Yamaha RX V420 A/V Receivers

Yamaha RX V420 A/V Receivers 

DESCRIPTION

The RX-V420 is a 5-channel receiver providing finest performance and processing available for music and video sound. The 5 channels are: Left/Right Main, Center, Left/Right Rear Effects. The receiver delivers Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel formats. Yamaha's Digital Sound Field Processing, Cinema DSP and Tri-Field Processing are all included as is Dolby Surround Pro Logic processing. The RX-V420 also provides Silent Cinema and all channel stereo.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 23  
[Oct 18, 2002]
Carl
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Clear, natural sound. Many features.

Weakness:

Crappy remote.

Great sound from this amp. I only have Paradigm Titans right now, but anticpate getting the other speaker for full surround soon. Yes, the remote does suck. I can operate just about any remote, but this one will humble even the most manly men. The "Effects" are alright. Everything sounds better flat with effects turned off. Very natrual sound. Dispersion is A1.

Similar Products Used:

Crappy Sharp Dolby Pro Logic system.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 16, 2002]
M
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

* bright, active mid ranges -- typical American sound. * good for movies, rock, jazz fusion, Top 40 music. * clean design

Weakness:

* The upper ranges (higher octaves) lack resonance and sound shrill, reedy and thin. * Not for those who like classical music, classic jazz or opera.

A good receiver if you like listening to top 40 type music, rock, jazz fusion or are purchasing this solely for movie watching. This receiver is good for folks who want a bright, active sound, especially in the mid ranges. For music and movies that are more dependent on the mid ranges, the receiver is wonderful and pleasing. I was very happy with my initial tests using top 40 cds and dvd movies. I would guess that this would be a great college receiver for parties, or a perfect receiver if used solely for movies. However, I then tested my all time favorite cds....what a dissapointment. If you like musicians or vocalists such as Miles Davis and Kathleen Battle -- in fact nearly all of classical music, orchestras, opera, jazz classics...then this is not the receiver for you. The receiver is weak in reproducing any music with that reaches the higher octaves. For example, violins, trumpets, clarinets, oboes, voices in the soprano and mezzo soprano ranges are shrill, reedy, thin and lack resonance. Vocalists with full orchestra are not well balanced -- the mid ranges being a bit too bright in comparison to the vocals. Since I listen to music more than watch movies, this just is not the best receiver for me. I bought this as a replacement to my 10 year old Denon receiver and it is hooked up to Bang & Olufsen speakers (with monster cables) and a Sony dvd/cd player. It is surprising how much of a sound difference there is between the Denon and Yamaha. The Denon handles classical, opera, jazz and top 40 well. The Yamaha does not handle all of these types of music well. I made all of the adjustments that can be made to the Yamaha and even repositioned my speakers...but shrill, reedysound that lacks resonance in the upper octaves is quite difficult to compensate for. Tomorrow, the Yamaha is going back to the store. I've looked at the reviews for the newer Denons and it sounds like they have a more conservative (not as bright), even, cleaner sound that doesn't push the mid ranges at the expense of weakening the upper ranges.

Similar Products Used:

Denon receiver

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jul 10, 2002]
hsusatyo
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Great Front Layout, a lot of DSP choice, programmable remote control.

Weakness:

Only one optical input. No S-Video output.

Actually this is the review for Yamaha RXV 430 I use my Sony for main speaker, and JBL for center, surround and subwoofer. Although the speaker that I used is only the cheap one, I was very surprised with the richnest of the sound. I listened to Denon AV 1602 before which is very smooth and gentle. But with this Yamaha 430 you can hear the much more crisp sound, thanks to Yamaha DSP. I got little problem adjusting my JBL Digital 10 subwoofer, but after a while I got it right with the volume knob on the subwoofer adjusted at 65% the freq at 75 % and the subwoofer setting on the receiver is set at -8db. The remote control can be programmed to control also my TV(LG and Sony) and DVD player (Pioneer). Very natural sound for CD Audio. Great for Dolby Digital and DTS. I love the Dolby Prologic II, It transform your stereo input into a surround like audio.

Similar Products Used:

Denon AV1602

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 13, 2002]
Bruce Hopkins
Casual Listener

Strength:

Lots of power, super clean sound, great theater effects, DTS, DD, speaker control.

Weakness:

Remote.

OK, this is my first ever review after spending much time sifting through this great site (thanks to the people who run this place) and getting some ideas for my first home theater. Being on a strict budget after buying a new home and finishing my basement I found that yes, you can buy something decent without breaking the bank. After setting this unit up I can only say one thing, WOW! I am completely satisfied with the 420, tons of power for my room 10X30 and crystal clear sound with none of this hiss noted in a few earlier reviews. I was super impressed by having control over each speakers volume. The DD and DTS is truly amazing and has a ton of power at any setting. I have yet to have this unit turned halfway, it''s that loud and clear. Equipment used: Sony KV-51W 16:9 wide TV Sony NS-700P Progressive scan DVD Paradigm Cinema 70 front and rear surrounds. Paradign Cinema CC Centre Channel Paradigm PDR-10 Subwoofer I actually came in under budget for the reciever and speakers which make this guy one happy camper. You should have endless hours of great listening. I am in agreeance with most of you that the remote is not user friendly and takes some time to learn. All in all a super nice reciever (I have had friends say it is more powerful then other higher wattage systems).

Similar Products Used:

None, first home theatre

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 17, 2002]
DrBoom
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

-warm & full sound compared to Technics, Kenwood and other entry-level receivers -lots of punch for a 65W rms amp -affordable quality

Weakness:

-hiss on the speakers (small price though for the

I''m kinda cheating here cause i''m reviewing the RX-V430, the newest entry-level model which replaces the RX-V420. Actually, the first receiver i bought was the RX-V420, but i returned that one after 3 days or so because there was a substantial amount of hiss on the speaker outputs. So i brought home the newer RX-V430 (which i had listened to first in the store) and the hiss has gotten less obvious than with the 420. I wanted to stay with Yamaha because i heard a Technics SA-DX950 and a Kenwood KRF-V4550D, both in the same pricerange and they couldn''t hold a match to the Yamaha. The 430 has some very nice updates over the 420, here''s a comparison of 430 vs. 420: -a new dot-matrix display replaces the old 14-segment one, an improvement imho -binding posts on ALL speaker outputs now (but removed the speaker A/B option, so 1 pair of mains max.) -added Dolby Prologic II and Matrix 6.1 surround. -remote layout changed, a little better now than the old ones -Digital volume control with on-screen (display) indication of dB attenuation, replaces the analog volume control with no indication what so ever. -they now sport 110W DIN power, RMS stays at 65W/ch -removed the video inputs on the front, which adds to the looks of the amp So all said and done, this is quite an improvement compared to the 420 model. I''d give it 5 out of 5 for overall rating if it didn''t have the hiss at high volumes (don''t think you''ll hear it though with the volume that high, but still). A very nice receiver for a very nice price.

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood KRF-V4550D, Yamaha RX-V420

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 03, 2002]
wang
Casual Listener

Strength:

430 has all I want,new function,more power.similliar denon 1602.but $100 less

Weakness:

no

Actually I bought this model March 22 .very good sound.but new 430 has more function. prologig 2.dts-es matrix6.1 I exchange this.

Similar Products Used:

denon1602

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 19, 2002]
Richard
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Sound quality, power, DSP modes.

Weakness:

Remote(I need a magnifying glass) and the volume control which is not precise enough.

I purchased a Sherwood 6106 after Xmas and found it to be living proof of "You get what you pay for". I looked at the Sony 475, Technics 950 before deciding to spend a few extra dollars and trade it in for the Yamaha. I have only had it one month but have been very happy with it. Sound is clean with lots of power. I was specifically looking for something that sounded good for both music in 2 channel stereo and also for the full DTS home theatre experience and this unit has not disappointed. I have not heard any of the hiss/noise mentioned in many of the reviews and after reading those reviews I was listening for it. I''d strongly recommend this receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Sherwood 6106

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 13, 2002]
ronen
AudioPhile

Strength:

many usfull effect aousem , great sound (65W sounds like 100) great sorround price ( 420 $ i have apid)

Weakness:

un-noticeable hiss in the rear speakers if there is. ( i hardly hear it - when my ear is sticked to the speaker in silent movie scenes when the volume i make is high)

i decided to bought a home cinema complete some time ago. since the reciever is one of the important part of all the complete i made a total research in electronic shops and in the internet in all sites that make reviews that u can come upto your minds. i have checked as well in the special magazines in the net the deal with reviews on such issues. well the conclusion was - onyko and yamaha and pioneer have the best recievers. onyko and yamaha is in the top though, more then pioneer. each of these brands has great recievers and as much u pay more - u get more. onyko 1802 and up are great recievers and they are quite the same as yamaha rxv620 and up ( this is top art series of yamaha). well according to my budget that was lower then that .. i had to pick something very goog but yet not the most expensive ---> well the answer was yamaha rxv420 or yamaha rxv520 or onyko 1602. these three recievers are very good but not the best of the best. if you are not professional who demand the best of the best and if you are short in money( have 400-500 $) for reciever - this is defently is the best choice for my opnion. well the differece between rxv 420 to 520 is very minor ( all of it almost just the same and more important - it use the exac same electric circuls and technology). i recommend the 420 since its 100$ less and the 520 doesnt worth more 100$ i guess. onyko 1602 is as good as them ( some would say its little better and some say the opposite ). BUT it cost 150$ more then rxv420 and 50$ more then rxv520. as for my research and bu hearing rxv420 - if you choose the rxv420 u make the right choice. i choose it and it sounds like 200$ more recievers. yamaha made a lot of algorithems in the digital system there and it sounds GREAT, trust me & my friends on that. about the hiss problem that some ppl had- well , i hardly hear any hiss if there is any exist of. but in any case remember that this is not 1000$ reciever but only 400$ reciever and u may expect some difference. to sum up- this reciever sounds great. if u not sure - go to the nearest store and hear it on matrix moview / star wars or any other effect movie. u would understand then way i think this is a great reciever that worth even 600$-700$ reciever. all in all i m very happy about it and recommand it to anybody who wants to enjoy very good price on top art reciever .

Similar Products Used:

rxv 520 yamaha, 1602 onyko

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 13, 2002]
ronen
AudioPhile

Strength:

many usfull effect aousem , great sound (65W sounds like 100) great sorround price ( 420 $ i have apid)

Weakness:

un-noticeable hiss in the rear speakers if there is. ( i hardly hear it - when my ear is sticked to the speaker in silent movie scenes when the volume i make is high)

i decided to bought a home cinema complete some time ago. since the reciever is one of the important part of all the complete i made a total research in electronic shops and in the internet in all sites that make reviews that u can come upto your minds. i have checked as well in the special magazines in the net the deal with reviews on such issues. well the conclusion was - onyko and yamaha and pioneer have the best recievers. onyko and yamaha is in the top though, more then pioneer. each of these brands has great recievers and as much u pay more - u get more. onyko 1802 and up are great recievers and they are quite the same as yamaha rxv620 and up ( this is top art series of yamaha). well according to my budget that was lower then that .. i had to pick something very goog but yet not the most expensive ---> well the answer was yamaha rxv420 or yamaha rxv520 or onyko 1602. these three recievers are very good but not the best of the best. if you are not professional who demand the best of the best and if you are short in money( have 400-500 $) for reciever - this is defently is the best choice for my opnion. well the differece between rxv 420 to 520 is very minor ( all of it almost just the same and more important - it use the exac same electric circuls and technology). i recommend the 420 since its 100$ less and the 520 doesnt worth more 100$ i guess. onyko 1602 is as good as them ( some would say its little better and some say the opposite ). BUT it cost 150$ more then rxv420 and 50$ more then rxv520. as for my research and bu hearing rxv420 - if you choose the rxv420 u make the right choice. i choose it and it sounds like 200$ more recievers. yamaha made a lot of algorithems in the digital system there and it sounds GREAT, trust me & my friends on that. about the hiss problem that some ppl had- well , i hardly hear any hiss if there is any exist of. but in any case remember that this is not 1000$ reciever but only 400$ reciever and u may expect some difference. to sum up- this reciever sounds great. if u not sure - go to the nearest store and hear it on matrix moview / star wars or any other effect movie. u would understand then way i think this is a great reciever that worth even 600$-700$ reciever. all in all i m very happy about it and recommand it to anybody who wants to enjoy very good price on top art reciever .

Similar Products Used:

rxv 520 yamaha, 1602 onyko

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 27, 2002]
waldop
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Power, useful DSP''s, DTS, lots of digital inputs and Yamaha reliability.

Weakness:

Remote.

This is a review for the RX V520 which is a replacement for an Onkyo TX DS484 I used for about a year and a half. I have not experienced any hiss with this unit, as proported by several other reviews. The clariety and openness produced by this unit far surpasses the Onkyo unit and the bass goes quite deep in comparison to same. I also find the DSP functions quite useful and easy to listen to . The Onkyo sound fields sounded reverby and unnatural. Plenty of power and punch for 80 watts. Fairly easy to set up.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS484

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 23  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

audioreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com