Yamaha RX-V765 review

Yamaha's RX-V765 is the model above the RX-V565. It's supremely talented but falls just short of getting the full five-star star rating Tested at £550.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A very talented amp that’s just lacks some sonic polish

Pros

  • +

    Surround processing

  • +

    immersive sound

  • +

    even tonal balance

  • +

Cons

  • -

    Input assignment issues

  • -

    lacks the dynamic brilliance of the best at the price

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It's obvious that Yamaha has focused a lot of its energy on designing this home cinema receiver.

The design and styling may share similarities with the RX-V565, but inside the chassis you'll find upgraded capacitors and a new transformer.

There are separate power supplies for the digital and analogue output stages, claimed to help reduce the effects of outside interference. Additional tweaks include a new circuit-board layout, shorter signal paths and a more rigid construction.

Atmospheric surround sound
And, the proof is in the surround sound. The '765 creates an immersive, atmospheric surround sound experience.

During the bamboo fight in House Of Flying Daggers, you're aware of details such as rustling leaves and the sounds made by birds.

Then, as the action kicks off, the Yamaha springs into life. Mei wields a bamboo stick at her attackers, and there's great emphasis on the swooshing between speakers.

Dialogue sounds smooth and rich, as do high frequencies. Each clash of blades differs in tone, but there's no trace of uncomfortable hardness.

Low frequencies also have enough weight to ruffle your neighbour's feathers, if not the detail and precision of top amps. The same character holds true in stereo.

Fine features, with one frustration
The Yamaha does everything you'd expect. Nearly. Four HDMI inputs, 1080p upscaling and upconversion, a set of multichannel inputs and a set of pre-outs are all thrown in.

The problem is the same one that hinders its sibling. The '765 won't let you assign an optical digital input with an HDMI input, preventing you from enjoying Dolby Digital surround sound from Apple TV or a Sky+ HD box. However, a firmware fix is now in the pipeline.

This oversight, together with the fact that it's more expensive than some close rivals, and not quite as well-rounded, holds the Yamaha back from achieving five-star status.

See all our Yamaha multichannel amp/receiver reviews

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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