Pretty impressive...almost there!
Written: Jun 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great features, great cinema sound
Cons: Poor music reproduction, bad remote
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| led_zec's Full Review: Yamaha RX-V2095 5.1 Channels Receiver |
I recently had an RX-V2095 on loan from my local dealer for a week, as I awaited the arrival of my DSP-AX1. In this short time I have developed mixed feelings about the unit. Build quality is great and as a home theatre source, it is pretty impressive. There is a fair amount of power on tap for a receiver (it makes the power ratings of many similarly priced ones look rather suspect). Bass is particularly impressive and action films are a lot more exciting than with, for example, most of the Marantz, Denon and Onkyo receivers I've listened to. However, if you have particularly bass-heavy speakers, the effect could be a little overpowering -- I have a pair of Paradigm Studio 80's (large 3-way floorstanders) as mains in my system, and I'm glad I wasn't using Studio 100's instead! There's plenty of detail on offer and the surround processing is good, effects merging seamlessly into the sound field.
It's a different story in stereo, however. Music isn't the Yamaha's forte. The detail, control and sheer punch are all there, but somehow it still manages to come across as inoffensive (at best) and dull (the rest of the time). A comparable Marantz receiver (like a SR-880-II or an upgraded SR-96) is much more musical. Not everyone likes the "Marantz sound" these receivers possess (it's bright, smooth and slightly larger-than-life) but it's certainly not dull! The 2095's treble is rolled-off (yet still manages to become harsh with the volume turned up) and vocals seem shut-in, rather than projecting solidly into the room. The mid-range is similarly subdued and the bass, while ideal for HT, suddenly seems overblown and lacking in control and timing. Overall, it's like listening with a pillow over your head--the bass is still there, but the rest is a bit muffled. More seriously though, it lacks that sparkle good hi-fi possesses which brings music to life. Given the difference between the price of the 700s and the cost of the Yamaha's internal amps, some of this could be forgiven, but not all of it.
After reading the many critical comments about the 2095's remote, I was a little sceptical that it could really be THAT bad. However, I'm now a believer! The array of buttons is far too limited for all the functions of many devices, and the cover, aside from being flimsy, gets in the way and seems rather pointless besides (there aren't enough buttons to bother covering up any!) As a way of attracting attention, it's quite good--being huge and silver, with Bakelite buttons. As a way of replacing the usual array of remotes, however, it leaves a lot to be desired...
Other features are good, for example 6-channel input and plenty of other inputs. There are heaps of DSP modes (36 in total) to play with, and I haven't figured out whether the 70mm modes, or plain/enhanced DPL/DD/DTS is better -- which means I like them a lot better than any DSP modes I've encountered so far in other units. However, I'd still rather not be paying for them. Pre-main couplers on all of the channels, rather than just the front mains, would have been nice (it makes adding DD-EX easier, as you only need to find one extra channel of amplification). However, there are only a few receivers at this price that do, so it's a pretty minor point. Also, the "general" model lacks a coaxial digital input for DVD players and the like (though it has a RF demodulator--unlike the US one--and a PCM/DTS coaxial input for CDs). Some cheaper DVD players lack optical outputs. The lack of Cinema Re-Eq may be more of a problem, though. I would happily trade most of the DSP stuff for this feature as some DVDs have rather bright soundtracks.
If good home theatre performance is paramount then this is a great receiver. However, many recent receivers going for similar money are more musical (eg the new Denon and Marantz models). Hence, 4 stars (unless you only want it for watching action movies, in which case 5 stars).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
led_zec
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 96
Trusted by: 38 members
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