Yamaha RX-V667 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (OLD VERSION) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

This is a much researched replacement receiver for an Onkyo HT-S7100 7.1 system. The Onkyo receiver HDMI input ports, one by one, began to cease passing signal until only one port worked. So disappointed with the Onkyo (it was a Christmas gift from my wife in 2008). From various a/v forums I found out that this was a more than common problem with too many of this model. Opted to replace instead of fix.After much on-line reviews and feedback from customers Yamaha RX-V667 was a no-brainer. I've had it set up now for a week and it's been pure joy. Running DISH HD VIP612 receiver, SONY BluRay player w/wireless Netflix, Philips HDD/DVD burner/player with upconversion, PS3, and XBOX 360, all with HDMIs in and one HDMI out to a 50' Samsung Plasma. Everything works flawlessly. Picture is sharp on all Amazon High Speed HDMI cables with ethernet (1.4). Don't have 3D but this receiver is ready for that.The sound calibration system is dead on. Pegged all my speakers, distanced them correctly and set them up incredibly. Sounds better than what I had. Picture looks crisper also. Running speakers: center, front right & left, presence right & left, surround right & left, back surround right & left, and subwoofer; 667 handles all well (back surrounds do not work with all audio programs. Same with presence speakers but the 667 identifies when they can be utilized and kicks them in automatically).This receiver has enough "bells and whistles" to satisfy the a/v pros yet is set to accomodate the novice with little to no adjustments. I've only begun to explore all the different inside adjustment options and continue to find new things to "play with". Don't count on the manual to be much help. First of all ther is no printed manual, it comes on a enclosed CD. You can print it out (I did because I like to have it handy for referencing but it's not a well written manual). Some have complained about the remote, I don't have a problem with it. In "stand by" (needs to be activated) receiver passes audio and video directly to TV and its speakers, which is great if you don't want to run surround sound, say, when your wife is sleeping in on Saturday morning.Love the on TV screen setup guide for all adjustments; easy to use, keeps what you're watching in the background.So far I'm really pleased with this receiver. It isn't top of the line but it's not bottom either, it's mid-line. But honestly I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this receiver. It truly is awesome. One other thing, it can be purchased at a lower price than what Amazon charges but I opted to stay with the assurance of an on-line dealer (Amazon) that I've done business with for years now and have never been disappointed. They really do take care of their customers. I'm sure I'll add to this review after I've had the receiver longer.

So far I am loving this reciever. It sounds great, clear at even the highest of volumes. I have 4 full sized floor speakers attached to it, a center, and a (self-powered) sub. and it will push them to the max. I primarily bought this unit because of its 2-zone support. It gives me the ability to power the speakers around my pool and the speakers in my house all with one unit. Initial setup isn't hard, but isn't all that easy either. Once you get familiar with the menu's and things it's easy...and after setup I don't know why you would want to adjust it all that much anyway. Unlike the newer model, this does not come with internet support for streaming Netflix, etc. however, my BluRay player has that, so I couldn't justify the extra $. Also, I wouldn't buy the Yamaha adapter for Bluetooth, I bought the  Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices (980-000540)  it works great for your money.Another thing I liked was the HDMI "Pass-Through" feature (this was turned off by default). Seem to work great, the only problem I have been having is my ATT Uverse box seems to restart itself every time I am watching another HDMI Component (like the Blu-Ray) however after looking around the internet it seems to be a common issue with their boxes, so I don't think it is the receiver.They seem to be phasing these out for the newer models, but if this one will serve your needs save the $ and buy it!

Got this unit to replace a sony ES2400 that the HDMI board went out on..(initially I tried the new Onkyo TX-NR609..that unit had problems..you can see my review on this site for that item)The RX-V667 is a great unit.My home set up for this review: Toshiba 55SV670U LED TV fed by Directv H20 HD receiver and Sony PS3 into Energy Take Classic 5.1 Surround...all via HDMI connection. (I won't review the zone 2 or HDradio/internet/Ipod connect functions as I currently do not use that stuff)Setup: Easy..if you have any familiarity with Home Theater gear in general..hooking up the wires is pretty straightforward..you can let the YPAO do it's thing or set up manually..YPAO detected speaker config/size/distance correctly..Sounded good..I tweaked the crossover on sub and bumped up volume a couple db to my taste on the surrounds..The on screen GUI is very easy to use and will insure you are able to dial up whatever you may need.Sound Quality: Overall very good..I'd say superior to the Sony ES and Onkyo I went through before this unit. Seems to have a bit more "detail" in the sound field...little things in movies or PS3 games like room ambience..echoes...voice quality seem to have more presence in the sound than the other recievers I've used..The sound quality of this unit really shines but you don't really "hear" it until you kick the volume up a bit...low/normal volume sound is okay but not spectacular...at a bit higher volume (you don't have to rail it just bring it up to about +4-5db) the sound really opens up and becomes more defined..power is not an issue for this unit...still clean and well defined even at upper volume settings...really works the sub well...nice defined low end without being overbearing...This unit's sound seems to be a bit more refined and nuanced than the Sony ES which had a more "in your face" sound...it also seems to have a bit more "girth" in the sound than the Onkyo had. I can say the Audessey sound settings on other units were a bit more varied than the Yamaha's...with that said, the RXV667's sound presets are more than adequate..you may scroll thru them easily with the remote and dial up what sounds bests for your particular movie/game. Just letting it go "straight decode" isn't a bad choice either...Video Quality: Excellent..with one complaint...It does seem to clean up and refine the picture...BUT..***this unit DOES NOT upconvert anything 720P or above coming in*** as the description leads you to believe. Page 115 in the manual tells you this and you would find that out anyway in setting it up. It only upconverts to 1080P any video signal >below< 720P coming in via hdmi..but it does upconvert anything coming in from the analog inputs....**it only upconverts 576 or below resolutions**..720P/1080i/1080P resolutions are just "passed through". I know this from working with it..and I confirmed it with Yamaha tech support. If you want an upconverted 1080P signal from this unit output to your TV you'll have to scale down your HD signal from cable/directv box to output 480P or 480i. That seems pointless to me, but when I did try that it still put out a great picture. I see no degrading of the video signal either way. My main reason for buying a new A/V receiver (other than the previous unit's malfunction) was for the upconversion processing..Other brand units (and Yamaha Aventage 2000 series and above) upscale everything coming in regardless of connection/resolution and output 1080P. I've read that the new chips for this (Anchor Bay/Qedo etc..) do a great job of processing video and enhancing the picture to your HDTV. This unit does put out/pass through a good signal so do not discount that..it just doesn't do what I thought it would based on the product description. I am not returning it as I can't complain about the picture (doesn't make it any worse) I see on my TV and the sound quality is top notch.My summary...Easy set up..Sound quality is excellent...remote is functional...good clean power..does not degrade video signal...overall a very good unit in the mid range A/V receiver price point.