RX-V2400 Multi-channel Audio

I was also pleasantly surprised to find that Yamaha reserved independent level controls via its EXT inputs, a feature not common even to many costlier separate pre/pro's. Having independent level settings for DVD-A and SACD is vital due to inherent format differences, especially for the subwoofer output which could be 10-15dB lower in SACD / DVD-A than DD /DTS in some players for example.

The percussion's in this track surrounded very three dimensional and lifelike making me long for more of what this disc had to offer. TracK#5 " Come Away With Me" put me right where I needed to be with the very airy and smooth brushes of the cymbals and melodic relaxing, crystal clear vocals from Norah Jones. Track#9 " I've Got To See You Again " surrounded me with Norah's powerful vocal ballads urging me to crank the volume even higher because it just sounded so good. By now it was clear to me that the RX-V2400 was handling high resolution formats exemplary demonstrating that noise floor and distortion were not limiting factors of reproducing the musical nature of this format as I have heard in some lower priced receivers and moderately prices pre/pros.

Playing the wonderfully recorded multi channel DVD-A Graham Nash "Songs for the Survivors" gave the RX-V2400 quite a work out. After about five minutes of blasting this disc, I muted the volume and noted the RX-V2400 cooling fan was engaged and the receiver was warm to the touch. I strongly encourage users to allow for good top and back ventilation for this receiver if you plan on playing it at high sustained volume levels in medium to large sized rooms with moderately efficient speakers ( < 89dB SPL @1meter). Don't panic, the fan was very quite and only audibly noticeable when I turned down the volume and stood within a few feet from the receiver. When playing at these sustained volume levels I noted the RX-V2400 maintained good composure, but took on a slightly forward tonal nature in the midrange with a bit of edginess in the highs. However, I don't know of any receiver at the $1000 price point that would fair better under such circumstances. At slightly less than insane listening levels, the RX-V2400 always sounded well focused, and fluid. At low volume levels, all resolution was preserved, as I have been accustomed too on my reference system.

As I have noted in previous Yamaha receivers, home theater is truly where their RXV series excel. Yamaha has always been unequalled in their DSP processing to enhance the movie watching experience and the RX-V2400 proved to be no exception. While I found the DSP modes to be too numerous and over emphasizing in most applications, I did manage to find a few favorites and tweak them to more subtle settings that worked better in my system. I was happy to see Yamaha include their proprietary dedicated front effects channels, or in their new nomenclature "Presence" channels. However, if you opt for back channels, you are left with no "Presence" channels. I would have liked to see Yamaha offer the ability to preamp out say the front channels, and reroute those unused channels to the "Presence" channels for a full blown 9.1 channel playback system. This would be the ultimate solution for the audiophile who desires a dedicated external power amp for their main channels, but wants the ability for a 9.1 speaker configuration, basically allowing them to have their cake and eat it too. However, I suppose Yamaha is reserving this speaker configuration for their forthcoming RX-Z9 flagship receiver.

Most of my home theater evaluation of the RX-V2400 was done in the traditional 7.1 configuration (back surrounds, no presence channels). I started with the discrete DTS ES DVD of Gladiator. The opening scenes of this movie are both visually and audibly impressive. I really did enjoy having the back channels in this instance and felt it did expand the surround field and smooth out panning between channels. Switching between THX and Yamaha DSP cinema modes, I preferred the latter. The THX mode in my setup did seem to expand the rear soundfield, but at the expense of dulling out the front channels, most likely do to the REQ feature of THX. However, some listeners may prefer this in their set-ups so by all means choose what is right for you.

I found the better DSP modes in my set-up were "Spectacle and Adventure". I have always been a fan of the "Adventure" mode, but only after toning down some of the parameters. To me this soundfield really does enhance the movie watching experience, especially if you can take advantage of the dedicated front effects channels.

The RX-V2400 didn't disappoint. The bloodbath battle scenes were well conveyed with all the sense of detail and conviction I was accustomed too, only this time I had a little DSP enhancement to make things sound a bit BIGGER in scope that ordinary processing.

For the record, there are only two instances when I prefer a Yamaha DSP mode over conventional processing (ie. DD /DTS, DPLII,DTS Neo,etc):

Other than that, I usually stick to the regulars, especially DPLII for older music CD's.