RX-V2400 Level Check

The level check was the last auto test set-up feature that the RX-V2400 performed. This test absolutely required a quite room to properly perform. My ceiling fan actually caused it to give me an error message "Noisy".

After the level checker was complete, I measured each channel level using both the Yamaha internal test tones and my trusty Avia disc. I found the worst case channel balance differences between channels to be about 1.5dB off and confirmed this with both test tone suites. The good news here is that the auto set-up did configure a reasonably accurate channel balance between channels automatically, and that the internal test tones in the receiver were accurate. The not so good news is I had to manually tweak each channel trim for greater accuracy.

It's interesting to note that maxing the master volume level (+9.0dB) doesn't fill the bar completely. This is due to range limiting if any of the channel trims are set beyond 0dB. When I returned all of the channel trims to default 0dB, the master volume level maxed out at +13dB.

However, since most receivers and processors don't yet incorporate auto level calibration, I would normally have had to do this anyway, so to me it's no deal breaker. I believe the level discrepancies may have been a result of the auto level checker using short tone bursts as opposed to continuous pink noise traditionally used when manually calibrating a system using an SPL meter. The tone bursts in the auto level set-up may emphasize the direct sound from the speakers while the pink noise in manual configuration may be interpreting the ambient sound field in the room. Ideally, they'd both should be the same but that's seldom the case with real rooms and real speakers. However, given the peaky and sometime steady state in sound, I would probably choose the latter for the most accurate speaker level calibration.

The RX-V2400 refreshingly had 0.5dB trim adjustments for all channels which is still uncommon in many higher priced processors. As a side note, we have found some receivers / processors and DVD players internal test tones to be somewhat out of whack, especially when calibrating at different reference levels. The Yamaha test tones, however, identically tracked Avia's when the master volume levels were set to produce the same reference levels. In addition, I achieved accurate channel trim balances for all reference levels I tested during the set-up phase. This didn't surprise me since I have consistently found Yamaha receivers to have incredibly accurate test tones and channel tracking.

What good is a feature packed receiver or any A/V gear for that matter if it cannot deliver the goods in sonic performance? Our viewpoint is sound first, features second. With that here is my subjective impression of the RX-V2400 for the gamut of playback modes I put it through.

With all DSP processing and room correction features turned off ( " Pure Direct " Mode), I began my two channel critical listening tests on my reference mini monitor Status Acoustics Decimo's in my bedroom system. The Decimo's are an 8 ohm, moderately efficient load and don't require gobs of power to shine, just quality clean power. Here is where the RX-V2400 really delivered quite admirably. The noise floor (especially in "Pure Direct" mode) was commendably low (published spec of 100dBA, 250mV reference translates to over 112dB @ 1V), comparable to what I recalled from the venerable RX-V1 and RX-Z1 flagship Yamaha receivers. The DAC section in the RX-V2400 was top notch. In fact, switching back and forth between using my bedroom SACD changer DAC's for CD playback vs the internal DAC's in the RX-V2400, I preferred the latter. When the RX-V2400 served as the DAC, it sounded more open, and detailed in the high frequencies. The amp section proved to be quite dynamic, more so then my Harman Kardon integrated amplifier that currently comprises my bedroom system. I felt that RX-V2400 again had a more open and punchy presence than my integrated amp, but was a bit more analytical sounding. I definitely felt that this was the best sounding sub $1000 receiver I have yet to hear Yamaha produce. My old RXV-992 always seemed (dare I say) "bright" sounding with my speakers, and it wasn't until my eventual upgrade to the DSP-A1 that things smoothed out considerably. With the RX-V2400, I didn't feel like two channel playback was bright or stringent in this set-up. In fact, I threw a pair of Dynaudios and Von Schweikert bookshelf speakers at it and was constantly pleased by how the Yammie was delivering the sonic goods with no signs of distress or pungent sound character.

I was curious to see how the YPAO function would alter the sonic signature of my beloved Decimo's so I placed the mic at my primary listening position and let the RX-V2400 send out its series of sonar sounding bat signals to optimize the system. With the YPAO feature engaged (flat setting), my speakers had a definitively more forward tonal quality, especially in the midrange and highs and sounded louder and more dynamic upon first listening. However, over time switching back and forth, I found the YPAO seemed to focus the soundstage into a more delineated sweet spot, but at the sacrifice of imaging. My speakers no longer seemed to have their infamous disappearing sound characteristic. Instead, they sounded a bit boxier and closed in. This was particularly more noticeable on analog inputs that now had to undergo and extra A/D and D/A conversion to incorporate the DSP processing of the YPAO feature. I also gave the YPAO a crack at the Dynaudio's I currently have in my listening room. In this case, the YPAO dulled the sound of these already sonically warm speakers. Again, I preferred no room correction for these speakers. The reader must be cautioned however, that the sonic attributes noticed here were founded on speaker systems of incredibly high resolution that in a decently controlled acoustical environment really didn't require any room correction whatsoever. Some may actually prefer how the YPAO system alters their speaker systems response, especially if there are inherent deficiencies in the design and corresponding performance. Though I preferred no YPAO setting over defeat, I repeated the YPAO calibration for the other offerings (IE. Low, Mid, High) and found the best blend was achieved in the original "Flat" setting for my Decimo's and the High setting for the Dynaudio's. I recommend determining how YPAO works in your system before ruling it out as a viable option for room correction or speaker performance compensation.

For kicks I wanted to see how the RX-V2400 would perform in my living room when connected to my larger, moderately efficient 4 ohm (89dB SPL 1 watt/meter) reference speakers. It is unlikely that an end user would mate a pair of $5500 speakers with a $1000 receiver, but I figured what the heck, might as well try it. Again, I was mightily impressed with how the RX-V2400 handled itself. Though it wasn't quite as smooth or refined sounding as what I was accustomed to in a $4K+ receiver or dedicated amplifier, it certainly was no slouch by any means. If one were to use this receiver in a very high performance playback set-up with inefficient speakers in a moderately large sized living room, I would encourage preamp outing at least the front three channels to a dedicated monster sized amp. This will help reserve the power supply and amplifiers added headroom to better power the back and surround channels.