Yamaha RX-V ’77 Series A/V Receiver Preview

It’s like clockwork: another year rolls around, and everybody releases a new batch of AV receivers. Yamaha is no exception to this phenomenon; with the finalization of the HDMI 2.0 specification, everybody has to jump on board to boast the latest and greatest standards. Or do they? Yamaha has announced a quartet of new A/V receivers, ranging from the $450 RX-V477 to the $850 RX-V777BT; however, after going through the literature a couple times, it’s interesting to note that “HDMI 2.0” doesn’t appear once. Yes, it’s actually there, at least in the top shelf RX-V777BT and the step down RX-V677, but apparently the folks at Yamaha are content to just call it “the latest HDMI version”.

If HDMI 2.0 isn’t headlining the show for this release, what are the folks at Yamaha up to? As it turns out, Yamaha is focusing their efforts on more practical pursuits: integrated WiFi, a new DSP mode they’re calling Virtual CINEMA FRONT, and more streaming options. We’ll assume you haven’t been living under a rock for the last decade or so, and understand what WiFi and streaming options are; on the other hand, Virtual CINEMA FRONT is new, and deserves some explanation. While conventional 5.1 surround setups utilize three speakers on the front stage as well as a pair of side surrounds to deliver an enveloping audio experience, Virtual CINEMA FRONT employs all 5 speakers on the front stage (presumably using front height/presence channels) while claiming to still achieve a surround experience.

Yamaha's WiFi implementation allows for a Wireless Direct option in addition to the more typical option of connecting via a wireless network.

Now to get into the nitty gritty, what do these new A/V receivers bring to the table?

RX-V477

Priced at $450, the RX-V477 is a 5.1 channel receiver boasting 80W of power per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.09% THD, 2ch driven). Unlike its more expensive peers, the RX-V477 does not include integrated WiFi. Nonetheless, as a hard wired networking receiver, the RX-V477 offers AirPlay and HTC Connect to stream content from iDevices and HTC smartphones; internet streaming services include Pandora and Spotify. Connectivity includes six HDMI inputs and one output with support 4K pass-through (though not at 60p as it doesn’t support HDMI 2.0). Also as expected, YPAO is on board for auto-setup and calibration. Last but not least in the goody bag, the RX-V477 also benefits from Yamaha’s excellent A/V controller app for iOS and Android.

RX-V577

If you’re looking for built in WiFi, the $550 RX-V577 is the cheapest way to get it in Yamaha’s lineup. Not satisfied? An extra $100 will also buy you 7.2 channels of sound, which also includes assignable amplification for a Zone 2 setup. Not a bad deal in our books considering that simply adding Yamaha’s WiFi adapter to the RX-V477 will set you back $100 alone.

RX-V677

Now we’re starting to get somewhere. At the $650 price point, the Yamaha RX-V677 starts to step things up significantly. As mentioned previously, HDMI 2.0 is now on the menu, as is 4K Ultra HD upscaling and MHL support. Additional internet streaming options are offered, namely Rhapsody and SiriusXM, and YPAO is upgraded to include R.S.C. (reflected sound control) as well as YPAO Volume, which aims to maintain the perceived tonal balance as you turn the volume down. And if you feel the 80W per channel rating of the lesser Yamaha’s just isn’t enough, perhaps you can take some comfort in knowing that the RX-V677 steps up its game to 90W per channel (again, 2ch driven into 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.09% THD). 

Yamaha RX-V777BT Back View - notice the Wi-Fi connections and Presence Speaker Terminals

RX-V777BT

As the saying goes, it’s good to be the king. Topping the new lineup at $850, the RX-V777BT has quite a lot to offer the A/V enthusiast. In terms of power, there is another incremental increase to 95W per channel, but more importantly the 777BT offers a full 7.2 channel set of pre-outs, allowing for the addition of an external amplifier. Multi-zone capability is also beefed up with the inclusion of a second HDMI output (which is a mirror of the first HDMI output). Further, as the BT in the model number suggests, the RX-V777BT also includes built in Bluetooth (with AptX) for compatibility with a wide range of mobile devices. Outside of a kitchen sink, we’re not sure there’s much else for Yamaha to offer here.

Summary

To be frank, we were a little surprised not to see “HDMI 2.0” plastered everywhere on Yamaha’s press release; however, we’re far from disappointed with the way their new line is shaping up. HDMI 2.0 is of course included in their two top tier offerings, but it’s not the focus of the show. Instead, Yamaha has beefed up their feature set and included niceties that matter to enthusiasts today. Looking at their line topping RX-V777BT in particular, we’re impressed by just how much you can get for less than $1,000. Suffice it to say, we wouldn’t mind getting one in for review.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.