solid construction, dsp's, dolby digital decoder, 6 analog inputs for an external sound processor - perfect for the up coming dvd audio.

could use a few more digital inputs and a digital output, but that is being picky.

given all the reviews on the unit i am not going into a lot of detail except to say the 495 is a nice clean receiver with a dolby digital decoder. i use it as the second zone amp hooked into my rx-995 yamaha. basiclly it creates a full blown av setup in my bedroom, with just a minimal amount of equipment in the room (keeps the wife a little happy). while the sound from the rx-995 is better the rx-495 holds it own. given it is a discontinued model you can pick it cheap. it can compete with any $300-400 model. with all of the dsp modes and the external processor inputs this receiver should be auditioned by anyone setting up a budget or secondary system.

The other parts of the system are:

Yamaha RX-V995 (main room)
Harman Kardon DVD5
Various AR High Output Speakers (main room)
Yamaha Subwoofer
Technics SL1800-MK2 Turntable (still running great 18 years later)

NHT Speakers connected to receiver

Similar Products Used:

yamaha rx-995