Yamaha RVX671 views?

Magic_x_uk · 10 Jan 2014 at 11:35

Hi I have a 10 year old (at least) Sony STR DE875 AV Amp.
Center Channel has played up for last few years, clicks on and off. So cannot really use it for Dialogue alone.

I have Monitor Audio Silver 5i Matching Floor Standers and Center speakers.

I have the chance to buy a Yamaha RVX671 AV Amp with just over 3 and a half years of super care cover on it for £165

Is this a nice enough AMP. I will be using it with
Panasonic 37" Plasma
SKY HD
My HTPC
Squeezebox
PS3

Also, if I buy it, am I best of connecting SKY HD, HTPC and PS3 Via HDMI to the AV Amp. Then HDMI to the Plasma, is that the best route?

Thank you

stuie · 10 Jan 2014 at 11:52

Ive got the 673 and I love it, as you say makes things way easier for connecting stuff up just plug into hdmi

The only real changes yamaha have made between 671 and 675 are the number of inputs and power adjustments to make them a little more efficient.

Regarding price they are still going for over 200 quid on ebay so 165 with super care is super cheap, imo jump on it

Phate · 10 Jan 2014 at 11:57

Magic_x_uk said:
Also, if I buy it, am I best of connecting SKY HD, HTPC and PS3 Via HDMI to the AV Amp. Then HDMI to the Plasma, is that the best route?

Thank you

Yep

That's how I have it, saves running multiple cables to the TV then, just one!

Magic_x_uk · 10 Jan 2014 at 12:55

Thank you guys

May even be able to sell my old Sony AV Amp if no one needs a center channel (or is able to mend it)

EddScott · 10 Jan 2014 at 13:06

I had a 675 for a couple of weeks but have just sold it.

I wanted to be able to control the receiver, my TV and the Sky box from the Sky remote. This shouldn't be a problem but the 675 kept defaulting to AV4 after a couple of seconds. This would not be an issue if you could assign one of the HDMIs to the audio input for AV4 - you can't.

You can get round this by using an optical cable from Sky to receiver and setting AV4 to the optical input you've just used.

stuie · 10 Jan 2014 at 13:08

You sold a brilliant amp on the basis of not wanting more than one controller on your sofa arm? Seems a little trifle

KWJay · 11 Jan 2014 at 08:53

I have both a 667 and a 673. Can't recommend Yamaha highly enough. They've both been amazing performers, great, dynamic enveloping sound, even with cheaper mismatched speakers. Match the speakers and they're even more impressive. I have a full set of B&W 600 series speakers hooked up to one of them and I still marvel at the quality even after 3 years of owning them.

As for what Edd says, wasn't even aware you could control Yamaha receivers with a Sky remote! Sounds like he had a faulty unit if it kept defaulting to AV4. Also, why would you want to assign one HDMI audio to another HDMI channel?

I'd say go for it, that's a great price!

Magic_x_uk · 11 Jan 2014 at 12:56

Looks like I have been fleeced. I saw this 'For Sale' on AV Forums so I joined but could not post in classifieds as not enough posts etc.

So messaged the guy selling it, we communicated on the phone and via a few texts. Confirmed collection tonight for £165

He has since sold it on AV Forums for £175.

I find this a bit rude. I was expecting to get it tonight.

Hay ho.

EddScott · 12 Jan 2014 at 13:49

stuie said:
You sold a brilliant amp on the basis of not wanting more than one controller on your sofa arm? Seems a little trifle

Normally yes but the receiver is in a unit with a solid door. The door needs to be closed as a I have a 1 year old. So it wasn't so much one controller it was that the Anynet+ function had to work flawlessly - it didn't.

KWJay said:
As for what Edd says, wasn't even aware you could control Yamaha receivers with a Sky remote! Sounds like he had a faulty unit if it kept defaulting to AV4. Also, why would you want to assign one HDMI audio to another HDMI channel?

AV4 is the default input for HDMI ARC. If you google Yamaha defaults to AV4 they all do it. Like I said an instant fix would be to allow HDMI as an input for AV4.

I have a Harmon Kardon AVR255 which is 6 years old and the Yamaha disappointed me in terms of sound. I also tried a Denon 1910 a few years ago and that also did not sound as good or better than the HK. Only the Onkyo 828 (which I have now) has surpassed the HK. Both Denon and Yamaha felt very cheap compared to the HK. Ironic that I am happy with the Onkyo

Raymond Lin · 12 Jan 2014 at 15:32

Yamaha 675 - £500 rrp
Onyko 828 - £1,000 rrp

It't not exactly a fair comparison though, every receiver i've seen under £500 feels a little plasticky and it is expected really.

EddScott · 13 Jan 2014 at 10:31

From a sound and build POV, then undoubtedly the 828 should sound and feel "better" for twice the price. However, that doesn't excuse the flakey behaviour of the Yamaha.

My HK receiver is in the same price bracket as the lower end Yamaha and Denons I've tried. Neither came close to the HK in terms of build and ability (to me anyway).