Yamaha RX 667 Problems (1) HDMI (2) Surround

[coreydetar]

Haven't received the cables yet - s/v here by now. I'll let you know as soon as I do. If I have to change receivers, it'll be a bummer as I love the sound I'm getting.

 

[coreydetar]

Bad HDMI Output

Well, the new cables were good, but the HDMI out was bad. I returned the receiver. I could have taken it for repair under warranty, but there was only a thirty day return policy (last one/floor model).

Any strong recommendations for sub-$550 receivers would be appreciated. Upside of this year's models is that computer/network connectivity seems to have been improved on a lot of models.

Thanks for all of the assistance.

 

[TLS Guy]

Well, the new cables were good, but the HDMI out was bad. I returned the receiver. I could have taken it for repair under warranty, but there was only a thirty day return policy (last one/floor model).

Any strong recommendations for sub-$550 receivers would be appreciated. Upside of this year's models is that computer/network connectivity seems to have been improved on a lot of models.

Thanks for all of the assistance.

How do you know the HDMI out is bad? Did you have it tested? Or did you assume it was bad?

I agree you should have returned it.

$550 is too cheap for a receiver that is any good. In that price range you will buy trouble like you already have.

You need to be well in the middle of the price range of a manufacturers offerings.

Spending a little more now, will pay off in the long run. This receiver is as low as you want to go.

Preferably you should be in the $1200 to $1500 range or above now.

The reasons for this, are a shrinking value of the dollar, inflation in China, component shortages and rises in the price of raw materials. The other issue is cramming. In other words far to many features than can possible be produced for the price and be expected to be any good.

Lower priced receivers are now in the junk category, and you have to set your sights higher. What really needs to happen at the lower price range is a stripping of features and concentration on core performance and reliability.

If at all possible I strongly recommend going the separates route, but of course that means a big jump in expenditure, but a big increase in performance.

 

[Adam]

TLS and I disagree on the value of receivers, as I think that many people are and will continue to be happy with receivers in that price range. I haven't been looking at what's out there for a couple of years, so I don't have any specific recommendations for you. If you look around the forum, you'll see that's a fairly common question and might find some recommendations that fit you. AH recently posted an article on receivers in the $600 range, and there's a forum thread on it.

 

[jcmccorm]

It depends on the application right?

For my "main" HT, I've gone with separates. It costs more but I was willing to spend more for higher quality and more power.

For a bedroom system I recently built, I went with the Yamaha 667 set up as 5.1. The Yammy cost less than $400, sounds great and has more power than I need for a bedroom.

The ironic thing is that my main HT built on separates will not support HDMI or the new hi-res audio formats while my Yamaha in the bedroom will

The $400 Yamaha is perfect for what I'm using it for.

Cary

 

[coreydetar]

Thanks all. Problems with the HDMI should have been apparent. Cables felt loose in the Out, and worked in all other applications. I plan to check out a few articles -thanks for the suggestions - and revisit the budget.