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Unfortunately, although it plays WMA files, I rip to WMA Lossless, and the RX-V3800 does not currently have the WMA Lossless codec onboard. Incredible details reveal themselves on my MB Quart speakers. I'll just echo that what you read from previous reviews is all correct. If you're looking to stream.MP3 or.WMA (not Lossless) you'll be very happy. I continue to be amazed at how good this thing sounds.
I have only one minor complaint: it does act as a Media Center, pulling recordings off of my Vista machine and playing them. This is an upgrade for me from the classic DSP-A2070. There are other reviews here that go into great detail about the receiver, so I won't. I didn't expect that the audio would be that much richer and more "live" from the RX-V3800 than my old amp, but it truly is. And the catalog of Internet Radio stations is very thorough and very cool to surf through.
This is the best receiver you could buy for under $2,000 right now, and maybe the best under $3,000. Obviously, you won't be getting great audio quality through a Web stream, but the convenience of being able to get your favorite streams right on the receiver is awesome.
Then I tried a host of unmatched speakers to see if the automatic setup could sort it all out. The YPAO system optimization works extremely well and quickly. This amplifier is incredible. I was concerned that it would leave the room too "bright" but it definitely got the accoustics right. The range of options is intimidating, and it will definitely take some time to fully realize the potential of this excellent receiver. I tried all manner of HDMI cables just to see what happens and this receiver managed them all. For the technically capable this is the receiver for you.
I am only using it in 5.1 mode instead of the 7.1 because I only have 5 speakers, and am using the other outputs for a second zone outside. Previous receiver was an Onkyo 5.1, this is far superior. I control my home theater with the Logitech Harmony 1000 RF remote, and I have the Yamaha in a cabinet, out of sight. It was extremely easy to set up. My wife was continually surprised at the details she was hearing. It hasn't given me the slightest problem in a month of heavy use. The included microphone used to calibrate speakers did a great job. Highly recommended.
and the highest quality SACD audio is of paramount importance to you, do NOT get this reciever. If you use a Playstation 3 console with the SACD logo on it. and the surround effects are so VERY much more discrete channel to channel.This receiver also really shines when it comes to reproducing music from REGULAR audio CD. It only had the original Dolby ProLogic surround mode(the only surround mode available at the time).
It won't playback SACD through the HDMI connector. This receiver will not output audio from either of them. Can't wait to get the rest of the Axiom Epic 80-500 speaker system. This is my current setup (but REALLY major changes are soon to come in the speakers).:Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 LCD Widescreen (bought from Amazon)Yamaha RX-V3800 7.1 A/V Receiver (Also from Amazon)2 Pioneer CS-99A speakers (bought from Navy Exchange in 1971 on Guam)1 Lancer center channel speaker bought at Fedco around 19942 small Optimus Pro 77 speakers in die cast aluminum for the surroundsSony Playstation 3 80GB bundled w/MGS4 Video Game bought June 13, 2008Alesis Masterlink ML-9600 studio master disc recorder/player bought 2006Although the old Pioneer CS-99A speakers do still compare in quality to speakers costing up to $1000 a pair today, they are not up to the standards I look for nowadays. 6 ohms everywhere else) at relatively high volume levels without overheating or shutting down.Yet, even with these old Pioneer speakers, the Yamaha sounds so much better than the surround reciever I had before. SACD playback WAS very important for me, since I also have a high end set of speakers on my system. Get this receiver.
You will NOT regret it.Update June 15th, 2008.Got the new Sony Playstation 3 80GB bundled with MGS4 game at the Playstation Store at the Metreon in San Francisco on June 13th. And get it from Amazon. UPDATE May 30th, 2008A little over two weeks ago I replaced all my front speakers in my home theater system. one day after the package was released.
Cleaner at all audio frequencies, much better imaging. Instead, get one of the newest mid to high end sony receivers. Plus 2 extra Axiom M3 V2's used for"presence" speakers up front for full 3-D imaging. LOVE IT.Update August 24th, 2008I have discovered a problem with this receiver.
I had been using an old Pioneer video receiver (purchased from Fedco in National City, CA in around 1994 or so) which had only 5.0 surround (no subwoofer or LFE output). I am also very happy with the XM ready feature, as I do subscribe to XM radio service for both my home A/V system and XM 2 Go portable at workIf you are looking for an A/V receiver in this price range, you can't go wrong with the Yamaha RX-V3800 Receiver. Now I can really hear what my Yamaha RX-V3800 receiver can do. I haven't had time to utilize all it's features, but I'm ecstatic about what I've tried so far. Recently I purchased one pure SACD disc and one Hybrid SACD disc.
Even XM radio sounds amazing. If I were to rate the receiver now, it would only get 2 stars, not five. PLEASE SEE MY ADDENDUM FOR AUGUST 24TH AT THE END OF THIS REVIEW. On the left and right front channels I now have Axiom M80 v2 speakers and the center channel is now the Axiom VP150 speaker and the sound improvement over my old Pioneer and Lancer speakers is nothing short of amazing. My opinion has changed considerably.I received my Yamaha RX-V3800 receiver from Amazon in late February and am totally pleased with it.
or with Amazon. I am currently replacing them with a full set of Axiom Epic 80-500 7.1 surround speaker system. Yes, this Yamaha can handle 4 ohm loads (on the front mains. I am extremely disappointed.
Put yourself in the middle of all of your concert DVD's and action movies. The sound is outstanding and there are enough inputs/outputs to satisfy anyone. I'm going to make this short and sweet. This is my 3rd Yamaha A/V receiver and I couldn't be happier. With quality like this, I'm sure my next receiver will also be a high end Yamaha.
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