Yamaha RX-V3900
Just Tested
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Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 performs significantly better than its predecessor but has pressing issues with its interface, sound and picture quality
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Home cinema amplifiers
Onkyo TX-NR626
Good but not great – and that’s not quite enough at this hugely competitive price for AV receivers
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Hi-fi speakers
Alacrity Audio Caterthun Classic
The Caterthun has strengths but we expect a more rounded product at this price
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In this month's mag
July 2013
SUPERTEST: Soundbar solutions £250-£450
GROUP TEST: 46-47in smart TVs
GROUP TEST: Standmount speakers £350-£450
© 2013 Haymarket Publishing
Comments
Firmware upgrade now available on Yamaha UK website. More details here:
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/198532.aspx
FYI, there's a firmware upgrade due for the receiver in early February - more details here:
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/188534.aspx
Can someone explain the power ratings on amps. I'm deciding between the Yamaha and the SC-LX81. It's stated in this review that the later is the more powerful amp? Looking at the specs on each, the pioneer rates its 190W/channel at 6ohms whereas the Yamaha rates its 140W/channel at 8ohms. Running at 6ohms the Yamaha should put out closer to 170W/channel.... which appears to be under the LX81's channel output however...
The LX81 states in its instruction manual:-
Multi channel simultaneous power output (1 kHz, 1 %, 8 Ω) 7ch total = 700 W
Rated Power Output – Stereo (20 Hz to 20 kHz), 0.09 %, 8 Ω) 140 W + 140 W
The Yamaha states:-
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.04% THD, 8 Ω 140W RMS min for each of its 7 channels which would equal at total of 980 W, some 180W above the Pioneers total power output with 0.05% less distortion throughout the same audible frequency range...
Am I interpreting these figures correctly? If so, you'd think on paper that the Yamaha would have it over the Pioneer on power and clarity.
Hi, I bought this amp about 3 months ago and I am extremely pleased with it. I have to say that I am probably not doing it justice with the Eltax symphony speakers I am using with it, however the bass is awesome. I have yet to push the amp properly as the speakers simply can't handle the power and I have already troubled the tweeters. The ability to use a usb memory stick to play mp3's and have the on screen display to browse is great, films, especially bluerays connected through my Sony BDP S5000ES is stunning and the upscaling with normal DVD's is good too although you notice on the older dvd's. Overall a stunning amp and I am sure I have only tickled it so far, waiting for some new speakers to explore its full potential. Any suggestions on what to get?
Steve