What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 23 SEP 2008

Yamaha DSP-AX863SE

£ 600 5
* * * * *

An expertly tuned AV amplifier that, sonically, is a cut above the other machines in this line-up

Write your own review

Be the first

to post a review on Yamaha DSP-AX863SE

Comments

kimbiz October 8, 2009 10:16

Sonically speaking, will this pass Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K ?

Interested to see who comes out on top when eisa gave the awards to denon this year..

olsonan November 23, 2008 19:31

Question: I have read from several sources that the unit will not upconvert component video signal through HDMI (only pass-through)... Can anyone confirm this?  To me this is a major negative despite the fantastic sound quality.  I tried it against the Denon 3808 and Pioneer Elites and it was much warmer sounding.

highfidelity November 10, 2008 17:07

For Ecellent value £465, Sounds OK  Against: No standby light indicator  could be dangerous. Pure Direct  blue light much too bright .  SACD multi-channel no sound from rear speakers when in STRAIGHT mode ( use 7.I Stereo)  however DVD & DVD Audio will. Manual insufficient explicit like most. Powwer cord much too thin.Recommend use with Pioneer LX50) DVD player HDMI 1.3 a. One lead only required for exellent sound & picture. Despite what What HiFi ? says pay no more than £10 for eexcellent Playdot Com Professional HDMI lead if they stll have them. Epensive leads are a total waste of money. Happy Listening & viewing

skin November 6, 2008 13:56

hi! after reading many reviews ive just recivied my new yamaha dsp-ax863se today from HomeCinemaTv a bargain at £489 + £5 delivery (48hours) cant wait to get it hooked up when i've finnished upgrading my system!

Fisty1967 October 29, 2008 14:16

Sounds absolutely awesome !

Lewis P October 25, 2008 22:45

please...please...PLEASE make a silver one

Andy Clough October 24, 2008 14:11

Sounds like it to me, especially when you take the price into account. It's now available on Amazon for £529.

Fat Spanish Waiter October 23, 2008 17:32

Out of curiousity I`ve had  to go and have a listen myself to the 863 which in your tests is being compared to , and beating , higher end amps from Denon and Onkyo .I would only change one word in your overall summary and that is replace "outstanding" with "excellent" .

For

Excellent sound quality with movies; decent results in stereo

Against

Not quite the last word in extras for features addicts

Even without the change ,is that really a summary of an award winning av product ?


Back to top whathifi.com Internal

Also consider

  • Sony STR-DA2400ES

    £500
    * * * * *

    Sony's STR-DA2400ES AV receiver was delayed while it was fixed to work with Sky+ HD, but the finished article was well worth the wait

    Read
  • Yamaha DSP-AX763

    £400
    * * * * *

    This fantastic amplifier is a genuine competitor for class-best honours

    Read

What Hi Fi Sound and Vision

The world's No. 1 home entertainment buyers guide online

Join the Club

Latest Issue