Modification/Improvment on Power Amplifier Inputs
The Problem:
The RX-V1, and other high-end Yamaha recievers (inlcuding the RX-Z1) have a weak spot that can cause problems. Owners report that they "loose channels" over time. Some speaker outputs just stop producing a signal. The cause of this problem lies in switches inside the preamplifier output jacks, which are designed to disconnect the preamplifier from the respective power amplifier when you plug an RCA cable into it. These switches decouple the preamps from the power amps when they aren't supposed to, thus making the sound go away if you are using the inboard power amplifiers. Yuck!
A sure way to deal with this issue is using "jumper" RCA cables to manually connect the preamp outputs their respective power amplifier's direct input jack; problem solved. There's a big catch: ONLY the two Main channels and the Front Center channel have the power amplifier input jacks
![Frown :( :(](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
The Solution:
I have wired in power amplifier inputs for ALL OF THE REMAINING POWER AMPS. Yes; this RX-V1 has full input access to all of its 8 power amps now! Beyond eliminating the problems with "losing channels", you also have much more flexibility in terms of how you use your power amps. This custom feature has served me well in the past for my bi-amplification setup for my Main speakers. Obviously, I didn't duplicate the power amp inputs for the Mains and the Front Center, so connecting to those is the same as with any RX-V1. You can see from one of the images how my jumper cables are connected from the pre-amp outputs to the power amp inputs (I did not jumper the Mains in this photo).
To make room for these inputs, I have sacrificed the component video inputs to the "CBL/SAT" and "D-TV", leaving the remaining "DVD" input untouched, as well as the component video output to your monitor. I won't write out what goes to what; just look at the photos and see what the jumpers are coupling together. I have documented my changes in the ower's manual.
The modification I have carried out makes this RX-V1 unique and valuable.