Help, opinions on Yamaha receiver

[BLu-Balls]

Hi guys just wondering what the feedback is on the following receiver, Yamaha HTR6180.

Originally I was looking at the Onkyo receivers. Any input would be appreciated, thanks

[kingofgrills]

The Yamaha HTR-6180 is a great receiver. It's identical to the RX-V863 receiver. If you're interested in the 6180 I'd recommend taking a real close look at the 6160 as a more cost effective alternative. I almost bought a 6180, but after doing an extensive side-by-side of the two yesterday, I'm getting the 6160 (663) instead. In fact yesterday, a friend and I compared the two and ended up installing the RX-V663 in his 32' x 16' home theater room. We also compared them to the Onkyo 606 and 705.

Why? Because I don't think the $400 price difference between the two models is justified in the features. The 6180 offers 1080p upscaling of all sources, 3 HDMI inputs vs 2, HD radio. The 6180 and 6160 use the same power supply, which is a step up from the lower models, and while the 6180 is rated at 10 watts per channel more than the 6160, total rated max output power between the two is identical at 735 watts. Basically, in real world situations, the rated power between the two is identical and will probably offer no audible difference.

So the major differences for the extra $450 are HD radio, 1 more HDMI input, and 1080p upscaling. HD radio is not widespread in my area, and it offers no interest to me. 1080p upscaling is not necessary if your TV has a decent scaler on board. Finally, having 1 more HDMI input would be handy, but 4 to 1 HDMI splitters can be found for as little as $35 or so. None of those features is worth the extra $450. While the HTR-6180 (RX-V863) is a fantastic receiver, the HTR-6160 (RX-V663) offers a much better value for the money with pretty much the same performance.

As for the 663, it sounded incredible once installed in the home theater room. It had ample power and had incredible depth and enveloping surround sound when compared to the older Yamaha receiver we replaced. The difference when moving to lossless audio was stunning.

[Kratos3]

I was just about to say the same thing. The 863 has a few more features that may or may not interest you, but are they worth an additional $400? I've always loved Yamaha equipment, so, in my opinion, you can't go wrong with them.

[papaholmz]

I just bought the RX-V663 myself. I couldn't justify getting the V863; the price difference was too great for a few extra features that I wouldn't use.

On a side note, I bought it from J&R (http://www.jr.com). This was my first experience with J&R and I must say I was pleased. I called in instead of ordering online and was able to get the RX-V663 for $400 instead of $500 (which is no secret). But I was also able to get them to price match Amazon.com for two speakers I purchased from them.

Due to my setup and other circumstances I had to get a Polk SurroundBar instead of a full 5.1 setup. I got them to take $150 off the price of the SurroundBar and $130 off the price of an accompanying Polk subwoofer, the PSW111 (once again I was constrained by my room and other issues or else I would have gotten a better sub and a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup).

I will definitely do business with J&R again.

-papaholmz

[Stephan.klose]

Originally Posted by papaholmz

I just bought the RX-V663 myself. I couldn't justify getting the V863; the price difference was too great for a few extra features that I wouldn't use.

On a side note, I bought it from J&R (http://www.jr.com). This was my first experience with J&R and I must say I was pleased. I called in instead of ordering online and was able to get the RX-V663 for $400 instead of $500 (which is no secret). But I was also able to get them to price match Amazon.com for two speakers I purchased from them.

Due to my setup and other circumstances I had to get a Polk SurroundBar instead of a full 5.1 setup. I got them to take $150 off the price of the SurroundBar and $130 off the price of an accompanying Polk subwoofer, the PSW111 (once again I was constrained by my room and other issues or else I would have gotten a better sub and a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup).

I will definitely do business with J&R again.

-papaholmz

Yep, the 663 is the only alternative to the Onkyo 606. I myself would chose the onkyo but the Yamaha, if you prefer that brand, is pretty great.

[Stephan.klose]

I wanted to add something.
We have both the onkyo 606 and the yamaha 663 connected to a blu ray player via HDMI in my store.
The Yamaha is a bit cleaner soundwise. Also a tad more precise.
The Onkyo on the other hand sometimes makes for a more bombastic sound experience. (I don't know how else to put it). The sound is fully, more lively.

I hope that helps. Moneywise they 663 is more expensive in the US than the 606 I heard. At least that's what I saw at amazon.com. There is like $100 difference. That's not justified in my opinion.

[lcrngrs]

After reading many many posts I'm totally confused. I have a 7.1 speaker setup and just purchased the ps3. In order to achieve the true HD sound I'm going to purchase the yamaha 663. I understand that it is necessary to use the HDMI cables, but I'm totally confused on what to set the PS3 at. I see PCM recommended but I also see Bitstream in some posts. So which is the best? Next, since most movies are just 5.1, what is the benefit of having a 7.1 system? I currently have an older yamaha which is 7.1 which is why I have 7 speakers plus the sub. When watching movies using my samsung bluray player, now switched to the ps3, I had set the player to bitstream, and the receiver to extended surround, Yet my back speakers get no sound. When I switch to 7 channel on the receiver they all get sound but there is no separation. This brings me back to the 7.1 question. Why is it a big deal to have when most if not all movies are in 5.1? To recap, my questions are, settings using ps3 in order to get true hd sound and what should the receiver say? Benefit of 7.1 speaker system since most movies are 5.1. Any help would really be appreciated and I hope this makes sense. thanks.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by lcrngrs

After reading many many posts I'm totally confused. I have a 7.1 speaker setup and just purchased the ps3. In order to achieve the true HD sound I'm going to purchase the yamaha 663. I understand that it is necessary to use the HDMI cables, but I'm totally confused on what to set the PS3 at. I see PCM recommended but I also see Bitstream in some posts.

If you are connected by HDMI to a capable receiver, the PS3 should be on Linear PCM.

If you are connected by an Optical cable, the PS3 should be set to bitstream.

since most movies are just 5.1, what is the benefit of having a 7.1 system? I currently have an older yamaha which is 7.1 which is why I have 7 speakers plus the sub. When watching movies using my samsung bluray player, now switched to the ps3, I had set the player to bitstream, and the receiver to extended surround, Yet my back speakers get no sound. When I switch to 7 channel on the receiver they all get sound but there is no separation. This brings me back to the 7.1 question. Why is it a big deal to have when most if not all movies are in 5.1?

the benefit of having 7.1 system is 360 degree listening environment.

Movies that are in 5.1 can be extended to 7.1, which is not discrete but still uses every speaker. You may say "what is the point?", but the idea is to have each speaker in use, creating a wider sound field. Again, since the audio is only 5.1 it is not discrete. But when you do watch a movie with 7.1 audio, all channels are discrete, and each speaker plays its own part.

To recap, my questions are, settings using ps3 in order to get true hd sound and what should the receiver say?

Linear PCM, and the Receiver will display Multichannel PCM.

Benefit of 7.1 speaker system since most movies are 5.1.

wider sound field.

What was your intention before buying the 7.1 system?

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by Stephan.klose

Yep, the 663 is the only alternative to the Onkyo 606. I myself would chose the onkyo but the Yamaha, if you prefer that brand, is pretty great.

I am going to try to look this up right now, but do you know off hand which one has the better rated DAC's??

The Onk 606 is now like $385 on Amazon, while the Yammy 663 is not budging at around $499. I am just wondering if this is purely a supply and demand thing and has no correlation to quality & performance. But since J&R is letting the 663's go for $400 maybe these two are truly counterparts.

So it looks like there is no comparable model on the Yammy line for an Onk 705. The Onk 705 has a couple of significant upgrades with repsect to internal components over the 606 -- keep in mind, I am not concerned with one more or less HDMI input and the like. My two biggest concerns are amps and DAC's.

[Collectors Set]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

As for the 663, it sounded incredible once installed in the home theater room. It had ample power and had incredible depth and enveloping surround sound when compared to the older Yamaha receiver we replaced. The difference when moving to lossless audio was stunning.

Which speakers were you driving?? Trying to get an idea of specific speaker models that would match with the 663/6160 or even the 863/6180 in terms of price point/quality, etc. I am finding that some people have too good of a receiver with not nearly the caliber of speakers to match or vice versa.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I think the Yamaha HTR-6180 is an excellent choice and I would have picked that one up myself, but I bought the HTR-6190 mainly because of the additonal HDMI input. And admittedly, the addional 25 watts p/channel. The 6190 outputs 130 w/p/c, as opposed to 105 w/p/c/ for the 6180.

Sure you can buy HDMI splitters to obtain more inputs, but I dislike makeshift alternatives, when I can have it right onboard my componants. So to me that is worth the additional expense.

I wanted the additional power, because my set-up will be moved into a much larger room and I don't like having to crank up my receiver. Also, I will probably be changing my speaker set-up. Whatever brand I eventually choose may or may not be as efficient as what I'm using now (see sig), as such they may require more power to drive.

The bottom line however, your HTR-6180 is a great choice and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

[lcrngrs]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

If you are connected by HDMI to a capable receiver, the PS3 should be on Linear PCM.

If you are connected by an Optical cable, the PS3 should be set to bitstream.




the benefit of having 7.1 system is 360 degree listening environment.

Movies that are in 5.1 can be extended to 7.1, which is not discrete but still uses every speaker. You may say "what is the point?", but the idea is to have each speaker in use, creating a wider sound field. Again, since the audio is only 5.1 it is not discrete. But when you do watch a movie with 7.1 audio, all channels are discrete, and each speaker plays its own part.




Linear PCM, and the Receiver will display Multichannel PCM.


wider sound field.

What was your intention before buying the 7.1 system?

I wanted all of the speakers to have sound which is why I purchased a 7.1 receiver, but did not realize that if a movie is 5.1, the rear speakers wouldn't get sound unless I use other available settings. I always prefer to have a movie played the way it was intended and do not like "fake" sound like the 7ch setting for example. One more question regarding the ps3. Is it capable yet of playing true dts hd? thanks.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by lcrngrs

One more question regarding the ps3. Is it capable yet of playing true dts hd? thanks.

yes, it can decode Dolby TrueHD and Dts-HD Master.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by lcrngrs

I wanted all of the speakers to have sound which is why I purchased a 7.1 receiver, but did not realize that if a movie is 5.1, the rear speakers wouldn't get sound unless I use other available settings. I always prefer to have a movie played the way it was intended and do not like "fake" sound like the 7ch setting for example.

correct me if im wrong, but isnt the 7ch setting a "7ch stereo" mode?

You do not want to use that for movies...you should try:

PLIIx Movie

[lcrngrs]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

correct me if im wrong, but isnt the 7ch setting a "7ch stereo" mode?

You do not want to use that for movies...you should try:

PLIIx Movie

Yes, the 7ch is stereo mode and comes out of all of my speakers but has no separation. I called Yamaha regarding this and was told the rear speakers just take sound and simulate whatever it can. Normally, I do use the PLIIx, enhanced mode and it does the trick. Once I purchase a new yamaha, namely the 663 I will use the HDMI and set the ps3 on pcm and should achieve the true hd sound, that is providing the movie has it. Correct? I really appreciate your help, thanks.

[bluerodent]

Originally Posted by lcrngrs

Yes, the 7ch is stereo mode and comes out of all of my speakers but has no separation. I called Yamaha regarding this and was told the rear speakers just take sound and simulate whatever it can. Normally, I do use the PLIIx, enhanced mode and it does the trick. Once I purchase a new yamaha, namely the 663 I will use the HDMI and set the ps3 on pcm and should achieve the true hd sound, that is providing the movie has it. Correct? I really appreciate your help, thanks.

You are aware that the Yamaha 663 does NO post processing (PLIIx...etc) from a PCM signal.

[lcrngrs]

Originally Posted by bluerodent

You are aware that the Yamaha 663 does NO post processing (PLIIx...etc) from a PCM signal.

Once again, this is why I'm confused. How can I get true dolby hd using my PS3? What receiver will allow me to do this? I thought the yamaha would work but now I'm back to square one.

[BigBluu]

Originally Posted by lcrngrs

Once again, this is why I'm confused. How can I get true dolby hd using my PS3? What receiver will allow me to do this? I thought the yamaha would work but now I'm back to square one.

set your ps3 to linear pcm and your receiver to "straight". make sure dolby true hd or dts master audio is selected from your blu-ray's setup menu. then you're good to go! your receiver should indicate pcm, and that's it.

[bluerodent]

You are confused. You Will get Dolby True HD, Dts MAHD..etc. But you will not be a able to apply any of the DSP (surround modes).. like PLIIX, DTS 6..etc from the PCM signal. This is just a mode mode which allows you to "matrix" the additional rear channels to a 6.1 and 7.1 set up. Some people like the additional processing of those modes, but if this is not important to you (matrixing 5.1 to 6.1 or 7.1) then I would not worry about and go with the Yamaha.

Hope this clears up any confusion

[lcrngrs]

Originally Posted by bluerodent

You are confused. You Will get Dolby True HD, Dts MAHD..etc. But you will not be a able to apply any of the DSP (surround modes).. like PLIIX, DTS 6..etc from the PCM signal. This is just a mode mode which allows you to "matrix" the additional rear channels to a 6.1 and 7.1 set up. Some people like the additional processing of those modes, but if this is not important to you (matrixing 5.1 to 6.1 or 7.1) then I would not worry about and go with the Yamaha.

Hope this clears up any confusion

Actually, I believe this does clear it up. Well I hope. Here goes. In order to get true dolby hd etc using the ps3 I set the system on PMC and in the settings choose True dolby hd, dts master etc. (where is that specifically?) My receiver which will be the Yamaha 663 should be set to direct. This allows me to hear a movie in 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 depending on the actual specifications of the particular movie I'm watching. Since most movies are in 5.1, my rear speakers will not get any sound the majority of the time. Only if I choose a "faux" mode which most receivers have will I be able to simulate sound through each speaker.
One other question.. Does true hd really sound that different compared to regular dolby? This question amounts to a 400.00 upgrade of my receiver which is also a yamaha purchased around 2 years ago.