New Technology Reviews!.: Yamaha

Review: Yamaha RX-V1067

<div align="center"><img src="http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/4649/hcc190yamavr02200200.jpg" /></div>I'm weary of annually having to upgrade my AV receiver each time the HDMI standard changes, and gaining one more HDMI input with each new model. Why don't the manufacturers understand that all AV sources use HDMI and, at this end of the market, accept we're likely to need more than four? 
But I have now found an AV receiver that actually has more digital than analogue inputs and enough HDMI ports for all my components, including two more that can work at the same time. So with 3D video switching and audio return catered for, Yamaha's RX-V1067 does seem quite well futureproofed. 
It also has support for nine speakers and pre-outs for two subwoofers, giving you plenty of setup options. You can either bi-amp the fronts in a 7.1 system, or add a pair of front 'presence' speakers for a more cohesive sound using Yamaha's many Cinema DSP modes. 
Note there are only seven 105W amplifiers on board, so you'll need to add a stereo amp for the other two. 
Battleship build 
The unit itself is huge and heavy, like all the best AV receivers, with a rigid chassis and newly developed heat sink that also absorbs vibration. 
Inside, the symmetrical power amp layout keeps the signal path as simple as possible and there's also a Pure Direct button for cutting out the video signal for hi-fi listening. 
The crisp and glossy fascia houses a large LCD display with the lower half finished in more traditional brushed aluminium. Huge volume and source select dials flank the oil-damped, drop-down flap that conceals the rest of the controls and front AV inputs. This is where the eighth HDMI input lurks. 
Connectivity at the back is superb. It's heartening to see that composite video inputs have finally given way to HDMI ports. The Ethernet port allows networking with other DLNA devices and give you access to thousands of web-based radio stations. 
Yamaha has also supplied zippy onscreen graphics that now make setting up and controlling this sophisticated beast very easy indeed. 
The excellent YPAO auto calibration system is a godsend, too. Just plug the mic in and it'll generate all of the sound effects needed to set the speaker levels for you. You're free to go back and fine tune if you wish. 
In plain Dolby Digital mode, this amp has instant appeal. It packs enough power to make my six M&K speakers sing and the steering of effects between them feels effortless. Using Wolfman on Blu-ray as a test disc, the Yamaha receiver sounds exceptionally dynamic, placing sound in all corners of the room and building seamlessly from rustling leaves in a midnight forest to roaring and screaming with no uncomfortable jarring at the top-end. 
The balance feels lean and open with plenty of accurate treble clarity, but there's enough low-end information to give a neutral overall sound. 
The big advantage here is the speaker flexibility. I preferred to have the Yamaha switched into 7.1 mode, but using a single surround back speaker, for movie listening. However, wiring two additional speakers above and to the sides of the front pair and choosing the 'presence' mode has the effect of spreading the sound wider and higher, which can really enhance music. This is the 3D soundstage, to which removable stickers on the front of the unit cryptically elude. 
The best option then is to add a stereo amplifier and drive all nine speakers at the same time. I was able to achieve a very convincing 9.2 home cinema from this reasonably priced receiver. And with all of the speakers in place, you can make the most of Yamaha's numerous DSP modes, which are all sorted into Music and Movie categories. 
Sonically, the Yamaha is a big success and its feature set is commendable. Yes, the lack of Wi-Fi networking is annoying, and the handset is a bit basic, but it should be able to hold its own at this price point. In fact, thanks to its futureproofed connectivity and 3D capability, it could be the last AV receiver you'll have to buy for a few years at least. 
 
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Review: Yamaha RX-V1067

I'm weary of annually having to upgrade my AV receiver each time the HDMI standard changes, and gaining one more HDMI input with each n...

Review: Yamaha CD-S1000

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/Hi-Fi%20Choice/HFC%20340/HFC340.bg.yamaha_front-200-200.jpg"> As big, heavy and imposing CD players go, the Yamaha CD-S1000 is one of the biggest, heaviest and most imposing, at least among affordable machines. The front panel's only slightly bigger than most, but the depth of the unit is remarkable and its use of extensive reinforcement in the base makes it quite something to lift. We particularly like the ultra-slim CD tray (which opens and shuts almost noiselessly) and the oh-soretro mains switch. The insides are surprisingly well filled, too. The transport dominates the central one-third of the width, with part of the power supply board behind it, while the mains transformer (a large frame type), sits to the left. At the right is the audio board, another retro job, with through-hole passive components including stand-up resistors and mylar film capacitors, plus surface-mount DAC chips (a pair of Burr-Brown parts) and op-amps. A further board beneath the audio one handles digital signals. With this much real estate, there's a risk that mechanical resonance might colour the sound of a system, including the S1000, but Yamaha has applied quite extensive mechanical damping and the top panel is acoustically quite dead. <img alt="Yamaha cd-s1000" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/Hi-Fi%20Choice/HFC%20340/HFC340.bg.yamaha_rear-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Performance has clearly not been neglected either – Yamaha proudly extolling the virtues of multiple isolated transformer windings and symmetrical, internally balanced, circuits. Sound quality Although our listeners paid plenty of compliments to this player, it seems that overall it just didn't quite set them on fire with excitement. It's not entirely consistent in the way it handles different kinds of music, or at least that's how it comes across. For instance, one listener commented on a slightly thin sound on the lead guitar in the Mavericks track, but then went on to comment that the bass is weighty. That would seem to suggest that the upper bass/lower midrange is losing impact, a common enough problem to be sure. The best results were in the Brahms track, (SACD), which had a good, slightly 'dreamy' feel to it and a realistic sense of space, but even this excerpt felt slightly constrained dynamically. Voices project well, both chorally and solo, but a little more connection with the rest of the music-making might be no bad thing. In terms of basic tonality, the CD-S1000 seems to do most things right and its treble is particularly well done, bright when it needs to be, but never unduly forward. If one listens consciously for midrange balance it all seems to be largely in order. But somehow, listening to the music rather than just the sound, one's attention gets focussed unduly on the upper part of the midrange. It's a shame, because many aspects of performance are fine, going on excellent, including deep bass (well extended and defined), detail and imaging. So near and yet just not quite...Related Links <UL> <LI><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/techradar-s-reviews-guarantee-622749">TechRadar Reviews Guarantee</A></LI> <LI><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders">Read more CD player reviews</A></LI></UL>

Review: Yamaha CD-S1000

As big, heavy and imposing CD players go, the Yamaha CD-S1000 is one of the biggest, heaviest and most imposing, at least among affordable m...