Yamaha RX-Z7 7.1 Channel Networking A/V Receiver Review

by Gene DellaSala — last modified February 23, 2009

Summary

Product Name: Yamaha RX-Z7 7.1 Channel Networking A/V Receiver
Manufacturer: Yamaha Electronics Corporation
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: February 09, 2009 00:09
MSRP: $ 2699

Specifications

140 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.04% THD
Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD™ Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD™ High Resolution Audio, Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES™, Pro Logic® IIx, DTS Neo:6, and SRS Circle Surround II decoding
1080p-compatible HDMI switching: 5 in, 2 out (including 1 front-panel input)
Selectable 480p/720p/1080i/1080p video upconversion for all non-HD and HDMI sources (upconverted video available through HDMI output only)
HDMI version 1.3a with support for Deep Color, x.v.Color, 120Hz and 24Hz refresh rates, and auto lip-sync compensation
Home PC networking capability with Web browser control
Built-in HD Radio tuner with multi-casting reception and iTunes® tagging
Cinema DSP 3D modes and enhanced Adaptive DSP level for fuller surround effects at low volumes
Enhanced Adaptive DRC (dynamic range control) for better clarity at lower listening levels
Anchor Bay PReP™ and VRS™ video processing
XM / SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready (requires XM subscription and optional XM Mini-Tuner package)
iPod integration (requires optional Yamaha YDS-11)
Neural-THX Surround decoder for XM's HD Surround channels
Improved Compressed Music Enhancer for MP3s and other digital music files, including multi-channel sources
Four-room/four-source output: powered and line-level stereo audio output for second and third rooms, digital audio optical out for 4^th room
Front-panel USB port for audio playback from USB flash drives and portable USB music players
6 audio/video inputs, including phono
Digital audio: 5 optical inputs (including 1 front-panel) and 2 outputs, 3 coaxial inputs
7.1-channel analog audio preamp input and outputs
Back surround speaker channels re-assignable for bi-amping front left and right speakers
Assignable component video output with HD pass-through and 480i to 480p conversion of composite/S-video signals for second room
Composite video output for second and third rooms (same source for both rooms)
Digital ToP-ART design with high-current, low-impedance amplifier construction
192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converters for all channels
Pure Direct mode for better sound from stereo sources
Silent Cinema for simulated surround sound via standard stereo headphones
On-screen GUI (Graphic User Interface) with display overlay
Learning/multibrand remote
Basic remote for second or third listening room (requires remote control extender system, not included)
RS-232C port for automated control systems
Detachable power cord
Weight: 40.6lbs
Dimensions: 17-1/8"W x 7-1/8"H x 17-1/4"D
Warranty: 5 years

Pros

Benchmark audio and video performance
Unparalleled multi channel experience for music and movies
One box solution for whole home audio and video distribution
Excellent Network Streaming and Web Browsing functionality

Cons

Runs hot and needs adequate ventilation
Complex setup
Lame secondary remote control with limited functionality

Introduction

The Yamaha RX-Z7 offers benchmark performance in virtually every category with the only caveat being it generates a lot of heat. Armed to the teeth with all of the latest audio and video processing features, along with a host of multi room and networking capabilities, the RX-Z7 leaves little to be desired for even the most sophisticated home theater installs. Its ability to transform your listening space into a concert venue or mega Cineplex is unrivaled. The RX-Z7 proudly lives up to the "Z" heritage and in some aspects out Z's their very own flagship RX-Z11.

Recent Forum Posts:

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Neuphonix posts on February 21, 2012 00:47

Hi everyone,

I have owned my Z7 for about 3 years now & have been very happy with it.
I recently thought about upgrading to the A3010 but when I spoke to the guy in the shop where I bought my Z7 from he basically said there was no real advantage except for the 3D pass through & some extra HDMI inputs. So I bought an Oppo BDP-93 player which has two HDMI outs to get around the 3d issue that way instead.

I currently have a 5.1 set-up using Krix speakers (Aussie brand) which have given me great service & been terrific value for money.

However I have got that itch again & am looking at adding an external amp for the front channels & buying new fronts. The front speakers that I have decided on are the Focal Diablo Utopias which I have listened to in a couple of different settings & with a few different amps. They will stretch the budget I think that they will be worth it.

My uncertainty lies a little more on the amp side of things. As I still intend to use my Z7 as a pre-amp (not in preamp mode, just RCA out for the fronts) the dealer that I have been talking to has recommend that I look at buying an integrated power amp instead of a straight power amp. He says that when I just want to listen to 2 channel stereo I can run an anlog output from the Opp directly into the integrated, thus bypassing the Z7, which he believes will sound superior. Having listened to it, I would have to agree with him wholeheartedly. However I still have some reservations about buying an integrated amp. Integrated volume control for instance raises a few questions.

The Z7 will still be running the centre, surrounds & sub for TV / HT, with the Oppo hooked up via HDMI. One of the integrated amps I am considering has a HT passthrough option, which basically turns it into a straight power amp allowing you to control the volume via the Z7.

I've narrowed it down to three Musical Fidelity amps, the M6-500i, AMS-35i or the AMS-35p. All sound awesome with the Diablos, the AMS options are more expensive but have a very effortless, silky sound. Sure wont need any heating during winter if I decide to go that way though!

So after all this rambling what I am looking for is any advice or experience from people who may have already played around with external amplification & the Z7. I can see that there are a number of members who have done it. Are there any obvious do's & dont's? How does the Z7 stack up when paired with a more audiophile level external? I realise that in the end it's still going to boil down to budget & "what sounds good to me" but I would be interested in hearing other people's experience in this area if anyone as time.

Thanks heaps

mrobb posts on November 30, 2010 23:44

Had to send the unit away so not very happy especially after the money I paid for it.

pbenj posts on November 30, 2010 15:12

I had a very similar issue.

Power down the unit. Unplug it from the wall outlet. Leave it unplugged for 5 minutes or so, plug it back in and power it on. If it stays stuck on "Main On" it may be the same problem I had. The System control board had to be replaced.

See this thread.....
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56213 [forums.audioholics.com]

Paul

mrobb posts on November 27, 2010 17:55

I had been using my z7 and when I went to use the remote to switch it into standby it wouldn't shut down so had to use the mains button to turn it off. Push in the mains switch and My Z7 turns on but just sits there saying mains on the standby button and nothing else will work is there anything else I can try before sending it away.

btarb24 posts on August 28, 2010 05:51

If anyone is looking to get one of these, i have a brand new one on ebay that's cheaper than most stores. It's $1800. Feel free to email me through here or through ebay with any questions.

Ebay Item Number: 220661078894