The Yamaha RX-Z9 is an exceptionally good product and value, and in my opinion, dominates a segment of the marketplace currently not filled. It offers a quick auto set-up for the neophyte that will at least achieve a reasonably good sounding configuration some users ordinarily wouldn't be able to achieve manually, and allows for user-tweakable adjustments to improve those settings. However, I still feel we are a few generations (if ever) away from having a Star Trek "voice activated" auto setup feature that will accurately determine the best settings and system configuration at the touch of a button. Ultimately the user will always have to interpret and interject to achieve a more concise set-up if they wish to achieve audio nirvana and accuracy. While YPAO is not perfect, it does demonstrate a step in the right direction and the manufacturer's willingness to increase product performance and ease of use for the average user in the not-so-ideal room environment. The RX-Z9 auto PEQ system is definitely more refined sounding, and in my opinion more accurate than that of the less expensive RX-V2400. I found myself listening with PEQ engaged more so than I had on the RX-V2400, but still usually preferred no PEQ at all in my set-up.

The RX-Z9 has just about every conceivable feature, from video processing to unlimited DSP modes, tone controls and equalizers with adjustable settings, to i.Link to handle DVD-A and SACD in the digital domain. It has time delay compensation, level control and decoding. At last, one cable to handle all audio formats and allow the receiver to provide necessary bass management! Two multi-zone settings (one with power amp assignability, the other passive with triggered outputs) allows for the receiver to serve as the demarcation point for house-wide entertainment where minimal components are required.

$4500 can certainly buy you a lot of power and flexibility via the alternate separates route or even other flagship receivers. Assuming you split your $4500 budget 60% for the processor and 40% for the seven channel power amplifier you would be hard-pressed to find a $2700 dedicated processor with near the refinement and configurability of the RX-Z9. In addition, the internal amp section of the RX-Z9 is good enough to stand toe to toe with many entry level dedicated multi-channel power amps in the $2000 price range. While it may lose some ground in sheer power output with all channels driven, it more than makes up for it with its high linearity, and low noise floor. There are certainly other excellent receivers in this price class as well, but none of them offer the video and DSP processing, highly usable GUI interface, and stereo subwoofer outputs - and only a select few actually sport an active i.Link connection for transmission of DVD-A and SACD. Now if only Yamaha would release an i.Link compatible Universal DVD player, they would have a total package solution to please all loyal Yamaha fans. I am told this is in the works, so be patient. For those contemplating integrating DVD-A and SACD into their systems, I strongly encourage a system solution that supports i.Link or an equivalent digital solution. Once you go digital, and hear the benefits of correctly implemented bass management and time alignment, you won't go back to antiquated analog and its associated mess of cabling.

For the moment, Yamaha has recaptured the receiver crown and reigns supreme. But in a competitive and steady marketplace, I don't expect this will be everlasting. You can however rest assured you are getting one heck of a bang for your buck with the Yamaha RX-Z9.