The Official Yamaha RX V663 Owners Thread

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

As I am with mine ! I personally have hit the SWEET SPOT on my acoustics within the room I have set up . Thursday I put my amps on my front 3 BOSTONS only & it sounds amazing . The 663 does A great job powering the surrounds only . Just watched TRANSFORMERS under this configuration because everyone was gone around me &
I don't know what else to say but I think I'm done ( for a while ) !!

NICE!

I need to do some more research in external amps. That is something I would like to do in the future. I just dont know if I really "NEED" it though.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

As I am with mine ! I personally have hit the SWEET SPOT on my acoustics within the room I have set up . Thursday I put my amps on my front 3 BOSTONS only & it sounds amazing . The 663 does A great job powering the surrounds only . Just watched TRANSFORMERS under this configuration because everyone was gone around me &
I don't know what else to say but I think I'm done ( for a while ) !!

+1 Exactly!

Your experience is similar to mine. I don't have Emotiva, and I know they're great. I started off using a stereo power amp (an Adcom GFA 545, that I've hung on to for a long time) to drive the fronts. Recently, I ordered an AudioSource Amp 5.3A monoblock for the center channel which BTW arrived last week.

I'm likewise convinced that the V663 has plenty of power to drive four surrounds (2 sides, 2 rears). That doesn't mean I won't add more external power amps. I love tinkering and tweaking to improve the sound within the limits of what I'm willing to spend. But for now, all I can say is that I'm extremely satisfied and happy with the audio improvements that I've gained thus far.

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

NICE!

I need to do some more research in external amps. That is something I would like to do in the future. I just dont know if I really "NEED" it though.

I had similar sentiments. Now, if someone asked me, do you really need it? My answer is a resounding YES!

Edit: Hey, I just noticed in your signature block. Your Energy speakers are the same as mine! They really

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

I had similar sentiments. Now, if someone asked me, do you really need it? My answer is a resounding YES!

Edit: Hey, I just noticed in your signature block. Your Energy speakers are the same as mine! They really

HAHA nice!

I love them too!

So you really do notice a difference with external amps on these speakers??

EDIT: After your experience with them, what would you recommend if you could do it all over again?? Regarding amps that is...

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

HAHA nice!

I love them too!

So you really do notice a difference with external amps on these speakers??

EDIT: After your experience with them, what would you recommend if you could do it all over again?? Regarding amps that is...

Yes, I noticed a significant difference. The V663's internal amplifiers are excellent as long as you don't try to push them too hard. If you do, you get loud sound that lacks dynamics which consequently lacks realism. It may sound a bit harsh or unpleasant too, and you'll want to turn the level back down. The harshness drowns out subtle details and so on.

Energy speakers aren't known for their efficiency especially the C-300s and the C-C100. The C-R100s are even less efficient, but for surrounds that's no biggie and the V663 certainly drives them ok in my situation anyway. My HT room is 20 x 15 with vaulted ceilings and that certainly works against the V663's power curve when driving the C-300s and C-C100 to levels that I consider to be enjoyable for movies.

My solution was to either get more efficient speakers or more amplifying power. I love my Energy's despite their inefficiency. Adding three external power amps really did the trick and did it well. It came as a surprise that my Energy speakers sounded even better, especially in the midrange and highs, when I played them a bit little louder than I used to before. I could hear details that weren't audible before. I really like the sound now.

Which external amps would I recommend? Monoblocks! The AudioSource Amp 5.3A did wonders for the center channel and I think part of the big difference that I noticed was there in that center channel. I have no hard evidence to back that up, only subjectiveness. I would buy two more AudioSource Amp 5.3 As for the L and R channels and let the Adcom GFA 545 drive the side surrounds, and the V663 the rear surrounds. The AS Amp 5.3As are heavy and seven of them would weigh about 84 lbs! They have huge toroidal power transformers. They also provide balanced XLR inputs for even better sound. However with the V663, you have no choice but to use the unbalanced inputs. Two more AS Amp 5.3As would run $350 (shipping incl'd) if I can still find them. Unfortunately, Phoenix Gold Electronics which makes AudioSource discontinued the AS Amp 5.3A.

If I were starting from scratch, I would buy an Emotiva XPA-3, three channel power amplifier. It would cost about $150 more than three AS Amp 5.3As. It puts out 200 W /channel into 8 ohms with THD < 0.007% (all 3 driven), that is, if it performs as advertised. The AS Amp 5.3A puts out 250 W into 4 ohms with THD < 0.10%. The Emotiva UPA-7 would reluctantly be my second choice if the XPA-3 wasn't available. The UPA-7 isn't likely to perform as well as the XPA-3. The XPA-3 is much better built, better circuitry, and higher quality components. This is what you want to drive your three front speakers and that's where the difference is going to really be significant.

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

Yes, I noticed a significant difference. The V663's internal amplifiers are excellent as long as you don't try to push them too hard. If you do, you get loud sound that lacks dynamics which consequently lacks realism. It may sound a bit harsh or unpleasant too, and you'll want to turn the level back down. The harshness drowns out subtle details and so on.

Energy speakers aren't known for their efficiency especially the C-300s and the C-C100. The C-R100s are even less efficient, but for surrounds that's no biggie and the V663 certainly drives them ok in my situation anyway. My HT room is 20 x 15 with vaulted ceilings and that certainly works against the V663's power curve when driving the C-300s and C-C100 to levels that I consider to be enjoyable for movies.

My solution was to either get more efficient speakers or more amplifying power. I love my Energy's despite their inefficiency. Adding three external power amps really did the trick and did it well. It came as a surprise that my Energy speakers sounded even better, especially in the midrange and highs, when I played them a bit little louder than I used to before. I could hear details that weren't audible before. I really like the sound now.

Which external amps would I recommend? Monoblocks! The AudioSource Amp 5.3A did wonders for the center channel and I think part of the big difference that I noticed was there in that center channel. I have no hard evidence to back that up, only subjectiveness. I would buy two more AudioSource Amp 5.3 As for the L and R channels and let the Adcom GFA 545 drive the side surrounds, and the V663 the rear surrounds. The AS Amp 5.3As are heavy and seven of them would weigh about 84 lbs! They have huge toroidal power transformers. They also provide balanced XLR inputs for even better sound. However with the V663, you have no choice but to use the unbalanced inputs. Two more AS Amp 5.3As would run $350 (shipping incl'd) if I can still find them. Unfortunately, Phoenix Gold Electronics which makes AudioSource discontinued the AS Amp 5.3A.

If I were starting from scratch, I would buy an Emotiva XPA-3, three channel power amplifier. It would cost about $150 more than three AS Amp 5.3As. It puts out 200 W /channel into 8 ohms with THD < 0.007% (all 3 driven), that is, if it performs as advertised. The AS Amp 5.3A puts out 250 W into 4 ohms with THD < 0.10%. The Emotiva UPA-7 would reluctantly be my second choice if the XPA-3 wasn't available. The UPA-7 isn't likely to perform as well as the XPA-3. The XPA-3 is much better built, better circuitry, and higher quality components. This is what you want to drive your three front speakers and that's where the difference is going to really be significant.

WOW, thanks for the info. I do kinda notice that when I crank the volume it wont sound quite right. What kinda power can these Energies hold? The Energy website does not give very good info. Just says "up to 125 rms"

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by rwojtalewicz

Yes, I noticed a significant difference. The V663's internal amplifiers are excellent as long as you don't try to push them too hard. If you do, you get loud sound that lacks dynamics which consequently lacks realism. It may sound a bit harsh or unpleasant too, and you'll want to turn the level back down. The harshness drowns out subtle details and so on.

Energy speakers aren't known for their efficiency especially the C-300s and the C-C100. The C-R100s are even less efficient, but for surrounds that's no biggie and the V663 certainly drives them ok in my situation anyway. My HT room is 20 x 15 with vaulted ceilings and that certainly works against the V663's power curve when driving the C-300s and C-C100 to levels that I consider to be enjoyable for movies.

My solution was to either get more efficient speakers or more amplifying power. I love my Energy's despite their inefficiency. Adding three external power amps really did the trick and did it well. It came as a surprise that my Energy speakers sounded even better, especially in the midrange and highs, when I played them a bit little louder than I used to before. I could hear details that weren't audible before. I really like the sound now.

Which external amps would I recommend? Monoblocks! The AudioSource Amp 5.3A did wonders for the center channel and I think part of the big difference that I noticed was there in that center channel. I have no hard evidence to back that up, only subjectiveness. I would buy two more AudioSource Amp 5.3 As for the L and R channels and let the Adcom GFA 545 drive the side surrounds, and the V663 the rear surrounds. The AS Amp 5.3As are heavy and seven of them would weigh about 84 lbs! They have huge toroidal power transformers. They also provide balanced XLR inputs for even better sound. However with the V663, you have no choice but to use the unbalanced inputs. Two more AS Amp 5.3As would run $350 (shipping incl'd) if I can still find them. Unfortunately, Phoenix Gold Electronics which makes AudioSource discontinued the AS Amp 5.3A.

If I were starting from scratch, I would buy an Emotiva XPA-3, three channel power amplifier. It would cost about $150 more than three AS Amp 5.3As. It puts out 200 W /channel into 8 ohms with THD < 0.007% (all 3 driven), that is, if it performs as advertised. The AS Amp 5.3A puts out 250 W into 4 ohms with THD < 0.10%. The Emotiva UPA-7 would reluctantly be my second choice if the XPA-3 wasn't available. The UPA-7 isn't likely to perform as well as the XPA-3. The XPA-3 is much better built, better circuitry, and higher quality components. This is what you want to drive your three front speakers and that's where the difference is going to really be significant.

wow! what you're saying about the energies is exactly what i've been experiencing over the past week. i just replaced a pair of polk monitor 50s and a cs1 with c-500s and a c-c100. i'm using a sony str-dg820(soon to be replaced) to power them and have noticed that i have to crank the volume significantly higher with the energies to get the same output i had with the polks. i've been eyeing a yammy 663 or 665 as a replacement receiver, but i'm not sure if i want to go down the power amp road. i'm debating whether or not to get one of the yammys or save up for a higher end onkyo/denon that meets it's true specs per channel. i've read denon is very good for that. if i spend too much more though, i think my wife will kick me out...

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

wow! what you're saying about the energies is exactly what i've been experiencing over the past week. i just replaced a pair of polk monitor 50s and a cs1 with c-500s and a c-c100. i'm using a sony str-dg820(soon to be replaced) to power them and have noticed that i have to crank the volume significantly higher with the energies to get the same output i had with the polks. i've been eyeing a yammy 663 or 665 as a replacement receiver, but i'm not sure if i want to go down the power amp road. i'm debating whether or not to get one of the yammys or save up for a higher end onkyo/denon that meets it's true specs per channel. i've read denon is very good for that. if i spend too much more though, i think my wife will kick me out...

LoL.

Yea I was going to buy a Denon 1909, but I got such a good deal on the yammy I went with this

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

WOW, thanks for the info. I do kinda notice that when I crank the volume it wont sound quite right. What kinda power can these Energies hold? The Energy website does not give very good info. Just says "up to 125 rms"

The C-300's specified sensitivity or SPL spec in an anechoic room is +89 db at 1.0 meter / 1.0 watt. In my case I sit about 10 ft (ca. 3 meters) from the C-300s.

That would mean that the sensitivity would drop down to +83 db seated 3.0 meters away for 1.0 W input.

With two C-300s driven at 1.0 watt input at 3.0 meters distance we expect: +86 db SPL (anechoic). With 7 C-300s driven at once at 1.0 W input, the SPL increases to nearly +94 db.

Every time you double the power the SPL at a given constant distance will increase by +3.0 db. Thus the rest is up to the amplifier, how much power it has, and how much headroom it has (power reserve: 3 db is great).

Just about any entry level amp driving any good speaker at 1.0 watt is going to sound quite good and distortion free. The real question is, how much does it take and how much can you get away with in order to enjoy the movie or hear it at the level you want?

What kinda power can these Energies hold? I really don't have a definitive answer to that question. I think the only thing you can really do is experiment and set the V663 to a level that you'd like to listen to during a movie. If the sound is unnatural, strained, or distorted, then lower the volume. If you can live with that and enjoy the movie, then that's all that matters. If not, then you need to get a more powerful amplifier. You can keep the V663, but just add some monoblock amps or multiple power amps as you wish until you can enjoy the sound at the level you like. Of course the opposite can happen if you have too much power and start driving the speakers beyond their limits.

I don't have a clue to how large your room is. That is going to really make a big difference too. There are lots of variables like that to consider. IMHO, the more amplifier power you have for a given speaker that is capable of handling the power driving it without producing audible distortion, the better. If you can't get the sound you want, you have to change something, the room, the amplifier, the speakers, speaker placement, or all the above. Just do whatever it takes.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

NICE!

I need to do some more research in external amps. That is something I would like to do in the future. I just dont know if I really "NEED" it though.

I WOULD NOT LOOK AT IT AS I NEED IT ! The difference in sound QUALITY with an amp is A whole new world . You don't need to be blasting it to notice the difference !!! It is worth it .

[PS3-Playb3yond]

I got a question about wiring speaker wires to the back of my receiver. The left and right is confusing me, do I look at this from the sitting point of view or from the receiver. Does it matter which speakers I place the wires on as long as the fronts are connected in their place?

[Yeha-Noha]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

I got a question about wiring speaker wires to the back of my receiver. The left and right is confusing me, do I look at this from the sitting point of view or from the receiver. Does it matter which speakers I place the wires on as long as the fronts are connected in their place?

Hook up your speaker wires to your AVR's left and right channel outputs with respect to the speakers that are on your left and right side from where you are seated facing the screen. That goes for the side surrounds that are on your left and right as well as any rear surrounds like back left and back right.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Thanks! It was kind of confusing.

[Eddie66]

Hi, just found this thread.

I bought the RX-V663 3 months ago and I am really impressed with the sound already. Connected it to my old Magnaf speakers (front) and sony speakers at the back and front speaker)

To improve the sound I want to replace these speakers with a new set, but it is a hard choise (Mainly I look for speakers for the movies I play from my Asus B202, connected with an optical connection S/PDIF)

I have the following in mind

Canton Movie 150 QX (My first choice)
Infinity TSS1200
KEF 2005.2
HKTS 8
Mardaunt Short Genie

Any advise, or do you recommend a different one?
My room is about 5 by 4 meters (15 x 12 foot)
and the budget is upto 600 Euro

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Eddie66

Hi, just found this thread.

I bought the RX-V663 3 months ago and I am really impressed with the sound already. Connected it to my old Magnaf speakers (front) and sony speakers at the back and front speaker)

To improve the sound I want to replace these speakers with a new set, but it is a hard choise (Mainly I look for speakers for the movies I play from my Asus B202, connected with an optical connection S/PDIF)

I have the following in mind

Canton Movie 150 QX (My first choice)
Infinity TSS1200
KEF 2005.2
HKTS 8
Mardaunt Short Genie

Any advise, or do you recommend a different one?
My room is about 5 by 4 meters (15 x 12 foot)
and the budget is upto 600 Euro

Welcome to Blu-ray Eddie66 !!

If you can , one of the best things you can do before buying speakers is to demo them & see which ones sound best to you ! The 663 is A really good sounding receiver as you said , that is what I have myself !

[sugarsnaps]

Been debating about this particular receiver. What's everyone's opinion on it? found a decent price for it. let me know. Also been looking into the Denon 1909 and 789. Would love to get a denon, but from what cnet says, the setup is difficult.

[JasonR]

Does anyone have a remote code for the BDP-S350?

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Does anyone have a remote code for the BDP-S350?

Bump? Anyone?

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Does anyone have a remote code for the BDP-S350?

i suppose the codes stay the same from yr to yr. i have an rx v765, and the sony blu ray code from the manual is 2025...

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

i suppose the codes stay the same from yr to yr. i have an rx v765, and the sony blu ray code from the manual is 2025...

No dice, thanks though. I emailed Yamaha...