I like the amp, but I'm still more compelled to instead buy a used AVR over something like this. It feels to me more like a $1200 amp than a $1700 one, come 2024. I figure I can match the performance (at least in an audible sense) for less than a 3rd of the price of this.
Again, I understand that I am not the target market for products like this and that perhaps I am a bit dated with what things cost now and what features I could ever need, but for this price, I'd be inclined to spend less for even more stable power, even if that means lugging around extra channels/features I will never use.
I'm not a fan of the knobs on the Yamahas. Having them set all randomly cattywampus on the face would tend to excite whatever OCD I have.
If you just want good sound with your TV, that unit is a much better bet than the usual AVR offerings. The power amp is much better, and will drive four ohm loads at power without blowing up.
This is just the sort of unit that is needed in the market, and with a couple of good speakers and a sub, is a much better purchase than any sound bar.
It actually what most users who want good sound with their picture actually need.
There is only ARC and that means it would be difficult to place the unit at a distance from the TV, as the TV will have to be the switch for other devices such as disc players, TV boxes and streamers.
If I were Yamaha I would try and build on this, by adding a center channel and more HDMI inputs. It definitely needs eARC. Not having eARC is the biggest shortcoming to this unit. Then I think they would have a real winner.
We have had countless people join this form who think they need at least 11 speakers and multiple subs for good and satisfying results. Well, they don't. In fact for most rooms posted on here I would bet it is a downgrade.
I have a full blown Atmos system, a 3.1 and 2.1 system. Quite frankly I could be very happy with any of the three for years.
What people don't want is receivers that blow up fat too often and end up at the local recycling center. An even bigger fraud is units with all these amps crammed in, with totally inadequate power supplies. That is bad engineering and root cause of a lot of problems. I personally would never bring units to market with poor inadequate design. I can be certain that none of my mentors would have either. In many ways what we are passing off and encouraging is an absolute disgrace.
I think this unit is a ray of sunshine coming across the horizon and I wish it every success. They really need to look at what people's needs really are, as this unit comes up a little short in areas it should not, which is a pity.
