Rxz-9 ?

[surveyor]

I'm still seriously considering buying the RX-Z9, have been since it went through reviews here at AH.
Will I hear a significant sound improvement from my existing reciever/amp combination? I would be removing the existing amp reciever combination.
See existing:
Denon Cassette Deck DRM12HX
Pioneer Compact Disk Player PD-F908
Pioneer DVD Player DV-578A
Sony DVD Player DVP-S360
Technics Turntable SL-3300/Ortofon X3-MC Cartridge
Carver TFM-24 Amp (front L/R)
Carver M-1.0t (center F/R)
Carver M-1.0t (surround R/L)
Yamaha Receiver RX-V2200
Phillips Dish Reciever
Sharp 36" Flat Screen TV 36UF5/6

Panasonic 4 Head HiFi Omnivision VCR
Precise Acoustics Monitor 10 Speakers (front L/R)
Infinity IL25c Speaker (center F)
Infinity IL10 Speaker (center R)
Infinity IL10 Speaker (surround R/L)
Velodyne CT-150 Subwoofer

 

[poweragent]

Rx-z(

I went out and purchased a new RX-Z9 from a Major electronics retailer. The salesman talked me into buying an ESP (Extended Warranty). I have rarely purchased an xteneded warranty and really felt like I had been taken. Fast forward 9 months. I have had the Receiver in for repair for the 3rd time for the same malfunction. Each time filling the void with my old trusty Yamaha RXV-620. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles but at least is keeps on working.
I am VERY disappointed with this Yamaha Receiver. I can't believe Yamaha would build such a piece of garbage. The particular problem with my machine is that it shuts down after turning it on. It seems that the "overheat protection circuit" is the culprit. They fix it and it works fine for a month or 2 and then I have to bring it back in for repair.
Anyway, I don't mean to be on a rant but after spending north of 4 grand ($3800 for the receiver and $390 for the ESP) for something that spends more time in the repair shop, I think I'm entitled.

 

[zumbo]

Lemon Law= 3 times for the same problem, replace product. I would contact Yamaha, which I'm sure you have, and tell them you want a replacement. If they do not accept, let them know your next step. That would be to call consumer protection, in your local phone book, and inform them of the problem. They will take care of this. But, I bet if you let Yamaha know your plans, they will accomodate your request.

 

[WorkerBee]

Power,
You should be entitled to something...that is some serious green for something to give you such a headache. I have read some very good things about Yamaha and this suprises me, but still they or the manufacturer should make it right.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You definitely just have a lemon. I haven't heard anyone else having this problem with a Z9 and my Z1 has been flawless as our primary audio source for over two years now.

An ESP with Yamaha products is almost pointless. They come with something like a 4 or 5 year warrantee out of the box. Just take it to any authorized service center and it is fixed free of charge. Yamaha is also so concerned about good customer service that when the older RX-V1 started having a problem with some units that was a specific part failure, they responded by extending the V1 warranty from 2 years to 4 years on all RX-V1s - even the ones that were already owned by customers just in case they had a problem.

The store you are working with should be able to get in touch with Yamaha and work out an exchange for a new Z9 and you should get years of ZERO problem joy from it.

How do you like it OTHER than the lemon factor - pretend that you are not in the less than 1% minority that has a lemon product from Yamaha.

 

[JPW]

Lemon Law= 3 times for the same problem, replace product. I would contact Yamaha, which I'm sure you have, and tell them you want a replacement. If they do not accept, let them know your next step. That would be to call consumer protection, in your local phone book, and inform them of the problem. They will take care of this. But, I bet if you let Yamaha know your plans, they will accomodate your request.

Zumbo, in theory your idea sounds like a great one. However as I learned with Integra (aka Onkyo) the limited warranty that comes with any receiver isn't worth the paper it's printed on. If they don't want to honor it, they wont, and there is no goverment agency that governs warranties. I did all the things you mentioned above and more. I spent 4 months of frustration and getting pissed off dealing with the manufacture before they agreed to replace my unit. The whole ordeal just makes me sick thinking about it.

 

[zumbo]

Zumbo, in theory your idea sounds like a great one. However as I learned with Integra (aka Onkyo) the limited warranty that comes with any receiver isn't worth the paper it's printed on. If they don't want to honor it, they wont, and there is no goverment agency that governs warranties. I did all the things you mentioned above and more. I spent 4 months of frustration and getting pissed off dealing with the manufacture before they agreed to replace my unit. The whole ordeal just makes me sick thinking about it.

In some cases it has worked for me, and other times I have not been so lucky. I do agree with you on this, that is why a warranty means nothing to me. But, being that it is a Yamaha product, I believe it can be done. They have been great to me!

But my POS Toyota Tundra is a whole other story. It shakes more than Elvis did, and Toyota has been a pain in my rear!

 

[poweragent]

RX-z9

Goodfella's called yesterday and said my unit was ready. I'll pick it up and ask about the specific fix. I'll take that information and send a lette to Yamaha. I agree that Yamaha has built some nice equipment and as a matter of fact; this is my 3rd Yamaha receiver (RXV-690, RXV-620 and RX-Z9). I'll keep this forum posted.

 

[Ryo_Ohki2]

Just thought to mention that the Z9 seems to run very hot. Something to do with the Video components. I just touched one that was idling.. and man was it hot. You probably have to get a external fan for it. I was looking to get one of those Z9.. but since I have a budget I can't. After finding out about the thermal problems, I won't.. I like the features it shows in the brochure, but having to add a fan adds noise to my setup. Something I don't need.

oh yah.. thanks for the info on your failures with the Z9.. Need to hear the bad with the good.

 

[Krazykaj]

Hi,

I also have a Z9 and yes, boy does it get hot.
In one corner on the top of the unit, I bet I could fry a couple of eggs after watching LOTR:Return of the King EE, possibly some bacon too.

It does get very hot, and needs a good bit of clearance above/next to the unit (as Yamaha clearly state in their manual).
However in saying that, I have not had a cut-out yet and no heat issues I know of whatsoever, and reading elsewhere, the Z9, even though it does get hot, seems to be designed to with-stand/handle the heat.
If you are having problems with cut-outs and automatic shutdown, it probably means you have some serious overkill in equipment connected to it, or have equipment incorrectly connected, or are playing an excessive volumes, but, more likely the Z9 is faulty.
I have the following currently hooked up to the Z9:
LINN Ninka Fronts (using both A and B front connections)
LINN Katan surrounds,
Boston Acoustic Back Surrounds,
Paradigm front effects
Monitor audio Center
2 subs
And I have then played CD’s in 9 channel stereo mode for a long period of time at ‘just above comfort’ levels, also not to mention the many movies/music DVD’s I’ve listened to, and not a problem with heat, even if the Z9 gets to be nearly to hot to touch.

So yeah, if there are problems with a certain Z9 and heat, to me, I’d say the unit is faulty and should be replaced with a completely new one.

anyways, cheers
KJ

 

[Krazykaj]

Hi again

Actually, i do have a quick question regarding heat, though this may apply to any amp.

If i leave the Z9 on, but do not do anything with it, it still gets, after a few hours, extremly hot.
Why is this?

I though the heat only comes about because the amps are powering the speakers, but theoredicaly, when there is no sound being played, the Z9 isn't really doing anything?
Why does it get hot then??????????

Thanks
KJ

 

[toquemon]

Hi again

Actually, i do have a quick question regarding heat, though this may apply to any amp.

If i leave the Z9 on, but do not do anything with it, it still gets, after a few hours, extremly hot.
Why is this?

I though the heat only comes about because the amps are powering the speakers, but theoredicaly, when there is no sound being played, the Z9 isn't really doing anything?
Why does it get hot then??????????

Thanks
KJ

All the receivers or amps with toroidal transformers that i've seen get hot when not in use and very hot when used even at moderate levels. Also all of these receivers have a fan cooling it, so don't worry, it should not be a problem.

Particularly, the Z-9 uses a different arrangement of heat sinks that make heat dissipation not ideal.

 

[gene]

Page 2 of my RX-Z9 Review explains the heat issue.