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Expert ReviewYamaha RX-V863

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Yamaha RX-V863

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Date Published: 6/4/08

Offering high power, high-definition video upscaling and deinterlacing along with HDMI 1.3 repeatingand 1080p compatibility, Yamaha once again offers a complete solution with the RX-V863 that is hard to overlook.

Some notable on the RX-V863 features include HDMI Ver. 1.3a with support for the new HD audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD, SACD, and DVD-Audio in addition to the standard Dolby and dts formats. High quality Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs are utilized used in all channels, and there are assignable amplifiers for bi-amp connections and powering a second zone. High-definition video upscaling is provided and Yamaha's digital ToP-ART and high current amplification power the unit to 105 watts in 7 channels. It's amazing what a grand will get you today, and manufacturers of separate stereo components should almost be ashamed themselves for what little they have to offer compared to receivers such as the RX-V863.

We continue to enjoy the new macro-style SCENE buttons located on both the front panel and the remote which allow you to recall various settings for use in music and movie listening. The RX-V863 is also XM-ready with XM HD surround powered by Neural Surround, and an improved YPAO that supports low frequencies down to 31.5Hz with the auto setup. We especially like that last feature--progress is a good thing.

On the DSP-side, the RX-V863 comes fully equipped. Yamaha's high-performance Cinema DSP LSI with 64-bit floating point quantization that has been upgraded with 17 DSP programs, and the compressed music enhancer for better audio quality from compressed music files (MP3s). Missing though is THX certification and post-processing.

There are plenty of inputs and outputs here, so connecting that piece of gear, whatever it is, should never be a problem with this receiver. There's even a phono input of you are still the proud owner of a turntable and some vinyl. The RX-V863 has dual subwoofer outputs, something we've clamored on about for years. The multi-channel inputs are limited to 5.1 configuration, so if you're hoping to use a new Blu-ray player with the Yamaha, you'll need to use HDMI to attain 7.1 audio.

The build quality of the RX-V863 is excellent, and the front panel has a straightforward and very clean layout. Be careful lifting this one into your audio rack, as it weighs in at a stout 26.2 lbs. Auto setup and calibration could not be any easier thanks to Yamaha's YPAO system--that and the ability to override the parametric EQ settings makes this an incredible value. Sound quality on Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART receivers redefine "high-end", and this one is no exception to that rule.

Pros: Superb high-end audio quality, HD upscaling over HDMI, 1080p compatibleCons: No THX processing, multi-channel inputs limited to 5.1

Warranty2 years

Value

Performance

Ease of Use

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Overall

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Width 17-1/8 in.

Height 6-3/4 in.

Depth 5-1/2 in.

Weight 26.2 lbs.

Nbr. of AM/FM presets 40

Remote control yes

Watts per channel 105 watts

Dolby Digital sound yes

DVI/HDMI interface HDMI - 3 In, 1 Out

Nbr. of channels 7

DTS sound yes

Product Specs