Yamaha Receivers - Differences Between RX-V and HTR Lines

[kingofgrills]

Okay, this is more of an FYI than anything else. The question ocassionally comes up as to what the differences are between Yamaha's RX-V and HTR receiver product lines. I've had a Yamaha tech specialist explain it to me before, and in the past I've seen the answer on Yamaha's web site, but I hadn't been able to find it again - until now.

Here is the official explanation of the two product lines straight from Yamaha's web site:

What is the difference between the RX-V line and the HTR line AV receivers ?
There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods; the same manufacturers suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units. There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality black metal front panel construction. The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz. The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales. The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail. All transactions must be done through the authorized Yamaha dealer network. Any purchase made from an unauthorized dealer/retailer voids the Yamaha manufacturer's warranty.

Basically, the comparable models are the same, except for the gold lettering which is on the HTR models. The difference listed in how the power is rated doesn't really hold true anymore. If you look up the HTR 6180, it holds the same 20Hz - 20kHz power rating found on the RX-V863. Some models are rated full range, while some are published with a rating measured at 1kHz.

The reason I bring all this up, is so that anyone interested in a Yamaha receiver will know to look at the HTR line, as well as the RX-V line, because often you can find the same model listed for cheaper under the HTR number. Please note that Yamaha doesn't run a second product line for it's flagship RX-Z line, or in the US at least for the RX-V1800, 1900, 3800, or 3900 units. For all the others, however, including the popular RX-V663 and RX-V863, you can find equivalent HTR units in the HTR 6160 and HTR 6180.