78
Yamaha RX-V663
$550.00
Released February, 2008
The Pros:Excellent price - look for it for less than $500. High-definition audio decoding/processing: TrueHD, HD-MA, raw LPCM. Video transcoding/upconversion to HDMI and component.
The Cons:Only 2 HDMI inputs - competition has 4. Does not pass BTB or WTW. However this is the case w/ all Yammie receivers currently out & hoped to be fixed w/ a firmware update. There is not firewire ability...
The Yamaha RX-V663 (aka Yamaha HTR-6160) is a 7.2 channel a/v receiver supporting video upconversion and HD audio decoding. The ".2" portion of the surround sound designation refers to the two subwoofer channels as opposed to the more traditional single subwoofer; there are two mono bass outputs, one for the left speakers, and one for the right.
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Priced at $550, the RX-V663 is the cheapest model in the RX-V or HTR series of Yamaha receivers to support both video upconversion to HDMI and HD audio decoding of Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA. The RX-V663 can deliver 95 Watts of to each of its 7 channels, and features a second zone of audio. As for video inputs/outputs, it has 2 x HDMI 1.3a ins (1 out), 3 x component video (1 out), and 5 x S-Video/RCA input. It also features 3 x digital optical S/PDIF and 2 x digital optical audio inputs. The step-up RX-V863 model adds, most notably, video upscaling to 1080p and costs $450 more.
Features
- 7.2 channel surround receiver (two mono sub-woofer outputs)
- Video upconversion to HDMI and component video
- High-definition audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA and LPCM raw audio)
- Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 3 x component video, 3 x digital optical S/PDIF, 2 x digital optical, 5 x RCA/S-Video
- 7.2 pre-outs, analog multi-channel inputs
- 95 Watts / channel
- 5-way binding posts for all speaker terminals
- Bi-ampable front L/R speakers
- 2nd zone of stereo audio (A, B, A+B)
- release date: February 2008
- price: from $350 up to $550
User Reviews (32)
Pros & Cons
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19
Excellent price - look for it for less than $500
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18
High-definition audio decoding/processing: TrueHD, HD-MA, raw LPCM
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14
Video transcoding/upconversion to HDMI and component
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14
Bi-ampable front stereo channels
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13
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13
5-way binding posts for all speaker terminals
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11
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11
Can be found for less than $400.00
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9
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8
Adaptive Dynamic Range Control (ADRC). New feature this year (all models), the Dynamic Range gradually adjusts based on the volume. Great for commercials and quiet/headphone listening.
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6
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2
yes/ v663 have input (phono)!!!
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17
Only 2 HDMI inputs - competition has 4
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3
Does not pass BTB or WTW. However this is the case w/ all Yammie receivers currently out & hoped to be fixed w/ a firmware update.
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-1
there is not firewire ability...
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-1
no USB input, so NO firmware update.
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-5
Annoying model # convention (RX-V663 = HTR-6160)
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-5
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-6
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Comments (7)
John Grant:
#yamaha_rx_v663 Regarding firmware upgrade (and gobbio's comment): Agree that USB would be the obvious method for a firmware upgrade, but note that some Yamaha receivers (the RX-V6240/6250/6260) can upgrade their firmware via a specially formated CD-ROM. See the Yamaha site for details, but basically you burn a CD, connect a CD or DVD player via a digital input, then enter upgrade mode on the receiver.
Proves once again that there's more than one way to skin a cat!
Jan 13, 10
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wow:
#yamaha_rx_v663 Here's my views on this receiver.. Great Sound, Good video switching, Decodes all HD sound formats, Great DSP features, tremendous value, Pre-Outs upgradable.
I was interested in buying an A/V receiver and was undecided between the Onkyo SR606 and the Yamaha RXV663 (aka HTR-6160BL), given what I'd read about them. Both are well known, well liked receivers. The Onkyo SR606 seems more popular due to the number of HDMI inputs, 1080i up conversion (though fairly buggy), and decent performance. The Yamaha is popular because of its great sound fidelity and quality, has pre-outs (unlike the SR606 and many other receivers at this price range), and 2 subwoofer outputs (instead of 1 - i.e. this is really a 7.2 system, not 7.1). Both receivers offer great value. Note that both receivers do poorly in video up conversion. BUT both decode all SD and HD audio formats! Great receiver..
Sep 26, 09
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grobbio:
#yamaha_rx_v663 Everywhere on the internet owners are crying loud for Yamaha to release a firmware update for 663. It won't ever happen since even if Yamaha wants it, there's no USB input, so uploading anything into this receiver is not an option. Recalling the product would be to much of an hassle for Yamaha.
my two cents.
Jul 31, 09
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Ronin:
#yamaha_rx_v663 Erik - low bass is non-directional. However, adding two increases the amount of bass, the unit has two sub outputs, but they are not stereo -- mono only.
I do have an issue with the pre out causing a popping/clicking sound when switching audio sources or if the input changes from 5.1 to 2.
Nov 21, 08
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Erik:
#yamaha_rx_v663 @robotec. You're right, I'm basing my pick for the Pioneer based on my "on paper" research. I realize that the RX-V663 is a pretty darn good receiver with a great feature-set for the money, and that the VSX-1018 not (quite) yet available. For me, my "tentative" choice for the Pioneer is based on the 3 x HDMI inputs, and the promise of potentially better audio circuitry. I was planning on revisiting my vote once more info became available.
Jun 16, 08
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robotec:
#yamaha_rx_v663 I purchased this unit from 6ave.com for 349.00 shipped. As far as the .2, I have 2 subs hooked up to this unit and the bass sounds more smooth, even and less localized with the 2. As far as rating the Pioneer over this unit. I find that pretty amazing, since the Pioneer isn't even out yet. I'm assuming you guys are just going off of specs and numbers.
Jun 16, 08
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Erik:
#yamaha_rx_v663 Amazon's got this receiver on sale for $400. That's a pretty darn good price for a quality receiver that can do both video transcoding and HD-audio decoding.
I'm not convinced about this ".2" stuff however. Bass, isn't perceived as directional at all, so the effect of separating bass in to left/right channels is ridiculous. I think they're trying to cash in on THX's 10.2 "twice as good as 5.1" mantra.
Apr 16, 08
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