Yamaha RX-797

Call me old-school. But when it comes to sound, I may have hit the jackpot.

About 2 years ago, I decided to upgrade from my old and faithful Technics amplifier to a 21st century piece of equipment. I know, two years is a long way, but there is a story.

I started to do my piece of research, and within my budget (700$ tops), I wanted to go for a 5.1 or more surround receiver. I started with Sony, Pioneer, JVC, then moved ...
...Technics sounded better. I just couldn't scratch that itch, you know.

Then, HD being already in the world 2 years back, I said that I'd better wait for a HDMI compatible receiver. I started researching again, and I realized that multi-channel amplifiers won't do it for me. My ears need a crisper, warmer sound than these otherwise very capable components can produce.

So, I ended my journey at the RX 797. Boy, am I glad ... more

Call me old-school. But when it comes to sound, I may have hit the jackpot.

About 2 years ago, I decided to upgrade from my old and faithful Technics amplifier to a 21st century piece of equipment. I know, two years is a long way, but there is a story.

I started to do my piece of research, and within my budget (700$ tops), I wanted to go for a 5.1 or more surround receiver. I started with Sony, Pioneer, JVC, then moved forward to Denon, Harman Kardon, Marrantz. Funilly enough, my old Technics sounded better. I just couldn't scratch that itch, you know.

Then, HD being already in the world 2 years back, I said that I'd better wait for a HDMI compatible receiver. I started researching again, and I realized that multi-channel amplifiers won't do it for me. My ears need a crisper, warmer sound than these otherwise very capable components can produce.

So, I ended my journey at the RX 797. Boy, am I glad I did.

I got it last week via courier. I eventually paid ~400$ altogether. I hooked up my Infinity Beta 50 speakers right away, than I used the ports to connect my ancient Sony VCR, my fresh upscaling Sony DVD player, my Bravia and the cable box. Then I played the first CD I got my hands on, Van Halen's Fair Warning.

Wow. Never the sound of that music sounded like that in my living room. Charming. The sound is so rich and clean, that I would not hesitate to compare it to any premium 4 zero's amp. The amount of detail is unbelievable. The level of distorsion is admirably low. I moved to Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, then to Andreas Vollenweider's White Winds. Later I had to stop because it was getting late in the night and I have neighbours with children.

This baby delivers more than the 100 watts per channel advertised. Can accommodate two sets of speakers (as most amps) plus a subwoofer. Equalizers are also welcome via coupler ports. Plus it comes with a multi-zone capability (and a second remote controller), which means you can listen to two different sources at once in separate rooms. Also features tone controls, which is difficult to find in AV receivers, and a continuously variable loudness control which delivers music at full range even at low volume. The tuner is also higly capable, it got all my favourite stations crisp and clear from the very beginning, practically without the antenna. Classic looks and solid build. The switches and buttons work like a charm. Nevertheless, don't expect dolby, DTS, optical connections and the sort. It's old-school, as I said :)

All in all, I am in love with it. If stereo does it for you, then this is probably the best under-500$ amp there is. If you must go for surround, I suggest having a separate RX 797 for the 2-channel experience. It's just too good. 

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