Yamaha RX-V3067 review

Typically solid and reliable, Yamaha's RX-V3067 totes an impressive specification and a sound that's very likeable Tested at £1500.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The Yamaha produces an appealing, likeable sound and thorough specification

Pros

  • +

    Solid build

  • +

    impressive specification

  • +

    rich sound

  • +

    impressive surround-effect processing

Cons

  • -

    Not quite as precise-sounding or insightful as the class-leaders

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You're spoiled for input choice with the RX-V3067. There's a grand total of eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs, alongside which you'll find twin HDMI outputs. Both outputs are also ARC-enabled (Audio Return Channel) so you can feed sound from your TV's HDMI input to the amp (provided it's ARC-compatble too).

The Yamaha is DLNA-certified and ethernet-equipped so you can connect to your home network and stream files, such as WAV, FLAC and AAC from a PC. You can also access a host of internet radio stations.

A high-tech calibration system
Many design cues have been taken from Yamaha's top-of-the-range DSP-Z11.

Power amps have been laid out symmetrically, the frame for the chassis is formed in an ‘H' shape for increased rigidity.

Yamaha's YPAO automatic speaker calibration system now features Reflected Sound Control (RSC).

It's the most high-tech version of YPAO to date (also found on the RX-V2067) and can now compensate for the material on your walls and floor, together with awkward speaker positioning and any objects between speakers and listener.

Besides majoring in surround sound processing, Yamaha incorporates HQV's picture processing technology in the RX-V3067.

This gives you extensive control over various aspects of picture when using the amp to upconvert or upscale incoming video signals.

There are motion adaptive, edge adaptive and de-interlacing settings, together with detail, contrast and edge enhancements.

The Yamaha is one of the more competent amps when it comes to picture processing. Feed in a standard definition 576i signal and out comes a stable, detailed, watchable 1080p picture.

Accomplished surround sound
But surround sound is the amp's primary function, and the Yamaha puts in an accomplished performance.

Compared with the RX-V2067, you get a much grander, larger-scale sound for the money.

The amp shows impressive explosive power as the A-Team attempt to evade unmanned drones, with the explosions sounding weighty and full-bodied. Rockets fly between front and rear channels, flanking and immersing the listener.

Dialogue has a rich tone that would be a perfect fillip for any speaker systems with bright or harsh sonic tendencies.

The Yamaha though, can't match the very best in terms of outright detail and dynamics – amps such as Pioneer's VSX-LX53 also communicate soundtracks more clearly.

Otherwise, this Yamaha is a very solid, dependable performer that's extremely easygoing and easy to live with.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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