Yamaha 861 vs. 663

[ddcobb]

Both are available for $399 so which would choose and why?

 

[mazersteven]

One of the immediate differences between the two is. 861 HDMI 1.2a, and the 663 is HDMI 1.3

 

[PENG]

Definitely the 663, reasons are:

1. it can decode the HD sound formats.
2. Has HDMI1.3.
3. It is the newest model.

The 861 has a touch higher rated power output but that won't do anything for you.

 

[Nomo]

No question. The 663. If for no other reason the HD audio decoding.

 

[jcPanny]

Receivers.

Both Yamaha receivers are great options and a good price. Depending on your other gear, you might like the video scaling feature on the RX-V861. I am not aware of any situation that REQUIRES HDMI 1.3 audio processing. The best BluRay player, the PS3, doesn't even output bitstream.

 

[speakerman39]

I am just diggin my 663. Well, at least so far anyways.

 

[Seth=L]

Another vote for the RX-V663, even if you don't need the HDMI 1.3 stuff it's still got two subwoofer outputs (which are almost irrelevant.).

 

[PENG]

Both Yamaha receivers are great options and a good price. Depending on your other gear, you might like the video scaling feature on the RX-V861. I am not aware of any situation that REQUIRES HDMI 1.3 audio processing. The best BluRay player, the PS3, doesn't even output bitstream.

That video scaler is not that useful either regardless of other gear.

 

[Seth=L]

That video scaler is not that useful either regardless of other gear.

Agreed, a PS3 would destroy the scaling on that AVR.

 

[BostonMark]

I picked 663

Both are available for $399 so which would choose and why?

I love it for the HDMI inputs, and I had the predcessor the 659. The 663 adds two HDMI inputs! Now I'm rocking with my PS3 playing games and watching Blu Rays!

My 659 had 100 watts per channel, this one has 90/ch, but I honestly have not noticed. (plus you need to double the power for every 3 db increase in volume!) It also has preouts like most yammys, so you can add independent amps later if you choose.