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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: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • 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 4th 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:

Post Reply
peepochangeo posts on October 16, 2009 11:32
lesmor;590655
I am unfamiliar with the operation of the above and have read the manual but find it is not clear as to how to operate this amp as it does not detail step by step.
My question is when you switch on the Test tone the amp cycles through the speakers so quickly there does not seem to be a way to lock onto a speaker to set the level with my SP Meter. also when you increase decrease the volume using the remote it only seems to affect the Master volume.
Also how do you save any changes you make , I have read reviews which suggested the reviewer lost settings because he never saved them, I am aware of the Memory buttons would this be what he meant?
I am sure more questions will follow and some one will say read the manual, do you guys think the manual is good?
Regards
Andy



Hi Andy - It is possible to have the test tone play through the speaker of your choosing and have it remain there as long as you need. The basic idea is to use two of the menu contexts simultaneously to achieve the level of control you desire.

1) In the GUI navigate to Setup/Speaker/TestTone and turn the test tone one. It will begin doing what you DONT want (ie, cycling too quickly through all configured speakers), but we'll put and end to that in the next step. Leave the tone running and proceed to step 2.
2) Back out one tier of the GUI to Setup/Speaker and enter the Level tier (Setup/Speaker/Level) and select a speaker (e.g., center).

From this point on, since we left the test tone on in step 1, whichever speaker for which we are adjusting the level in step 2 will be the one (and only one) outputting the test tone. Additionally, it will remain in there for as long as the speaker is selected in Setup/Speaker/Level/XXX. When you've got the level set where you want, simply choose to set the level for another speaker and the tone will move to, and stay at, that speaker.

3) When all levels have been manually set, return to Step 1 and turn off the test tone.

Hope this helps. Steve
almen74 posts on September 20, 2009 13:37
Hi. I have problem outputting 24Hz from my Media Center-Yamaha RX-Z7-Samsung PN50B650. If I bypass receiver everything is ok. My receiver is set to pass-through HDMI. Receiver has 1.08 firmware. I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit, Radeon 4850, Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3. Any ideas?
czubero posts on September 16, 2009 21:09
After expending $2500, I contacted my dealer when I found 2 mayor issues with this Unit (Due to Software Bugs), 2 weeks later Yamaha released firmware 1.05 fixing the Power on/off issue, The next month, they released v1.08 which addressed the HDMI Blue vertical noise in its processing circuitry. The problems don't end here, firmware v 1.05 has created another bug with Rhapsody operation, that is why I contacted Yamaha support 1 month ago. Not help having replaced my unit. They realized (Yamaha) about this other problem. I was surprised how Yamaha is not very interested in Keeping the Z series trouble free. This is my opinion, What you should expect when you expend $2500 Dollars in a "Top of the Line Receiver"?. Sonically and other Features this Unit Rock, but not enough for a Z series receiver
SoundGuy posts on September 03, 2009 03:30
Cant be done. The two outputs are joined....what ever you see in one you will see in the other the same.......I know the Den is god.....
Meridius posts on July 11, 2009 13:02
Hi all i have had my yamaha for a while now and i was wanting to know which sound field do you use for movies and music

do you use

1 natural
2 Flat
3 Front
4 through

and what do each of them do and which is the best one to use mine was set to natural when bought i was woundering if the others are better or worse.

also anyone tried out the new firm 1.08 yet any improvments ?
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