Goes beyond the capabilities of previous high-end Yamaha models with High-definition CINEMA DSP
Goes beyond the capabilities of previous high-end Yamaha models with High-definition CINEMA DSP technology, the ability to automatically optimize sound for the listening room, superior audio and video quality, and the operating ease that Yamaha is famous for.
Power output: 9.1 channel, 170 W x 4, 50 W x 2
Frequency response: 10-100,000 Hz +0, -3 dB
Compatibility with the latest movie sound formats including dolby digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II,DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24
Summary: It’s pretty good. The best I have owned. Maybe the best thing out there before breaking the receiver functions into components.
Yes, it generates a good amount of heat, but that is to be expected for this amount of amplification. The design has fans in the top and great airflow right though the center of the unit. The heat you may be feeling is good because it is being removed from the unit. However, it is really important that you also remove the heat from the cabinet! My unit is at the top of my cabinet with about 4" of clearance and two silent 120mm fans blowing out the top. The shelf below it allows air to pass as well. There is a steady flow of warm air coming out the top. Not hot by any means.
There is some noise in the video that I have not been able to isolate, so I can’t be sure it is in the receiver. I only suspect it. It’s barely noticeable and only at about four feet from the screen.
The Faroudja processor doesn’t seem to work as well as some high end systems I have seen. With the same input source (Hughes HD TiVo), my system shows some artifacts on 480 images, whereas I regularly watch TV on a system with a dedicated Faroudja component that displays the image on a 12’ screen and it looks great.
My main deciding factor was the number of component video inputs coupled with digital audio. Also, I was attempting to simplify remote control operation to avoid buying a Crestron or something similar. It didn’t work and I ended up using the Harmony, which isn’t everything, but works pretty well, especially considering the ease of programming.
The audio amplification is pretty good and the auto-configuration tool that uses a microphone to set the levels of the speakers works pretty well. It is pretty well balanced without any manual fine tuning.
Strengths: Ease of use
Decent power
Good sound
Very ample inputs/outputs
Supports many formats
Dissapates heat well
Weaknesses: Heavy
Remote is bulky
Lip sync (audio/video) delay tedious to operate frequently
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Summary: I have been purchasing and listening to high end audio equipment for over 25 years. One thing that immediately stands out about the Yamaha RX-Z9 is the heat it generates. After about 3 hours run time, even at low listening levels the top gets so hot it would burn your hand. This is not necessarily a bad thing, even though electronics enthusiasts will all tell you that heat is the biggest enemy of all electronics. I have my unit on top of my stereo cabinet with nothing around, or on top of it. This is the price one must pay for heavily biased class A amplification.....for all the channels too.
Other reviews have noted the massive power the Z9 seems to have, and it is true it does. Considering it has bench tested continuous RMS outputs of 145w into 7 channels should give you an idea of the capability of the pwr supply. I myself only do serious 2 channel listening so indeed it does seem that this pwr supply can provide bottomless non-clipped power for my uses.
The features are numerous and impressive but my review will focus mainly on 2 channel sound. I had the RX-V3000 and loved it, the Z9 had a tough act to follow. The first thing are the Burr-Brown PCM1792 DAC chips, currently the top of the line. On well mastered CDs the low level linearity is stunning. For high sound levels the combination of the DACs and high output pwr contribute to outstanding and flawless sound. These are the main 2 differences between the Z9 and the 3000.....DACs and pwr supply.
For times when I watch movies I have listened to the best that Pioneer and Denon and Sony have to offer. I am talking about their top line units. There is no comparison. Yamaha leads the industry is DSP surround sound processing and has for many years. The Z9 is also THX Ultra 2 certified, which is recognition by the Lucas company of the seriousness of the quality of the receiver. With the right speakers Capt. Picard really does fly through your living room.
This is not an inexpensive unit. I would suspect that most people would be quite happy with the RX-V2600. I have listened to that for a week in my living room and thought that was great too. However the Z9 starts to really overtake it once you start turning up the volume. It is like driving down a city street at 50mph, with either a regular car or a Ferrari. There is no difference....really....until THAT moment when you are either showing off or testing to see what the unit will do. The Z9 does an awful lot!
Strengths: - Seemingly bottomless power.
- Burr-Brown PCM1792 DACs as opposed to the cheaper PCM1790 chips in most receivers advertising Burr-Brown chips in their units. The 1792 chips cost more than 4 times the 1790 chips.
- Industry leading surround sound functionality and sound quality. If you are a tweaker than this receiver is for you
- The remote control. I actually like it....comfortable and enough buttons to do everything I need it to do. Receiver actually comes with 2 remotes
- Even though this receiver is the 'swiss-army knife' or stereo components, everything it does it does very very well. Sets a new standard for all-in-one-box units. The bar has been raised
- Unit has impressive build quality...no cheap parts used here. Try lifting it, that is your first clue
- Audio/video switching functionality....love it
- Stereo sub outputs....not normally considered a big deal but I have 2 subs and it does make a difference
- More than ample connections on the back of the unit. If you own it, you can connect it!
- Owner's manual is not that bad, they did a decent job of dummifying a complex unit down to understandable instructions
Weaknesses: - Runs hot, very hot. After speaking with some electrical engineers they seem to all agree that while heat is a bad thing for electronics, the quality of parts used in the Z9 are not bothered by heat. Place the Z9 somewhere with good ventilation.
- Expensive. However, you do get what you pay for.
- Heavy. 66lbs. I like getting more 'stuff' for my money though
- FM radio sounds great, but S/N ratio is same as basic tuners. Who listens to FM anymore anyways right? Besides I have a TX-950 hooked up to my Z9.
- Unit confuses my wife, she does not touch it (actually a strength I suppose *wink*)
Similar Products Used: Top end Pioneer, Sony, Denon HT units from the last 3 years
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Summary: Just got Z9 less than a month. Did some extended comparison with my RX-V1400 on 'Direct Stereo' mode to Dynaudio Contour Special 25 speakers. Just want to test out the audio performance since that's my No.1 concern. By using 'Direct Stereo' mode I can eliminate all the other 'non-relevant' factors. Z9's mid-range perfomance is way better (of course this is expected given the price difference). The female vocal sound much more grain-free and clearer. 1400 has an slight nosal hint and less solid center imaging. The sound stage of Z9 is deeper (behind the speakers) while 1400 more pop-up to the front. Different peopler have different perferrence here.
Bass is, again of course, much much much firmer and tonally correct given the much powerful amp and power supply of Z9. Trebel difference is minimal, although Z9 sounds a little more 'free' feel.
Just tested Eagle's DTS DVD 'Hell Freezes Over' for Multi-channel performance and it works just fine. Couldn't tell too much of difference from 1400 though.
Strengths: Audio performance. The high quality construction of the Amplication and BurrBrown DAC chips on ALL channels!!!! It clearly states that no cost is spared to make this flagship performance.
More features/funcations than I will ever need
Weaknesses: runs hot, but this is the necessary evil with high quality analog Amplifications.
Similar Products Used: Yamaha RX-V496, RX-V1400, Bryston 4B-ST
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Summary: A montrously good piece of kit. I'm using the Z9 as a multichannel processor front end with my audio research SP6e preamp running through the external processor loop. I have one pair of front channel speakers being driven by the Z9, with another being driven through my Audio Research Classic 120 tube monoblocs, which are attached to the external preamp. The functionality of the Z9 processor is staggering. More importantly the attention to detail and quality is very impressive. The menu system and programmability of the Z9 has to be experienced. It is so intuitive and easy to use. Calibrating/equalizing your speakers using the automatic YPAO system is a breeze and really fun too. As a home theatre processor/receiver, I found the Yamaha Z9 to be head and shoulders above the other flagship competitors, and that includes Lexicon, which indicates the power and capability of this product. Video functionality is superb - state of the art. But most importantly, the audio capability of this processor is to a very high standard - in my opinion higher than any other receiver out there, including the new Denon 5805. One other note. For those of you who may be unaware, or have not experienced the power of good DSP technology, what the Yamaha can do for music software is impressive. For instance a native 44.1 sample rate signal can be converted and output as a 96/24 signal using one of the DSP modes. The results are amazing. This receiver is the state of the art, and best value for money.
Strengths: Exceptional all round performance, the best receiver out there for now. Build quality is superior. Safety functions work well. Sophistication, functionality, without sacrificing ease of use. Warranty is stellar.
Weaknesses: Tends to run hot - the power supply is a massive beast.
Similar Products Used: Extensive testing of flagships from Denon, Pioneer, Lexicon, Rotel, Parasound Halo. The Z9 was clear winner in terms of performance, funtionality and value.
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Summary: This is the best product that I have ever bought! I had demo in my home Pioneer 59txi, Marantz 9300, Denon 5803, B&K 507, and Arcam 300. The Yamaha was more clear, clean, better highs, and most inportant the most powerful by far then the others. You can crank the volume up as loud as you want and it will never clip or break down. I went from high end separates to this Yamaha and I have not missed a beat and maybe for movies got even better. GIve it a demo and I will be reaching for your check book.
SO the receiver replaced my California audio lab processor and Proceed amps. What else can I say but thanks Yamaha!
Strengths: Power Power Power! On sreen it so nice. The sound this can produce it just a real treat.
Weaknesses: NONE!
Similar Products Used: California Audio Labs ssp-255, Proceed avp, Meridian proceed amps.
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4.83 of 5
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