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Yamaha RX-Z11 HDMI 1.3a 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver Review

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by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 22, 2008 20:17
Yamaha RX-Z11 HDMI 1.3a 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver Review

Buy It Now!

Summary

  • Product Name: RX-Z11 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver
  • Manufacturer: Yamaha Electronics Corporation
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: March 06, 2008
  • MSRP: $5,499
Specifications

  • 140 watts x 7 + 50 watts x 4 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.04% THD

  • THX® Ultra2 Plus certification with THX listening modes

  • Dolby® True HD, DTS-HD™ Master Audio, Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS-HD™ High Resolution Audio, Dolby® Digital EX, DTS-ES™, Pro Logic® IIx, and DTS Neo:6 decoding

  • 11.2-channel surround sound capability

  • Latest HDMI 1.3a specification supports Deep Color (30/36 bit) transmission, xvYCC color space, 120Hz and 24Hz Refresh Rates and Auto Lip-Sync compensation

  • Analog and HDMI digital video signal upscaling to Full HD 1080p and downscaling to 480p format

  • Analog video to HDMI digital video upconversion capability

  • home PC networking capability

  • YPAO 8-point sound optimization with Quick Start for automatic speaker setup (mic included)

  • Cinema DSP HD3 processing for enhanced surround soundfields

  • XM Satellite Radio Ready and built in HD Radio tuner

  • Neural-THX Surround decoder for XM's HD Surround channels

  • iPod integration (requires optional Yamaha YDS-10)

  • music, video, and photo playback with on-screen menu

  • control your iPod with the receiver's remote

  • Improved Compressed Music Enhancer for MP3s and other digital music files

  • four-room/four-source capability

  • powered and line-level stereo audio output for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rooms

  • coax digital audio output for 2nd room

  • component video output with HD pass-through and 480i to 480p conversion of composite/S-video signals for 2nd room

  • composite video output for 3rd and 4th room

  • Digital ToP-ART design high-current, low-impedance amplifier construction

  • 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DACs for all channels

  • Pure Direct mode for better sound from stereo sources and lossless audio formats transmitted via HDMI

  • Silent Cinema for simulated surround sound via standard stereo headphones

  • on-screen GUI (Graphic User Interface)

  • 40 AM/FM/XM presets

  • learning/multibrand remote with illuminated buttons

  • basic remote for 2nd listening room (requires remote control extender system for second room operation, not included)

  • 17-1/8"W x 8-5/16"H x 20-5/16"D

  • weight: 73lbs (88lbs shipped)

  • warranty: 2 years


Pros

  • Benchmark performance
  • Unparalleled multi channel experience for music and movies
  • One box solution for whole home audio and video distribution

Cons

  • Complex setup
  • Erroneous YPAO results
  • Mediocre remote

Introduction

The Yamaha RX-Z11 represents the pinnacle of technology in a flagship receiver. It’s ability to transform your listening space into a concert venue or mega Cineplex is unrivaled thanks to the powerful arsenal of DSP processing, and robust amplifier section for a full 11.2 channel spectacle. With its very clever power amp assignability and music mode distribution, it proved to be the ultimate multi channel / multi zone receiver capable of whole house entertainment and high definition A/V reproduction.
  1. RX-Z11 Introduction & Build Quality
  2. RX-Z11 System Setup and Configuration
  3. RX-Z11 Bass Management and Advanced Set-Up
  4. RX-Z11 Listening Tests
  5. RX-Z11 Measurements & Analysis
  6. RX-Z11 Conclusion and Score Card
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