The "Official" Yamaha RX-V659 / HTR-5960 Thread!

Well now, there's so much talk of these receivers, that it would be a crying shame if the 659 and 5960 didn't have its own official thread.

For those curious about these receivers, check out the through, and professional Review conducted by Audioholics.

I have the 5960 and I'm loving it! I'm hoping owners/future-owners of these receivers can share settings, impressions and just have a plain good time knowing the awesome value Yamaha provided.

More information direct from Yamaha on RX-V659 and HTR-5960

I don't have a tape measure (using a 6inch ruler) but Yamaha's measurements seem pretty accurate.

Mine doesn't run all that hot. But then again, I keep mine at -18, so I'm not pushing it to reference levels. Even still it's pretty loud.

At 2.75inch clearance, you're certainly limiting air. I'd find a way to attach a fan or put it on top of the cabinet.

From what I read so far, reliability on these have been excellent! So I really wouldn't worry too much.

Haha! It the 1015TX of 2006. Heck, it can get a LOT louder than a 1015 and still remain clear.

I just picked up the new black 8gb Nano (This thing is so cool!) and have it hooked up to my receiver via the dock. The "enhancer" is really sweet! It sounds almost like a CD.

While I haven't experimented with Zone 2, I'm pretty sure the "Presence" inputs are for Zone 2.

5960 uses Burr Brown DACs.

I got my 5960 for $550can total, per a Best Buy employee who happens to be a good friend. I also play poker with a guy from 2001 Audio Video (Canadian retailer) who told me their cost for the 659. It's actually $10 less than the 5960 at BestBuy. Although he couldn't give me the 659 at that price, and I exchanged my 1016 for the 5960 at BB anyways.

Having said that, the only difference seem to the 12v trigger, IR and zone 2 (I think the 5960 has zone 2 as well). Other than that, it's all cosmetics, and I much prefer the less cluttered, and curved front face of the 5960 over the 659. I think Yamaha didn't want to confuse the customer of Big box stores with things they'll never use.

I think if you were to buy one new, get the 659 since it does have extra goodies. I'll never use Zone 2, no need for IR or 12v, so the 659 offers nothing more to me than what the 5960 can't do. Plus, I like the looks of the 5960 better. And in most cases, you'll find 5960s on sale at Best buy than you will at audio shops for the 659. So if you're like me and don't need the other stuff, save some money and get the 5960 if you can find it on sale.

I think I read somewhere in the v1600 thread that the 659/5960 is essentially identical to the v1600 audio-wise. What makes the 1600 more expensive are the metal face with door, and mainly the HDMI switching. It also has a larger heatsink on the side of the volume knob which gives it more heft. I know the 5960 is more powerful in a 7.1 setup (I have it) than the Pioneer 1016 - which is rated at 110w/c. But it's very possible that the 1600 will sound better. It should since it's more expensive.