Yamaha RX-Z9 First Look

[O'Shag]

With respect to those of the opinion that seperates are always better, I would have to disagree. For its combined HT and Audio only requirements, the Z9 offers tremendous value. Its extended capabilities in the HT domain, which now includes video processing, offers flexability and performance most seperates at this point just don't have. Yamaha and Denon both are supremely reliable as compared to many separates out there. They just have a great deal more money to research, develop, test and support reliable technology into their products.

Is it true that the amazing ZX9 can match the best dedicated audio system seperates for 2-channel audio performance? No. My ZX9 trounces my Audio Research kit for features and its HT abilities. But when it comes to listening to 2-channel stereo in any format, my dedicated audio system gets a lot closer to accurately reproducing the original recording.

Best

O'Shag

Austin Powers of Audio

[Jaycan]

I would have the exact same response as O'Shag. I probably will end up buying a Z-9 but because I already have 7 channels of very powerful external amplification, I will not be using the Yammie's internal amps. Even so, when compared to "hi end" separates, it is still a good VALUE. Once I got over the fact that it does not switch DVI, then the Yamaha became my clear choice. I have now decided to switch video with an external scaler, not the receiver.

[Unregistered]

Waiting waiting waiting for the review too.
I guess it keep me returning

[W4ZOO]

Waiting waiting waiting for the review too.
I guess it keep me returning

I think his was shooting for July 4..

[gene]

My review is about 95% done. Will be peer reviewed this week. If all goes well it will be posted over the 4th holiday. Be patient however, this monster review will take me several hours to post

[SirGromit]

I am interested in the RX-Z9 for many reasons, but one key reason is the digital component video up-conversion that it does from SD video signals to HDTV resolutions. Does this conversion only work for NTSC signals or does it also accept PAL (and its variants such as PAL-N)? Thank you for your time.

[Jaycan]

I wonder if people are waiting on this review before deciding to buy the Z9.
I would assume that with something in this price range people's mind are already made up, and the review will only confirm their position. Yamaha appears to have very loyal customers, so those who have bought Yamaha in the past will buy the Z9 if they can afford it. Those sitting on the fence should already be playing with this baby at their local dealer. That giant whoosh which we will all hear on July 4th won't be fireworks; it will be all the audioholics exhaling their collectively held breaths.

[Unregistered]

err a... i nead this review (in the words of jfk)
hopefully it will be ready ofhte 4th of july..... i don't think i can take it much longer.

[gene]

Does this conversion only work for NTSC signals or does it also accept PAL (and its variants such as PAL-N)? Thank you for your time.

The RX-Z9 will handle NTSC and PAL, not sure about the variants you mentioned. I will ask Yamaha after they look over my review. There will likely be a review addendum after my review is posted to handle everyones questions, or we may just feature it on this forum if it remains highly active.

[SirGromit]

I greatly appreciate your prompt response. If it does support PAL it would be highly likely that it would support the variants. To my knowledge, the difference between "PAL" and "PAL-N" is minor. "PAL-M" may be an issue as it is a 60 field per second variant. Either way, I eagerly await the review of the AV receiver, but have already decided to make the RX-Z9 part of my new home theater system. Thanks again!