Official Yamaha RX-Z7 Receiver Review Thread

[cdub]

I, like many others, am eagerly awaiting Gene's review of the RX-Z7. I am fairly sold on this unit already, but I'm holding off until the verdict is in. One question I have is the ability to map the various inputs (HDMI1/2/3/4, component1/2/3, etc) to a desired input function (DVD/SAT/TV/VCR/ETC). On some receivers I have had in the past, this was limited such that there would be multiple types of inputs component/analog/digital audio/s-vid/etc but they were premapped to a input so that even though you might have an open component input for say VCR, you couldn't use it if you already were using the analog VCR input.

Specifically I have 4 HDMI devices I will be connecting (Tivo DVR/Comcast DVR/PS3/HD-DVD) and 2 component devices (Wii/Xbox). That only leaves one component input open on the back (not planning to use the front inputs) and I just want to be sure that I will be able to map them to 6 different inputs.

Regarding the up conversion, will it up convert any/all inputs to the HDMI out so that there is only the single HDMI connection to the TV is needed?

Also I am thinking of using this as a pre/pro with the axiom A1400-8 amp - thoughts/comments?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Azz123]

I, like many others, am eagerly awaiting Gene's review of the RX-Z7. I am fairly sold on this unit already, but I'm holding off until the verdict is in. One question I have is the ability to map the various inputs (HDMI1/2/3/4, component1/2/3, etc) to a desired input function (DVD/SAT/TV/VCR/ETC). On some receivers I have had in the past, this was limited such that there would be multiple types of inputs component/analog/digital audio/s-vid/etc but they were premapped to a input so that even though you might have an open component input for say VCR, you couldn't use it if you already were using the analog VCR input.

Specifically I have 4 HDMI devices I will be connecting (Tivo DVR/Comcast DVR/PS3/HD-DVD) and 2 component devices (Wii/Xbox). That only leaves one component input open on the back (not planning to use the front inputs) and I just want to be sure that I will be able to map them to 6 different inputs.

Regarding the up conversion, will it up convert any/all inputs to the HDMI out so that there is only the single HDMI connection to the TV is needed?

Also I am thinking of using this as a pre/pro with the axiom A1400-8 amp - thoughts/comments?

Thanks in advance.

Happy New Year.

I can confirm the Z7 HDMI inputs are fully assignable and will up convert all sources from 480i and pass through 1080p to output via HDMI.
Might be worth you grabbing a copy of the manual - all is described on page 21+22.

I'm using mine as a Pre (there is a dedicated Pre mode in the initial setup) with an Aussie made 7 channel amp and the Z7 is shining. Pre mode is great as the unit is running substantially cooler than my previous AVR (RX-V2500) that had the same role (used as a Pre) though amps were still powered up.

 

[qdemn7]

Gene, one thing I would like you to address with the RX-Z7 is the use of bi-amp capability vs. bi-wiring of speakers. Thanks.

 

[gene]

Pre mode is great as the unit is running substantially cooler than my previous AVR (RX-V2500) that had the same role (used as a Pre) though amps were still powered up.

I ran into a bit of a snag as I installed the Z7 into my family room system a few days ago which is an enclosed cabinet with only 4 inches of top and side clearance with a perforated metal screen door. This is where my 2700 resided for the last 2 years. I noticed when running video processing on my FIOS box or DVD player as the unit heats up I get vertical blue lines. Once I turn off HDMI processing and run it as "through" it goes away. Also if I toggle the input and open the front door of the cabinet, the problem doesn't persist. Over the next few days I will try NOT opening the front door and toggle the inputs to see if it repeats. If it does, its likely b/c I am not giving this receiver enough ventilation. The Z7 runs significantly hotter than my 2700 did.

If any fellow Z7 owners have their Z7 installed in similarly tight quarters I'd like to hear your experiences. I will call Yamaha after CES to discuss my findings but as a result this will delay my review until I can resolve it as being an understandabe heat issue with improper ventilation required to resolve, or my test unit is defective, or there is another issue at play.

Sorry for the delay, but this needs to be resolved before I can post my final review.

Configuration details:
using all 7 internal amps with speakers set small at 80Hz crossover. This happens regardless of listening levels.
Source resolution 1080i FIOS, 1080p Denon DVD-2930CI DVD Player
Display: Samsung 1080p Rear Projection DLP
HDMI Cables: Sonicwave Impact Acoustics

 

[cdub]

Will you be testing it configured as a pre in addition to using the internal amplifiers?

 

[gene]

Will you be testing it configured as a pre in addition to using the internal amplifiers?

There is no real advantage to "Preamp Mode" in terms of power consumption as all it does it allow you to reassign 4 of the internal amps for other zones while using the 7.1 preamp outs for the main zone. The idle power consumption is about the same in normal or preamp mode.

 

[qdemn7]

The Z7 runs significantly hotter than my 2700 did.

And it runs significantly hotter than my old RX-V1400.

 

[Azz123]

I ran into a bit of a snag as I installed the Z7 into my family room system a few days ago which is an enclosed cabinet with only 4 inches of top and side clearance with a perforated metal screen door. This is where my 2700 resided for the last 2 years. I noticed when running video processing on my FIOS box or DVD player as the unit heats up I get vertical blue lines. Once I turn off HDMI processing and run it as "through" it goes away. Also if I toggle the input and open the front door of the cabinet, the problem doesn't persist. Over the next few days I will try NOT opening the front door and toggle the inputs to see if it repeats. If it does, its likely b/c I am not giving this receiver enough ventilation. The Z7 runs significantly hotter than my 2700 did.

If any fellow Z7 owners have their Z7 installed in similarly tight quarters I'd like to hear your experiences. I will call Yamaha after CES to discuss my findings but as a result this will delay my review until I can resolve it as being an understandabe heat issue with improper ventilation required to resolve, or my test unit is defective, or there is another issue at play.

Sorry for the delay, but this needs to be resolved before I can post my final review.

Configuration details:
using all 7 internal amps with speakers set small at 80Hz crossover. This happens regardless of listening levels.
Source resolution 1080i FIOS, 1080p Denon DVD-2930CI DVD Player
Display: Samsung 1080p Rear Projection DLP
HDMI Cables: Sonicwave Impact Acoustics

Interesting Gene.
As I mentioned above, the Z7 is running cooler (to the touch) than the 2500 was in the same very tight confines of the cabinet that I have though I do have a PC fan drawing air out.
I'm running HDMI as through at this stage and have a 240v model being in AUS so not sure if findings are comparable. Happy to run any particular tests that you'd like to see if I can simulate the grief you're experiencing.

 

[Jeepers]

Interesting Gene.
As I mentioned above, the Z7 is running cooler (to the touch) than the 2500 was in the same very tight confines of the cabinet that I have though I do have a PC fan drawing air out.
I'm running HDMI as through at this stage and have a 240v model being in AUS so not sure if findings are comparable. Happy to run any particular tests that you'd like to see if I can simulate the grief you're experiencing.

Azz123, does it heat up when you switch off the PC fan and do some HDMI processing instead of through ?

 

[cdub]

Interesting Gene.
As I mentioned above, the Z7 is running cooler (to the touch) than the 2500 was in the same very tight confines of the cabinet that I have though I do have a PC fan drawing air out.
I'm running HDMI as through at this stage and have a 240v model being in AUS so not sure if findings are comparable. Happy to run any particular tests that you'd like to see if I can simulate the grief you're experiencing.

I would assume that is because you are using it as a pre and therefore the internal amps are not being used or generating heat. Gene stated he was using all 7 internal amps in his configuration.

 

[3db]

Gene

The older RX-V1800/3800 do not process black levels properlyas mentioned in this thread from AVSforum? Do you know if this a problem with the RZ-7?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1010178

 

[dem beats]

"If any fellow Z7 owners have their Z7 installed in similarly tight quarters I'd like to hear your experiences. I will call Yamaha after CES to discuss my findings but as a result this will delay my review until I can resolve it as being an understandabe heat issue with improper ventilation required to resolve, or my test unit is defective, or there is another issue at play."

Gene,
I did have mine in the same place as I had my integra 5.6. It didn't feel any, but it may have been but only marginaly. I do now have it mostly sitting "free air" on top of my gear rack. It makes me feel better to let it have all the air it needs as I really love this unit. Mainly though I have got to the point where Its just simply easier to and cleaner for cable management to have quick roomy access to the rear.
It doesn't however heat up as quickly as the integra, I know that for sure. I remember my integra heating up very fast, after one movie it was quite warm. This didn't really heat up to any level I would notice accept for a session of movies and games for almost 10 hours or more.

 

[gene]

Gene

The older RX-V1800/3800 do not process black levels properlyas mentioned in this thread from AVSforum? Do you know if this a problem with the RZ-7?

Actually it did process YCbCr at the native data range of 16-235 which is how all DVD/Blu-ray discs are mastered.

hence why we wrote this article:
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/hdmi-black-levels-xvycc-rgb

The RX-Z7 however does have enhanced RGB of 0-255 as a default now greater compatibility with gaming and PC connections.

 

[gene]

I would assume that is because you are using it as a pre and therefore the internal amps are not being used or generating heat. Gene stated he was using all 7 internal amps in his configuration.

it happens even if I turn the volume all the way down. Takes about 30 minutes for it to show up. Once I toggle the input, it goes away but then I see blue dots popping up on the screen. All of this goes away once I open the front door of my cabinet so I am thinking its heat related and this receiver needs more ventilation than I am providing it, especially with HDMI video processing engaged.

Here are some images of where my Z7 is installed. Note the enclosure is sealed off in the back. I've got about 4" of clearance on the top of the receiver and 5.5" of clearance on the left and right sides.

 

[3db]

Actually it did process YCbCr at the native data range of 16-235 which is how all DVD/Blu-ray discs are mastered.

hence why we wrote this article:
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/hdmi-black-levels-xvycc-rgb

The RX-Z7 however does have enhanced RGB of 0-255 as a default now greater compatibility with gaming and PC connections.

Thanks Gene. What I got from the AVSForum link that in most cases, this would not be an issue. Its only an issue from a gaming perspective and from some DVDs that were incorrectly mastered.

 

[gene]

News Update:

Even with the door open, my daughter was watching a movie tonight and the blue lines and sparkles appeared. There is likely something wrong with my unit as I cant imagine this thing needs to be super cooled in order to operate correctly. I will see if Yamaha can swap out my review unit after CES.

 

[Matt34]

it happens even if I turn the volume all the way down. Takes about 30 minutes for it to show up. Once I toggle the input, it goes away but then I see blue dots popping up on the screen. All of this goes away once I open the front door of my cabinet so I am thinking its heat related and this receiver needs more ventilation than I am providing it, especially with HDMI video processing engaged.

Here are some images of where my Z7 is installed. Note the enclosure is sealed off in the back. I've got about 4" of clearance on the top of the receiver and 5.5" of clearance on the left and right sides.

I think we should take up a donation for old Behringer EP2500 fans from members of this forum and send them to Gene. They'll work great as long as you don't mine a "little" fan noise.

 

[Azz123]

Azz123, does it heat up when you switch off the PC fan and do some HDMI processing instead of through ?

Sorry about the delay in reply guys, our time zones are a little out.

Well I've just finished having Dark Knight BR on a Sony BDP-S550 in full with fan off and cabinet door open just a couple of inches to let any heat out - not something I like to do as you can see from the attached the confines for the Z7 are a little tight even with a fan running. Shame my 2930 has been packed up and stored due to space constraints as I would have been able to do a much closer comparison.

Clearance above the Z7 is 5 inches if that helps with scale.
In addition, I live in what many would consider to be a warmer climate with the ambient temp inside my house at the moment is 27degC and with 78% humidity.
Gene sorry (well good for me) to report there was no degradation to picture being output at 1080p to a Sony FDL40X2000. Note this model LCD is not 24p compatible.

 

[Azz123]

I run one of these - http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=75080 in the 120mm version on the lowest of 3 speeds wired up to a little 12v DC power supply that draws power from the back of the Z7. Whenever the Z7 is powered up the fan is powered up instantly.
Super quiet and convenient!!

 

[gene]

Gene sorry (well good for me) to report there was no degradation to picture being output at 1080p to a Sony FDL40X2000. Note this model LCD is not 24p compatible.

That's great news for you and just means I need a replacement unit.

Please confirm the following however:
you had HDMI video processing enabled
you set the Z7 to 1080p
you went up close to the display and looked for vertical blue lines and / or intermittent blue dots after the receiver has been running for at least 40 minutes.

Thanks.