Test: AV-Receiver Yamaha RX-V640
First of all we would like to thank our cooperation partner HIFI-REGLER
for the provision of the testing rooms, the AV-receivers and corresponding testing equipment.
Equipment
A very successful range of AV-receivers is currently provided by Yamaha. The RX-V640 to the amount of EUR 529,-- in the line-up is an especially interesting and fair (with regard to its suggested retail price) quotation. The current variant is still EUR 20,-- more favourable than its predecessor RX-V630. The RX-V640 provides an extensive specification , which means that the Yamaha is now also able to decode DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1 and not only, in comparison with its predecessor, DTS ES Compatible 6.1. The decoding possibility for Dolby Digital 5.1 EX remains the same. Of course this appliance is also equipped with Dolby Pro Logic II, including all adjustment parameters in the music mode. Yamaha increased its performance, now 6 x 135 W (DIN, 4 ohms, 1 kHz, 0,7 % total harmonic distortion) and with sufficient power - it is no problem to use the RX-V640 in listening rooms at a size of around about 30 square metres. A new feature is the "Accurate Touch"-volume regulator. If the user wants to achieve a large or small volume change by turning the corresponding control, Yamaha has made this possible with this easy to use development. Another new feature is the midnight mode of Yamaha, which not only works for Dolby Digital - but also for
DTS-signals.
Yamaha also equips the RX-V640 with a video format converter. This converter is able to transform from FBAS to S-video and the other way round. On the rear-side of the appliance there is a connecting possibility for two pairs of loudspeakers (A and B). For all loudspeakers screw plugs are available and Yamaha provides pre-outs and YUV-terminals. With 5 digital inputs in total (one of them on the front side of the appliance) and one digital output, the AV-receiver is well equipped. A typical feature for Yamaha AV-devices is the extended selection of the cinema- and HiFi-DSP-programmes. The Yamaha DSP's are supplied with real acoustical advantages, and above all the cinema DSP-section helps to intensify the multi-channel
experience.
High-graded design groups
In more inexpensive price sections also, the customer has to be supplied with quality in terms of overall design. Many electronic features can be realised with lower costs. What about other basic units? Yamaha wants to prove that very good quality is also possible for less money. Therefore the internal design of the RX-V640 is equipped with high-quality elements. The power supply section, the capacitors and the shortness of the signal ways proves convincing.
The finish of the RX-V640 is very good. The DOT-matrix-display and the front panel made of aluminium present an outstanding overall impression, including the supplied remote control. Its finish is above average. However, we have to admit that we have not been impressed by the volume control, which is made of plastic. Overall and at first sight the RX-V640 does not demonstrate any real weaknesses - the opposite is the case: The total concept is
excellent.
Rating 
Operation
 The supplied remote control is a convenient
size, the corresponding function groups have been marked by means of different-sized
buttons. The navigation unit in the lower part of the IR-controller positively attracts attention with its centrally positioned
"Enter"-button. For perfect handling in a dark home cinema room we would welcome illumination of the most important controls . On the front panel of the appliance itself there are a lot of different operating
elements, but they are sensibly divided. The developers of Yamaha have also succeeded with the set up
menu, which has been completely revised with all new Yamaha AV-receivers (RX-V440, RX-V540, RX-V640, RX-V740). There are now the following
sub-menus:
• Basic (set up/ speaker level). The novelty in this menu unit is a division of room
sizes, according to the size small, medium or big can be selected for the listener's
room.
• Sound (speaker set/speaker distance/LFE/dynamic range/centre GEO (equaliser for the acoustical adjustment of the centre
loudspeaker)/headphone tone & level)
• Input (arrangement of the digital inputs/outputs, arrangement of the video
inputs/outputs, input mode, input re-name)
• Option (display set, memory guard, audio mode, zone set)
Alternatively the set up can be carried out via remote control or via easily observed buttons on the front side of the
appliance. The current menu-division has the practical advantage that you can achieve the requested function more quickly and more
clearly. Above all for the beginner this menu structure can be understood more
easily. Also the adjustment of the loudspeakers can be handled without any
difficulty, as Yamaha have arranged for the user to comfortably adjust the delay time in
metres. The input-menu for the digital audio- and analogue video inputs with its abbreviation of letters has not contributed to comfortable and fast
functionality. It will be important to thoroughly read the operating instructions in
advance. It would have been better to use common abbreviations (e.g. "opt. 1" for the first optical digital
input). With the extensive and very readable DOT-matrix-display, typical of Yamaha, adoption of our suggested abbreviations would not cause any technical
problem.
Rating 
Acoustical performance
Testing equipment:
Compared with its predecessor, the RX-V640 achieves improved brilliance in the high frequency range, a still more natural voice presentation and a still more precise surround-sound-scenery. With our movie tests the Yamaha demonstrated small acoustical details with more transparency. At the same time the Yamaha presented all kinds of effects with still more efficiency. Due to its powerful amplifiers the RX-V640 can also be operated with many front loudspeakers, without an additional active subwoofer, and for a shorter period of time without any serious difficulties. The power of the bass is sufficient in this case, even though we recommend the purchase an active subwoofer to achieve a real home cinema feeling and to relieve the AV-receiver in the powerful bass range - for the following reason: The power amplifiers of the RX-V640 show a really satisfying performance at the suggested retail price of the Yamaha, but miracles cannot be expected by the customer. The combination of extensive listening rooms (starting from 25 square metres), higher levels and voluminous front loudspeakers without additional active subwoofer is generally not ideal with more popular AV-receivers. Evident, above all in co-operation with an active subwoofer, is the very pleasant and voluminous bass range and the very dense dimensional imaging, all of which are very satisfying . Typical of a Yamaha-appliance, further different DSP-programmes are additionally delivered with this AV-receiver, which present an audible advantage for an especially intensive movie sound reproduction. An example is the outstandingly real sound reproduction with science fiction-movies with the Sci-Fi-DSP-programme,. The dimensionally evident presentation of this DSP-mode supports the visual impressions very well . With action movies, containing many effects, the "Spectacle DSP" is working with its powerful presentation of effects especially well, alternatively the "Adventure"-DSP can also be used - but best checked out before choosing both DSP-programmes. The RX-V640 is in an outstanding position to beat the performance of its competitors, especially due to the brilliance and the better accuracy of the detail presentation. - To sum up, the 640 presents excellent value together with the more expensive Yamaha RX-V740 (EUR 729,--) and the Denon AVR-1804 (EUR 599,--).
The multi-channel music reproduction of the Yamaha turned out to be still more successful than its predecessor. Yamaha has improved the transparency and clearness in the high frequency range, the incorporation of improved details was also demonstrated, which means that overall the complete sound image becomes more natural and still more varied, preserving total acoustical harmony. In our opinion nothing more can be expected from an AV-receiver priced like the RX-V640. However, that's not all, the bass reproduction has been revised, too - with a great success, which can be proved by means of applying all the tests : Compared with its predecessor, the bass performs , with more precision and clarity , above all
short and very clear basses are considerably better reproduced by the RX-V640 .
Outstanding results have been achieved at the Dolby Pro Logic II-integration. The voluminous surround-sound-scenery with a precise structure is impressive in the movie- and music mode. Also less extensive effects can be expressed with a high-quality plasticity. The total bass performance succeeded, also in the music-mode, very well. The voice reproduction is also impressive, also in this case the RX-V640 impresses with a considerable volume e.g. with deeper male voices. Also the total homogeneity is above average.
During stereo operation the RX-V640 provides outstanding sound quality compared with its class competitors. Above all compared with its predecessor, more high-rated brilliance in the high frequency range attracts attention. The RX-V640 presents all kinds of music more clearly, without any aggressive touch at higher levels also. An audible harmony is always given, as we are already accustomed with Yamaha-AV-receivers. Above all the increased liveliness, with classical music, the sound is presented with much more verve. Overall the RX-V640 provides the best performance within its price class during stereo operation, particularly with classical
music. Rating home cinema multichannel
Rating music multichannel
Rating Doby PL 2
Rating Stereo
Summary
The Yamaha RX-V640 proves that outstanding AV-receivers do not demand a high financial investment. With its clear, harmonious and detail-presenting sound the appliance completely satisfies the demands of numerous potential customers. The equipment is extensive and its finish is very high quality. Overall the RX-V640, due to its balanced performance at high levels, takes a leadership position without any
difficulty.
Excellent
Middle class
Reviewed April 30th, 2003
Value:
Pro:
-
Very pleasant home cinema- and multi-channel music sound
-
Very lively surround sound scenery
-
Natural voice reproduction
-
Outstanding stereo reproduction
-
Highly performing DSP-programmes with considerable efficiency
-
Powerful amplifiers
-
Useful set-up menu structure
-
First-class equipment, inclusive video standard converter
-
Exemplary DOT-matrix display
-
Remote control above average
-
Excellent price/performance relation
Contra:
Specifications
-
AV-receiver with Dolby Digital/DTS-decoder
-
Dolby Digital EX- and DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1-decoding
-
Dolby ProLogic II with all adjustment possibilities in the music mode
-
Performance: 6 x 135 W (DIN, 4 ohms, 1 kHz, 0,7 % total harmonic distortion), 5 x 85 W (0,06 % total harmonic distortion, 20 Hz up to 20 kHz, 8
ohms)
-
96 kHz/24-bit Audio-DACs
-
32-bit Yamaha DSP chip
-
15 individual DSP-modes
-
"Silent Cinema" for headphone DSP sound via normal stereo headphones
-
4 digital inputs (3 optical, 1 coaxial), 1 digital output/optical, (without front digital-in, all of them
selectable)
-
2 component-video-inputs, 1 component-video-output
-
4 x audio-video-in/2 x audio/video-out, 1 x video-out (monitor), all S-video- and FBAS-switcheable
-
2 x Audio-In, 1 x Audio-Out
-
Complete front AV-input inclusive S-video and optical digital input
-
Six-channel-input (suitable for DVD Audio)
-
Pre-out for all channels (for back surround one
pre-out)
-
Solid screw-terminals for all loudspeakers
-
RDS-tuner with 40 presents
-
Dimensions (W x H x D in mm): 435 x 171 x 390
-
Weight: 13,0 kg
-
Deliverable colours: titanium and black
-
Price: EUR 529,-- (Germany)
-
lieferbare Farben: Titan und Schwarz
-
Preis: 529 EUR
Reviewed by Carsten
Rampacher
April 30th, 2003
HOME
> HARDWARE-TESTS > ZURÜCK
<
|
FORUM KONTAKT IMPRESSUM
