Lots of power, dsp modes are right on point, dolby digital is accurate, plenty of options usually found on more expensive receivers.

The remote, but very minor.

I have had this receiver for just about over three months, and I am not planning on upgrading for at least another 3 to 5 years, I am so incredibly satisfied that I decided to go with this receiver. I started with the rx-v790 but the ONLY problem I had with this receiver was that it didn't have a dolby digital decoder. It also didn't have 70 watts of total power going to all five channels. Don't get me wrong, that was probably one of the best pro-logic receivers I could have bought for only $250. The only thing I need now is a bigger TV with coaxial or even s-video inputs on it. I am using an RF modulater to change over the video signal to put out a high resolution 75 ohm signal so I don't lose any video quality coming from the DVD player. If one has a moderate budget to work with when going dolby digital, this receiver is worth more than the money you are paying for it and I highly suggest going with it.

crystal clear sound,great price!!!!!!!!!

noe at this price range

What a great prduct.Yamaha always gives you value for your money.Receivers almost twice as much do not sound this good.

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pioneer,sony,denon

Huge amount of features, user-friendly design, great price

Somewhat confusing and small remote

The lowest prices DTS entry in the Yamaha line, this receiver is an unbelievable entry into the home theater realm. If you're on a budget, this receiver gives you as many if not more features than higher priced receivers from other companies. The Yamaha digital sound fields are present, as well as S-Video, cable, and optic inputs. It sounds great!

The remote is a little tough to work,with a slim design and a few too many buttons. It will handle many other components, but good luck trying to remember the button combos for all the other components. I think Sony wants you to buy that new computerized remote they have.

All in all, you won't be disappointed in this product.

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None

Power, features, DSP modes

awkward remote

I just bought this receiver two weeks ago for $525 Cdn. I also picked a pair of Paradigm Titans, Paradigm Micros and a Paradigm CC-170 centre channel.

This receiver is definately a solid anchor to starting or upgrading a Home Theatre. The 496 gives you real control over how you setup your system. The DSP modes are great for movies but I prefer no effects when listening to CD's although I found the Concert Hall setting cool while listening to the Three Tenors (and I don't even like the Three Tenors).

The remote is a little strange but everything you need is right there once you get used to it. Learning remote would have been better but it had codes to control all of my gear so I can't complain.

You could find more powerful receivers for the price but none would likely give the clean high current power and reliability of the Yamaha so go buy one.

BTW: Paradigm rocks!!

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Pioneer D509S

DTS, sound, DSP

none

One of the best receiver to buy in the price range.
Best for home theater listening and an acceptable receiver for music listening.

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none

0.06% THD, DTS and DD, Nice detailed remote, HUGE power despite 70W rating, Plenty of digital inputs (2 Optical, 1 Coax), s-video input/ouputs, Binding posts for main speakers, crisp clear audio.

Lack of volume level indicator in the LCD, Clips for center and rear speakers, Audible hiss past the 1/3 volume mark, Audio bleeds thru other inputs at high (past 1/2) volume levels.

Bought this receiver for $549cdn at A&B sound here in Winnipeg. For this price no other receiver has the same level of features and quality than this one. I have this receiver hooked up to Paradigm Titans (mains), CC-170 (center), PDR10 (sub), and soon adp-70 (surrounds).

This receiver has plenty of power despite its small 70W/channel rating. It can fill my home theater with sound that will make my ears rattle at the 1/3 volume mark.

There is a slight bit of hiss at the 1/3 volume mark for analog inputs (no hiss in digital) but I believe this is normal of all receivers. If I put the volume up to the 1/2 volume mark I can hear just a tiny bit of audio from the other analog inputs if they are active. Not a problem for me as I would never turn it up that high.

Audio is crisp and clear. Bass response is good. This receiver is excellent for home theater use and good for audio music. Being able to select between A & B main speakers is a good bonus.

Lots and lot of features including DD, DTS, and many DSP modes. 3 midnight modes allow you to watch movies without annoying the neighbors at night.

Basically everything feels high quality about this product. Even the knobs and remote feel durable. Yamaha has done a great job with this product and I'd be hard-pressed to find a better price/performance ratio with any other receiver.

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Pioneer VSX-409

Power output-Features included-price

Kinda' ugly

I replaced my Technics receiver with this baby-Being naturally cheap,the salesman had to twist my arm to buy it-
I am so glad he did-I hooked it up with 4 front speakers-Two Tannoy M2's outside and Two JBL bookshelfs on the inner perimeter and I sprang for a Tannoy MC centre speaker(same salesman!)The two rear speakers are just some Koss Junk I had lying around(that salesmen cleaned me out!)The Koss Krappers are angled 110 degrees to the rear-THE SOUND IS FANTASTIC!!! I have a Hatachi DVD player with an optic connection-The dolby Digital sound is awesome!
The sound fields are excellent-Bach sounds fantastic in the DISCO mode-really!
About the remote!-its GREAT-any dweeb with the reading skills and the manual dexterity of Mr ED(the talking horse stupid) SHOULD be able to program this baby-its REPLACED all my remotes,but I notice some feller's are still whigning about the remote-may they never have to read instructions on C.P.R.(Not the railroad;possums)
Each night now I include Mr and Mrs Yamaha in my prayers of thanks

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Technics ax300 dolby pro logic a/v receiver

Power v Price,Build quality,

None found yet

How good is this thing ,from the moment it uttered it's first breath I was rapt.Hooked up to my Loewe Xemix DVD player it is just wonderful.For $650 AU it is a bargain.
I can not stand in the room if the volume is over 1/3.
Very very impressed.

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Technics

EVERYTHING

NONE

KILLER APP.NUFF SAID

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ONKYO

Neutral sound, options, nice input selector, nice prgrams, digital optical in, digital in, neutral macho look, manual and Dolby digital, dts, RDS etc.

It takes an evening to learn the remote

Maby it sounds strange but this is my new love. I have not been a Yamha fan. But I have read all nice words about this receiver. So I bought this sweety on internet from Bluemarx. The day I took it home changed my life. For the first time I could enjoy digital sound and no distortion from the radio. When I learned the remote and all the options I can only say this unit is worth every coin. I have lost interest in girls cause this beauty is only what I need. It sounds terrific even I have some old Philips crap speakers. I promise that it will be other speakers to make it fare. There is always a suround program that do the work. I switch to Effect Off when i listen to music. The music quality is almost simeral to an amplifier. It takes the sound to another level. The stereo is so perfectly splitted up and neutral. I give this receiver thumbs up. Good work Yamaha!

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Pioneer RVX-409