Yamaha RX-V2400 7.1 Channels Receiver

This is a fantastic piece of A/V equipment. I did a ton of research, but settled on this for many reasons. I'm happy I did!

When you take it out of the box, it just oozes quality. The exterior is so sleek. It's one of those things you don't notice as much when it's good, but when it's bad, you would notice it every time you looked at it. The slick black look with the orange text is so nice and unobtrusive. Personally, I was considering the HTR series, but I did not like the look and I took the bite on the higher production standards of the RX-V line. It was packed well. The manual is entirely English and is a fairly easy, yet informing, read.

I've read that both the receiver and my speakers (Infinity Alpha 7.1) need break-in time. I've been using them for about a week and haven't really heard a difference, but then again my ears aren't the most discerning.

One of the first things I did was test the "Direct Stereo" mode, which just powers the two front speakers and shuts off all other circuitry. This is where you will see the 120wpc, you should know that virtually no receiver will output its given wattage over 7 channels. Usually, you will see about half, so 60x7 is more like it. I have read that Harman Kardon receivers provide a more accurate 7-channel measurement, however. Anyway, Direct Stereo is phenomenal. Powering my Infinity Alpha 50 towers, the sound goes very, very loud and is not distorted at all. 7-channel audio produces about the same noise level, but it comes at you from all directions. You can also choose from one of the 50 sound processing modes. You name it, this receiver has it.

Sound tests were also done on THX-certified movies Finding Nemo and the Star Wars trilogy. Finding Nemo was fantastic. I had the receiver set to THX Cinema, although I'm sure from a quick test that virtually any of the sound modes would have sufficed. I have read in other reviews that depending on the movie, room, speakers, etc., it is a good idea to try the different modes as they will each find something different.

I really can't comment on how "warm", etc. the speaker reproduces sound. I'm sure that it is enough for the discerning audophile and can't wait to have someone over who can give me a full rundown. However, I am incredibly happy with my decision and am sure that this receiver will stand the test of time.

I picked up my v2400 from gopcplus.com for $705. Had to forego the warranty, but its MSRP of $1000 tax meant that the warranty was essentially costing me $350. My feeling is, if something major goes wrong, I will just switch brands, as I would want to switch whether I have a warranty or not.

A couple minuses - Automatic setup should be taken with a grain of salt. There is NO bass for music - I am used to my car with 2 Infinity 12s, so maybe that is just my opinion. However, in movies the bass was full yet integrated well. Receiver does seem to run a little hot, and needs ample room for cooling. Would have preferred more component video inputs, as there are only 2 - HDTV and DVD - thus none left over for video game consoles. You think they could have swapped one of the S-Videos for component videos - there are 8 of them! I also think the layout of plugs in the back could be a little more intuitive.

Although other people doubted the remote, I like it. It easily learned my other remotes settings, is illuminated at night, and fits well in my hand for being so large. Granted, it might not be as nice as the fully illuminated Denons which come on their $1k-$1.5k receivers, but then again you can get a universal LCD remote for less than $100 nowadays.

Most likely, I will add to this review after a few months go by for a more complete roundup. Overall, if you are looking to spend ~$700 on a receiver, you can't go wrong with this one.

It's against my policy to give it 5 stars unless it's absolutely perfect, I would have given it a 4.5 if possible.