RX-V4600 Overview
It's been some time since a Yamaha receiver has graced my reference system. I still reminisce about the days of the DSP-A1, RX-Z1 and RX-Z9. Those were all class-leading products of their time providing some of the best fidelity and flexibility for home theater. But as of late, it seems the competition is fiercer than even. With other leading receiver manufacturers such as Denon, Marantz and Pioneer Elite bulldozing the competition with a line of products featuring all of the latest and greatest connectivity options, supportive formats, automatic setup & room correction, THX certification and processing, etc, it was only a matter of time before someone would shake up the status quo and offer these features in a product in the sub $2000 category. Enter the new Yamaha RX-V4600 - the 'does-everything-and-more' receiver at a price point that won't force users to refinancing their homes.
With our recent reviews of the RX-V2400 and its successor, the RX-V2500 , one wonders why we would review the new RX-V4600 which appears to be so similar, but at a slightly higher price? Truth be told there are distinct differences which we found to be invaluable for the additional $800 over the $1100 RX-V2500, such as:
- HDMI video switching (Ver 1.1)
- Active i.LINK
- HD Radio
- More robust amplifier section (see measurements and analysis section)
- Dedicated multi-zone remote control
- THX Select2 certification and processing
For those wondering about THX Select2 (the newest certification from THX) we have compiled a table illustrating its similarities and differences with the ultimate Ultra2 certification.
A Quick Comparison Between THX Select2 and Ultra2
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Select2 |
Ultra2 |
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Power Amplifier Comparison between THX Select2 and Ultra2
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Select2 |
Ultra2 |
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*Channel Loading |
4-ohm front
|
3.2 ohm |
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Continuous testing |
Single channel only |
1,4 or 5 channels simultaneously |
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Burst testing |
All channels (higher impedance lower voltage) |
5 channels |
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Peak current |
12.5A front 6.2A surround |
18A peak |
*As you can see in our amplifier output impedance measurements, this requirement may be partly responsible for the RX-V4600's improved ability over the RX-V2500 for driving 4-ohm loads.
