Yamaha RX-V4600 Receiver Review Thread

[gene]

<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaRXV4600ReceiverFirstLook.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 96px" alt=[yam] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/yam_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>In preparation for our comprehensive review of the new Yamaha RX-V4600 A/V receiver, we thought we would give you a sneak peek at it up close and compared to the RX-V2500.&nbsp; Also check out the press release of the RX-V4600.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Based on its added feature set, improved analog preamp and power supply over the RX-V2500, this appears to be one very impressive receiver and incredible bargain as a dedicated pre/pro rivaling most costlier separates processor solutions.&nbsp;</SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">[Yamaha RX-V4600 First Look Article]</SPAN></P>

 

[MacManNM]

I hate when people write GUI interface. Isn't that not redundant?

Looks like that thing is going to be pretty nice.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

OK, now I'm really impressed with the 2500. There's barely any difference. I can't believe the back panel, as well as the guts. Sure, the power supply is larger, but is it worth the difference in price.

Denon's website now has their new 4806 model that seems to compete with nothing. It's priced itself out of any competition. I'm sure they'll sell at least 20 though. Maybe that sweet remote will help sell more units.

Denon AVR4806 MSRP $3500 140x7
Yamaha RX-V 4600 MSRP $1899 130x7

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/AVR4806_E3.pdf

 

[gene]

First off the RX-V4600 has HDMI and I.Link. There are licensing fees to pay for that and thus the price of the product has to go up based on that, as well as associated component cost adders.

The Denon AVR-4806 has a more robust amp section regardless of its published ratings as well as biamp capability, more I/O's, Audyssey, THX Ultra2 and more video goodies. Granted it is quite a rate hike up, but still considerably cheaper than many so called high end processors.

 

[BARK]

Hurrywith full review!!!!!

Just spotted a reciever on E-bay that looks to be a great deal from a authorize dealer (calling company to check on authorized statment) only 4-days before bidding ends will your full review be out by then? hdmi/ilink sound tempting!

 

[gene]

will your full review be out by then?

Haha you have to be kidding? I just got this sample last night. The review likely wont be out until towards the end of July.

 

[Cygnus]

Haha you have to be kidding? I just got this sample last night. The review likely wont be out until towards the end of July.

Yeah, thats how we can tell how thurough you ar in your reviews!, By how long it takes you to review them! Looks like a nice receiver though...I'm kind of regreting buying this Denon because Yammie's have alot of info on their display (which i like) where as Denon is much more simpler... oh well..its too late now i guess..

 

[Geoh]

First off the RX-V4600 has HDMI and I.Link. There are licensing fees to pay for that and thus the price of the product has to go up based on that, as well as associated component cost adders.

The Denon AVR-4806 has a more robust amp section regardless of its published ratings as well as biamp capability, more I/O's, Audyssey, THX Ultra2 and more video goodies. Granted it is quite a rate hike up, but still considerably cheaper than many so called high end processors.

Well said, IMHO the 4806 maybe the the best (well second best to the 5805) processor out there...... right now, that is. I'm sure we'll see some equally impressive units out soon (the Samsung AV-R3000 comes to mind).
And for much less dough than a lesser equipped "high end" separate processor.

geoh

 

[troytn]

Hey Gene you mentioned it has an upgraded version of YPAO. I assume this is a newer version then the Z9 you reviewed? Is it possible Yamaha will offer a software upgrade to existing Z9 owners for the latest YPAO version? Or has anyone seen Yamaha automatically add the latest version to newly made models of the Z9 etc? It may be awhile before Yamaha releases a replacement for the Z9. I wonder how much improvement they have added to the YPAO system. I guess we have to wait for the full review of the 4600.

Is it even possible to do an upgrade of the YPAO to existing units? I bet it would have to be a hardware upgrade and not software and we would need to send in the units.

Anyone?

 

[avliner]

Hi Gene,

quite impressed with the 4600!
According to the first look data, it seems not to have HDCD decoders, right?

Avliner

 

[BobbyT]

I just ordered one. I want to be one of the first kids on my block to get one. Does the 4600 have a 12v trigger on it?

 

[Perfection]

Thx

Would it be possible to review some of the THX modes the reciever features in the full review? I know it is extra hassle because you need to use certain speakers, with a specific setup, etc. The reason I ask this is because everybody on audio forums I have spoken to has downplayed THX as being mostly marketing, and while that very likely true, I have never seen any objective evaluation about the pros and cons of a THX setup.

 

[T2T]

I just ordered one. I want to be one of the first kids on my block to get one. Does the 4600 have a 12v trigger on it?

What? Do you normally buy things sight-unseen? Oh, yes, it has two 12V triggers - just like the RX-V2500.

Rear Panel of RX-V4600

Edit: Hopefully, you didn't order it from American Theater Systems, which advertises on Audiogon. They're kind of a shady group.

 

[newfmp3]

I hope someone test this thing with a 4 ohm load. I'm wondering if it'll power my m80's.

 

[BobbyT]

What? Do you normally buy things sight-unseen? Oh, yes, it has two 12V triggers - just like the RX-V2500.

Rear Panel of RX-V4600

Edit: Hopefully, you didn't order it from American Theater Systems, which advertises on Audiogon. They're kind of a shady group.

I don't normally buy unseen. But I like Yamaha products enough that I just had my dealer order one. It has dual i link and Yamaha quality and processing. That was enough for me. 12v wasn't a deal breaker I was just curious. Man I can't wait to hear SACD through i link processed by this beasty. I looked at the pics but right now I'm running the computer through the TV so it was a little hard to make out the small details.

I ordered it from my local dealer. Thanks for the reply and the heads up.

 

[groov']

Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi

Here comes the direct Pioneer-adversary of the RXV4600...

It's called the VSX-AX4AVi and has about the same specs....

http://www.avland.co.uk/pioneer/vsxax4/vsxax4.htm

 

[Spiffyfast]

Looks amazing, mabe I should hold off a little while on buying the Marantz 8400 or 8500 and check this beast out. The HDMI switching is what I'm interested in.

 

[Azz123]

Just checked the Yamaha Australia site - The 4600 is not listed yet....

Ive the opportunity to upgrade from my 1500 in the next 6 weeks and will take the 4600 over the 2500 if I can get it.....

Wonder how long till this baby will be available her in Oz....

<sigh>

Joys of living in the "land down under"....

A

 

[Catdaddy]

Gene, quick question on the RX-V4600

Gene,


I have been reading about the Denon 4806 quite a bit more lately, as I get closer to my receiver purchase. The Denon has a couple of things that I really like over the Yamaha: 3 HDMI and 1 DVI, for a total of four digital video ins, and full upconversion, composite, S-video, component and HDMI/DVI to HDMI.

Both of those mean a lot to me, as it would mean i probably would not need to piggy back 1 or 2 DVI switchers and could run it all on my long 50' DVI cable to my projector for future use(even though I already have a long 50 foot monster 3 component cable in there for my component ins to it.)

The quick question on the RX-V4600 is "Does it upconvert all/any video to HDMI output?"

Im gonna have to consider those video features on the 4806 versus the additional home theater audio benefits of the Yamaha.

Here is a PDF on the Yamaha RX-V4600 ive been drooling over for a while, guys. http://www.yamaha.ca/av/Receivers/Brochures/RXV4600.jsp

 

[YVID]

I'd also like to find out if the RX-V4600 can upconvert all/any video to HDMI output.

The Yamaha US site now has info on this receiver:
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV4600.htm

However, on the features tab it indicates:
HDMI Interface for High Quality Audio and Video
Component Video Up Conversion

So, this seems to indicate *only* component video upconvert.

Anyone care to confirm? Gene?