Yamaha RX-V661 AV-receiver
In terms of functionality, the RX-V661 receiver is in many ways similar to the Sony STR-DG910. It contains all types of interfaces, incl. HDMI switching with support for 1080p and Multi PCM signals, YPAO auto-calibration system with seven-band parametric equalizer. It is possible to connect players of the iPod family using an optional docking station and has its own algorithm for "compensating" the sound of compressed audio files Compressed Music Enhancer. The ability to connect front acoustics according to the bi-amping scheme will be very useful (in this case, two Surround Back amplification channels are additionally involved). Such a solution in practice significantly improves the sound quality, unless, of course, the front speakers have two pairs of input terminals. Pleased with the presence of a video converter that can increase the resolution of the picture from the component, S-Video and composite interfaces. The Scene function also seemed interesting - four options for macro commands that allow you to select pre-programmed settings with one press of the corresponding button. A very handy and useful item.
Already familiar to us, the trained Yamaha remote control with a liquid crystal screen is able to control equipment from various manufacturers and supports macros.
In terms of playback quality from analog inputs, this receiver is a clear leader in the group test (Cambridge Audio Azur 540R v.3, Denon AVR-1508, Marantz SR4001, Pioneer VSX-917V, Sony STR-DG910). The sound in this case is very collected, clear, with excellent control over the entire reproducible range. The lower bass is perceived as slightly compressed, but the rest of it is very informative and clean. There are minor flaws in the transmission of the upper range. At high subjective resolution, this part of the audio spectrum exhibits some rigidity with a slight touch of "sand". The playback dynamics of this receiver is simply excellent, and in this indicator, the RX-V661 is one of the best in the test. The timbres are clean and quite reliable, only the middle is a little colder than we wanted, but at the same time it is presented extremely cleanly and does not show obvious signs of non-linearity. The Straight circuit (analogous to the traditional Direct) works very effectively, significantly affecting the transparency of the sound picture. The detail in a short path is also noticeably increased, so this mode is highly recommended for listening to high-quality recorded music.
Switching to a digital input almost does not change the nature of playback. In this case, an audible change can be considered an increase in detail throughout the entire range and an expansion of the sound stage. The payment for all of the above is a subtle loss of the naturalness of the vocal parts and the sincerity of the sound in general. In this case, the images acquire greater physicality and are better localized in space, while taking on the right scale.
