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Yamaha RX-Z9 A/V Receiver Review

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by Gene DellaSala — last modified July 03, 2004 20:00
Yamaha RX-Z9 A/V Receiver Review

Summary

  • Product Name: RX-Z9 A/V Receiver Review
  • Manufacturer: Yamaha
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: July 03, 2004
  • MSRP: $4499
Specifications

Power: 170W x 7 + 50W x 2 (8-ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, FTC)
THD (Rated Power): 0.015%
DSP: DD /DTS/DTS 96/24; DTS Neo, PLII/PLIIx; 51 surround sound programs (71 variations) with SILENT CINEMA and Night Listening Mode; THX Ultra 2 processing
Video Processing: Digital Component video up conversion; Progressive Scan Output, Noise Shaped Video, DCDi, TrueLife Enhancer
DACs: 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter for all channels
Audio Inputs: 7.1 RCA multi-channel, L/R Pure Direct RCA, 11 pairs analogue RCA, 8 optical S/PDIF (including 1 front), 5 coax S/PDIF (including 1 AC-3 & 1 Zone 2)
Digital Audio Outputs: 3 optical S/PDIF

Video Inputs: 6 component video inputs, 7 composite RCA, 5 s-video
Video Outputs: 2 component RCA, 3 composite RCA (including Zone 2 & monitor), 3 s-video (including Zone 2 & monitor)
Misc Inputs/Outputs : 2 i.LiNK digital audio interface, 2 12V triggers, remote connections, RS-232C
Misc Features: YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer); On-Screen Display with GUI (Graphic User Interface)
Frequency Response: 10-100,000 Hz +0/-3 dB
SNR: 100dB
Dimensions: 17-1/8" x 8-5/16" x 18-7/16"
Weight: 66.1lbs (30kg)


Pros

  • Excellent Sound for All Operational Modes.
  • Component Video Upconversion and Digital Processing.
  • Benchmark Audio Performance.
  • Slick Auto Set-Up & Room Correction.
  • i.Link for DVD-A / SACD.

Cons

  • Potentially Inaccurate Auto Set-Up.
  • No Sub Out In 2CH Direct Mode.
  • Runs extremely hot to touch.
  • No DVI or HDMI.
  • Low Current +12V Triggers.

Introduction

About a year ago, during my review of the venerable Yamaha RX-Z1 flagship A/V receiver, I stated “ Some day Yamaha is going to build a bigger, badder, and more feature packed Receiver”. Well it just so happened that day was today as evident by Yamaha's new super-receiver, the RX-Z9. For the past few years Yamaha stood idly by while their competition was duking away the right to reign supreme as the flagship receiver king. The fight involved stealing business away from the separates marketplace by offering the latest in processing power, features and configurability with integrated amplifier sections powerful enough to drive large home theater systems to theatrical levels. It was no surprise to me that Yamaha eventually would join the party by introducing a revolutionary receiver that would have its competition grasping for air playing catch up in an industry where you're only as good as your most recent accomplishment.
  1. Yamaha RX-Z9 Overview
  2. RAV229 and RAV17 Remote Control
  3. Setting Up and Configuration
  4. Auto Set-Up and YPAO Configuration
  5. Auto Setup: Setting & Checking Levels
  6. Listening Tests
  7. YPAO & PEQ Measurements and Analysis
  8. Yamaha RX-Z9 Conclusion and Summary
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