The Yamaha RX-V663 thread. HDMI 1.3 upconversion, TrueHD, DTS MA decoding. - Page 8

What is it exactly that makes us confident that the 663 can display the OSD over HDMI?

I read the 663 manual. I didn't find any limitations mentioned for OSD, except unusual circumstances like direct mode. Even an IPOD can be managed through your display via the remote.

Just download the manual from Yamaha, and PDF search for "OSD". Let me know if I missed something major.

I see on Page 44 of the manual it shows the OSD with the input as DVD and a.select as HDMI. It also explicitly states that the OSD is not visible on the DVR and VCR Video output jacks. It does not list any other limitations so I can only assume that it will output the OSD over HDMI.

I had pulled the trigger on the V3800 a couple of weeks ago and cancelled the order. I was still considering it along with the V1800. I just felt that the V3800 was loaded with features I wouldn't even use. It's nice to have the full featured multi-zone, USB, and Network capabilities, but to me they would nothing more than novelties.

Now, the 663 + an LPA-1 package fall right in between the 1800 and 3800 price wise. I also love the fact that the 663 is Sirius ready. Bluetooth capabilities can be useful, but not absolutely necessary. I will not need to do any upscalling/upconverting/etc. I can do without the extra HDMI's and if needed to I can get a switcher.

Can I expect comparable or better sound from a 663 + LPA-1 when compared to the 1800/3800? Wouldn't this be subjective anyways?

Amps seem to hold their value better than AV Receivers. I can always keep my amp for future use with an upgraded AVR and move an old 663 to another room.

Is there any reason why I should still consider the 1800 or 3800?

Thanks in advance for the feedback

Just wanted to chime in that I also have the V663 on pre-order and was wondering if this should be a good receiver to drive speakers from Orb Audio, also on order (People's Choice setup - Mod1 and Mod2 with 8" sub). Any thoughts?

Short answer NO! I can’t believe that Yamaha would even continue to sell the 1800 and 3800 once the 663 comes out. $400 will get you one heck of a used multi channel amp these days. The cheapest I saw the 1800 for was $800 on ebay. No way that would compare to a $400 Rotel or Emotiva amp.

The 3800 is even worse. It is over $1000 street price and its amp section really doesn’t look that much better than the 1800 one!

There are several great used amps on Audiogon and Ebay right now.

What about DACs or something, is that a factor also in the V663 vs V1800?

Maybe this is why the V1800 is so cheap at 6ave right now?

The V663 advertises that it has Burr and Brown DACs on every channel. Is there anything better than that?

Here is some interesting reading on the new Yamaha night modes(DRC and Adaptive DRC). Apparently, these can be applied to everything except for the multi-channel inputs and the Pure Direct mode. Most receivers limit their night mode to Dolby Digital sources only.

Adaptive dynamic range control
ADAPTIVE DRC
Use this feature to adjust the dynamic range in
conjunction with the volume level. This feature is useful
when you are listening at lower volumes or at night. When
“ADAPTIVE DRC” is set to “AUTO”, this unit controls
the dynamic range as follows:
– If the VOLUME setting is low:
the dynamic range is narrow
– If the VOLUME setting is high:
the dynamic range is wide
y
• You can also adjust the dynamic range of the bitstream signal
sources by using “DYNAMIC RANGE” in “SOUND MENU”
(see page 91).
• This function is also useful for listening with your headphones.
The adaptive dynamic range control feature does not function
when this unit is in the Pure Direct mode (see page 52).

■ Dynamic range C)DYNAMIC RANGE
Use this feature to select the amount of dynamic range
compression to be applied to your speakers or
headphones. This setting is effective only when this unit is
decoding bitstream signals.
Speakers SPEAKER
Adjusts the dynamic range compression for the speakers.
Headphones HEADPHONE
Adjusts the dynamic range compression for the
headphones.
.
Choice Functions
MIN/AUTO • MIN: Adjusts the dynamic range to narrow
when this unit is decoding bitstream signals
(except Dolby TrueHD).
• AUTO: Adjusts the dynamic range according
to the instruction of the input source signals
when this unit is decoding Dolby TrueHD
signals.
STD Adjusts the dynamic range to medium. When
this unit is decoding Dolby TrueHD signals, the
dynamic range control is always active
regardless of the instruction of the input source
signals.
MAX Preserves the greatest amount of dynamic range.

Thanks for reminding me, the night modes are awesome for me. My system will be directly below the master bedroom. My wife goes to bed a full 2 hours before me.

Whereas in the 661 manual it specifically states it can't display the OSD over HDMI. So, yeah, I'm thinking OSD over HDMI is a safe bet.

I wouldn't be all that surprised if even the same model Burr-Brown DACS was used all along the line. Probably cheaper to buy one huge lot than to spec different parts for different models.
It was my understanding that the 661 used the same ones as the 2700, fwiw.

As long as it's not becoming a brand name like the cheap Brembo brakes you find in a Nissan.

I just checked the new Yamaha RX-V653 manual and it states that the OSD does not display over HDMI on page 16. This is a good indication that the RX-V663 does display the OSD over HDMI because it does not have any disclaimers like this at all.

Why in the world would you buy the RX-V653 then? It has the tiniest Volume readout on the front panel and it won’t display the OSD over HDMI. I am still kind of surprised that they didn’t just bring out the RX-V663 and the RX-V363 and just kill off the rest of the line.

It is really starting to look like the RX-V663 is the end all be all receiver. The RX-V363 looks like it is a receiver for those people who refuse to buy online(They always pay MSRP) and also refuse to pay more than $250 for a receiver.

Does it seem like the ones that do HDMI "upconversion" also display OSD over HDMI? I didn't check all the manuals...

Did you mean to say 363 in the first sentence?

Okay,

I'm not av savvy enough to list out everyithing..

Will Yamaha RX-V663 take care of everything that PS3 throws out?

You know what I mean...

The most important connection is the HDMI connection as it relates to interoperability with the PS3. I will be running a cable box and a Sony PS3 into the Yamaha RX-V663 via HDMI and then I will have the Yamaha's output going to my just ordered Sharp LC-52SE94U via HDMI.

So that should be the beauty of it all. Three HDMI cables will minimize clutter while providing the best video/audio experience. All three devices will be using the latest HDMI 1.3

From reading the owner's manual, the simple answer to your question is yes. but more so is the ps3 decodes the hd formats by itself. you just have to set output to pcm from the ps3 to the recvr.
Bitstream only outputs DD, dts(i think), and maybe one of the hd audio formats to 2 channels.

I have been looking at the 1800, and possibly the 3800, but the 863 looks like it might be a much better deal. I just went to the Yamaha site and did a comparison, and you definately get more bang for your buck with the 863. One thing I did notice is the 663/863 have HDMI 1.3, but the 1800/3800 have 1.3a which is the latest (actually, I think 1.3b is starting to show up). So what will I miss with 1.3 that I would get with 1.3a?

Edit; one other thing. The 863 and 663 are a lot lighter (26lbs) compared to the 1800/3800 (crap, forgot, but I think it was 38lbs). Are we talking better sound with the 1800/3800 due to bigger better tuners?

This is just my personal opinion but I just don’t understand paying a premium for a few extra watts in a receiver. You can’t hear 10 watts right? The 863, 1800, and 3800 just look too expensive for what you get.

I don’t think the DSP sound modes that the 1800 adds are any better. Personally if it has Dolby Pro Logic II then I am good.

Why would you pay an extra $300-$450 for the 863 and 10 extra watts when you can get a true 100 watts x 5 channels with a Rotel amp?

Some of that weight difference is from the amp's that are used in the 1800/3800 as opposed to in the 663 and 863. Due to the higher wattage.

Well, the 863 has a few other extras, in particular the extra HDMI port, which I definately need.

Thats what I thought, but what about sound quality. I know the 3800 sounds considerably better than my 661, IMO, so I am also wondering if the sound quality will be superior over the 663/863?

What are the major differences between this and the 661. There are few 661's on ebay in my price range. One is brand new and I am considering that or a reburbed Onkyo TX SR605 for the same. Which would be a better choice? I like new but quality and sound are important to me, like us all.

Earlier this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post13198270


According to the manuals, they're 1.3a.


What speakers, and how well is the room treated acoustically? Those two will make far more impact than any slight difference among AVRs.

What is wrong with getting a 4 port switch and spend the extra $300+ on an amp?

If your decision is between a refurb Onkyo 605 and a new Yamaha 661,the 661 is the way to go.

The more important question is how much more is the 663? If it is less than $70 more then it is a no brainer.