro Logic IIx (see summary); Dolby Digital EX, DTS Neo 6, DTS ES, THX EX. Good number of inputs/outputs

Optimizer Mic

Overall, this receiver is great. It has all of the latest decoders, i.e., Dolby Digital EX, DTS Neo 6, DTS ES, Dolby Pro Logic IIx (see below), etc. It's also THX Certified! For some reason, Yamaha decided to start implementing Dolby Pro Logic IIx in the newer versions of this receiver. If you are like me and have one of the receiver's without Dolby Pro Logic IIx, here is what you need to do in order to get the "free" upgrade: 1) Email Yamaha's customer service department (they will give you the same directions); 2) You will need to fax your receipt to them so they can verify you bought your receiver from an authorized dealer; 3) They will then mail to you an authorization form indicating how to send this receiver back to them; 4) You will need to send your receiver to them (and of course you will have to pay for all the shipping costs to get it to them!) 5) It will take them about 2 days to install the upgrade and then they will send it back to you via UPS Standard Ground (you pay to ship it to them and they pay to ship it back to you). All in all, I sent my receiver to them on a Monday (I shipped it Overnight) and I received my receiver back on the following Wednesday (it took 9 days to get it back). I received it back in the same condition as I sent it. No complaints with that but it was still a pain to do. To avoid all this, make sure you get the receiver with Dolby Pro Logic IIx already installed. There should be the logo on the box. Nonetheless, its a great receiver with great features. The "Optimizer Mic" is somewhat over-rated. It is supposed to adjust all the settings to your room but it tends to favor an inordinate amount of treble compared to bass. I had to adjust all the manual settings because it was all treble and no bass. It's a good idea in theory but not in practice. Other than that, once you get your settings adjusted, the sound is excellent. Plenty of inputs and outputs to keep you busy for several years. Great receiver for the price.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo DVD; Klipsch RF3II(2), Klipsch RS-35(2); Klipsch RC-35; Klipsch RS-25(2); Velodyne Sub; Sony 34" Wega

* Individual speaker control (db level, GEQ, 3 of speakers....etc. etc.) * Ease of use. I found the remote to be easily programmable. Has a learn function. * Inputs are assignable * Clean clean power.... * Night mode * You can "tailor" your sound if you so desire.

* Not sure if I can name any at this point, however, I'd say that the YPAO mic is not as cool as I thought. Although, My rear speakers were dogs and I yet to hook up (all) of my new Athenas when I move the system to my basement in 4 weeks. I'll try the YPAO again. Seems like a cool feature.

Just purchased and received this unit last week. My 10 year old Cerwin Vegas have new life. They have never sounded so good. I ran out purchased the Athena S.5 (5 speaker package) after the Yamaha exposed the weakness of my former rears and center. I didn't need to, but I was getting itchy anyway. The overall clarity of my new sound is impressive. I really like the ability to set the GEQ for each speaker. The unit has some great features. It can really breathe new life into some once "starved" floor mains.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, Sony, Harmon Kardon Not much else worth mentioning.

- Sound - Features - On Screen Displays - Graphic Equalizer separated for each speaker.

- Non. - I wish GEQ had several presets.

I bought RX-V2400 but this unit had a problem so when I went back to the store they had a new model RX-V1400 almost for the same price. I’ve decided to switch with mixed feelings because I really loved the RX-V2400. After a month of use, I am glad that I moved to RX-V1400. Both units have the same power and specifications but the RX-V1400 has so many new useful features that I just love it. New features: - Automatic PEQ – provides best equalization for your room. I must admit that it’s a matter of personal taste. I personally thought it’s OK but not wonderful. - Graphic Equalizer separated for each speaker. - Night mode - Smaller Remote control (better fits into your hand). - You can connect 9 sets of Speakers - Much better sound adjustment menus - New Useful Sound programs (however two less then RX-V2400) Both units have excellent sound.

Similar Products Used:

RX-V2400

The sound quality.

Not upgradable. Remote control is a bit complicated and it not resetable. On screen menu is much better, but there is no easy way to return to main screen.

Just the best product for this price range. Look for PLIIx models when you bying. It should have label on the box.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3803, Sony

i auditioned the Yamaha against the Denon 3803 - which is more cash (about $200) and felt that after about an hour doing music comparisons had enough to provide input. First of all i agree with some of the other reviewers that the denon has a bigger sound but i would say that to dismiss the yamaha is a mistake - the yamaha lets you distinguish notes that you just cant hear with the denon - so i have to disagree with the other reviewers on this topic - the yamaha is better sounding because it has alot more resolution. this is a case where more is not better. also, the yamaha "controls" the speakers (ADS 400 in walls) much better than the DRA695 did (their top of the line stereo reciever). again alot more detail of notes. while the bass is not as amplified the bass notes are distinguishable as in either the denon 695 or the 3803 they are not. sounds wise the yamaha gets the nod muiscaly in the 2 channel setting

not sure at this point - the albatross may be the zone 2 functionality and sound. the second zone drives a pair of outdoor speakers (boston voyagers) and the zone 2 amp is replacing a pretty good denon 2 channel (60wpc) receiver.

this is a brief review of the unit i just picked up a week or two ago.

Similar Products Used:

Denon DRA 695 - in home trial Denon 3803 - extensive in store audtion

For the price, this has to be the absolutely best receiver available. Excellent 2 channel sound, incredibile surround sound, Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding, powered zone 2. Yes you can have it all for a receiver priced for 550.00 mail order.

Technical support is not toll free.

I first tested the Denon 3803 and the Onkyo 800 receivers on this site almost a year ago. In summary the Denon 3803 sounded excellent on 2 channel music CD, while the Onkyo 800 sounded terrible. The Onkyo 800 was very 1 dimensional and had no bass. While the Denon 3803 had an incredible amount of bass on music CD. On surround sound. They both were about the same. The Onkyo 800 had THX and had slightly better seperation in the channels while the Denon 3803 had much better bass. In the last few months I have tried the Sony ES 5000 and the Pioneer Elite 53. I choose not to write a review on those 2 products because the sound they produced was terrible and not worth it. I have been waiting to try the new Yamaha 1400. The one I bought also has Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding for 2 channel and multi channel sources. First I must say overall this is the best sounding receiver I have ever heard. The sound in surround sound is incredibile and the sound in 2 channel music is excellent. This receiver has features and options not available even on much more expensive receivers. Auto eq setup, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, powered zone 2, Video Up Conversion from RCA and S video to Component Video. I must warn you that you have to be very careful with the auto setup especially when listening to 2 channel music. The auto setup works great for surround sound. But you must eq to the front speakers, if you dont, the auto eq will make your front speakers sound like your smaller surround speakers. They will have no bass and treble. I have read where people have written that in 2 channel music the receiver sounds compressed and sounds terrible, this is the reason. By eq to the front speakers, the receiver does dont eq the front speakers but eq all others to the sound of your front speakers. But this is true only when using 2 CHANNEL STEREO with the sub. If you use the DIRECT STEREO, you have no sub output, but you also turn off the eq of the receiver. Also you must use the level button on the remote to set the front speakers levels to be the same. If you use the SOUND MENU, it only has 1 level setting for both front speakers and it only shows you the higher of the two. You must also change the bass setting from sub to both so you get bass from both the sub and the front speakers. 2 CHANNEL MUSIC After setting up the system as above, 2 channel music sounded excellent. The sound stage was very large and apparent. The receiver sounded very natural. It was a joy listening to music cds. I must admit though, the bass output was not quite as good as the Denon 3803, so I must say in 2 channel music the Denon 3803 is ever so slightly better. 2 CHANNEL MOVIESS With Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding this is the best sounding receiver I have ever heard with 2 channel movies sources. You get full range output on all 7.1 channels with incredibile sound. Many people thought they were listening to DVDs when watching cable movies, beacuse of the incredibile surround sound. It sounded amazing. Much better than Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS neo. MULTI CHANNEL SURROUND SOUND In multi channel surround the receiver also sounded incredibile. The power output had people running from the room. The sound was clear and loud. The clarity and power was awesome. The best surround receiver available for the price. Again Dolby Pro Logic IIx was my favorite sound decoder. REMOTE CONTROL The 1400 also had the best remote control of all receivers I have tried. It easily learned all other remotes and was very easy to use. MANUAL The manual was only ok in describing all the features and options of the receiver. But this seems to be the story for all the models I have tried. These receivers are so complicated, its difficult to explain everything. TECHNICAL SUPPORT Is excellent for this receiver. After getting by the customer service person that initially answers. You can then speak to the designers that designed the receiver. They actually have the receivers setup there so they can try to do what you are trying to do. My only beef with them is that it is not toll free. SUMMARY If you are in the market for a surround sound receiver, you must listen to this one. Yamaha has produced a receiver so good, that even if you spent thousands more you couldnt get the features, options and sound you can get with this receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3803 Onkyo 800 Pioneer Elite 53 Sony ES 5000

Sound quality and base features are well thought out.

None as of yet.

Overall this is a great interm unit for someone on the way to a higher-end equipment. I was and still am very impressed with its features and functions. This unit is a downgrade for me from the Pioneer Elite 49TXi. It surpasses the 49TXi hands down and has some features not found on older Yamaha Z1 units. The power output of 130W X 6 and 45 X 2 seems to be underated.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-39TX and VSX-49TXi.

This receiver will rock your world.

None

The three primary differences between the 1300 and 1400 are 1) 100W vs. 110W; 2) 6.1 vs 7.1 THX; and 3) the autocalibration function. You may have difficulty finding a vendor with the 1300 in stock; they almost all have moved to the 1400. What weaknesses could I identify in this most excellent receiver, after moving from a 7-year old, 2.1 surround Kenwood receiver? With all do fairness, my system is a total upgrade and just how much the new speakers or new connections or new cables are contributing is impossible to control for. The unit is AWESOME. I won’t bore you with the specs, just go to the Yamaha site and check them out for yourself. The auto-calibration function is priceless. I had my unit all balanced in 10 minutes. It fits quite snuggly into my AV rack; this thing is big. It is on the bottom shelf and I have about 8” of clear space above it. Connections are more plentiful than you’ll know what to do with. DSPs are fantastic and make even the dullest 2-channel sound come alive. It reproduces an incredible sound stage with my Mercy Me CD. DVD sound is awesome and video transfer is also incredible. There are sound effects coming through with Shrek that I had never heard before. It up-converts composite and S-video signals to component output. The bottom line is if this unit has all the specs you want and is within budget; don’t waste any more time fussing around: This is a top quality Yamaha – how can you go wrong? My setup and Connections – 1) Toshiba 57” Theaterwide Widescreen HDTV Monitor. 2) Yamaha RX-V1400 7.1 THX/EX/DTS A/V Receiver. 3) Fluance (AV-5, AV-SC, AV-F3, and AV-BP) and Advent (75W, 8” LFE) Speaker System. 4) Panasonic S35S Progressive Scan DVD Player 5) JVC HR-S3901 S-VCR Player 6) Pioneer 6-disk CD Player 7) Pioneer Dual-Tape Cassette Player 8) Sony Digital Satellite System 9) 4-shelf AV rack from Walmart (SWEET, for $80) a) DVD player: Audio – digital optical cable. Video – Component. b) Satellite receiver: Audio – RCA. Video – S-video. Up-converted to Component out. c) S-VCR: Audio – RCA. Video – S-video. Up-converted to Component out. d) CD player: RCA plugs

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Moving up from a 2.1 70W Kenwood. No comparison.