Yamaha RX-V2600
Manufacturer: Yamaha Part number: RX-V2600
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Yamaha RX-V2600's seductive sound is matched by its up-to-the-minute features and stellar build quality, but its video options fall just short of the best we've seen.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Yamaha RX-V2600 price range: $799.00
- Reviewed by: Steve Guttenberg
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 06/11/2006
- Released on: 10/15/2005
The good: The Yamaha RX-V2600 is an advanced 7.1-channel A/V receiver with advanced autosetup capabilities, the ability to upconvert analog video to HDMI (with upscaling to 720p/1080i), and an XM-ready satellite radio function. In addition to its high-end build quality, the receiver offers A/B speaker switching and THX Ultra 2 certification.
The bad: Multilayered menus and baffling navigation design may confound even experienced home-theater mavens. And while the HDMI video options are impressive, inferior processing and the lack of 1080p support puts the Yamaha squarely behind Denon's comparable models.
The bottom line: The Yamaha RX-V2600's seductive sound is matched by its up-to-the-minute features and stellar build quality, but its video options fall just short of the best we've seen.
User reviews
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Well executed receiver with all the bells & whistles
by datadan on December 31, 2005
Pros: video scaling, power, multi-room flexibility, HDMI up-conversion
Cons: HDMI switching compatibility issue with SA 8300 HD DVR from TWC (not a Yamaha problem)
Summary: This is the first receiver that I could justify spending more than $600 on. The HDMI and video scaling features were well worth the extra $$. I scale all video sources ...
Summary: This is the first receiver that I could justify spending more than $600 on. The HDMI and video scaling features were well worth the extra $$. I scale all video sources to 1080i and send all video through a single HDMI connection to my TV. The remote was a perfect replacement for the Harmony/Logitech I had to use before to tame all my components. Video and audio quality are superb. Eliminated many cables and the use of muliple inputs on my TV through the HDMI up-conversion capability. The area of improvement that I can think of would be to enlarge the LCD display area on the remote to show more details. I have to use the GUI display of the 2600 frequently to check and adjust settings - mostly audio DSP modes. Having this displayed on the remote would be easier.
14 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Convoluted design- it could have been an excellent home theater receiver
by boyziggy on June 20, 2006
Pros: Nice OSD, good auto-eq, component HD switching and upscaling from Svid and composite.
Cons: Zone2 useless, too much it can't do, convoluted remote that makes you want to cry
Summary: There are too many things the Yamaha RX-V2600 receiver cannot do; too many convoluted setup paths that you must rigidly follow. It's extremely frustrating because this product comes so ...
Summary: There are too many things the Yamaha RX-V2600 receiver cannot do; too many convoluted setup paths that you must rigidly follow. It's extremely frustrating because this product comes so close to being the perfect center of any home theater system. But it's failures are so miserable that I cannot recommend purchasing this product. There is absolutely no flexibility, resulting in hours of headaches.
Here are some examples:
Secondary zone outputs:
Despite using self powered speakers for both my mains and my surrounds, I am required to either purchase a separate amplifier for my zone 2 speakers, or give up my surround sound processing. This receiver cannot handle zone2 passive speakers while processing surround sound. Why? Also the secondary zone outputs have no EQ control, and there's a delay between the main speakers and the zone 2 speakers. This makes the zone 2&3 totally worthless. I was hoping to use this to pipe sound into my dining room. Now I need to purchase a separate amp for this.
No Analog to Digital conversion:
I use digital audio for all of my inputs. But for some unknown reason, this receiver cannot provide an analog output from a digital input, even though it sends a headphone output which is essentially the same thing. This greatly complicates the wiring, because to setup a VCR or a second zone, you need to run analog audio cables through all the i/os, which is a complete waste. There's no reason they couldn't have patched digital ins to analog outs.
Convoluted Remote Control:
This remote control is so convoluted it could not have possibly been designed by a human being. I think that the Honda robots probably designed this remote control through some joint venture with Yamaha. I have an easier time intuitively using my college scientific calculator then this remote.
Finally the memory presets cannot be saved for more then a few days without power. I have serious issues with this, as I don't like to leave power running to devices while I'm not home. Basically you have to leave the damn thing plugged in all the time.
Despite my frustrations, this probably is the best amp for the money. Fortunately I haven't had any major problems with the amp. Since it costs twice as much to buy it from an authorized Yamaha dealer, don't expect any post-purchase support.
I did a lot of research in advance. The wide variety customizable sound fields, along with flexible parametric equing for each channel is what sold me. The THX presets sound beautiful.
I just wish that companies that make these products focused more on user-friendly interfaces and less on saving a few cents on manufacturing. The OSD is very fluid and nice looking, but the menu structure is rigid and incapable of doing many of the functions in the receiver- like the AM/FM tuning for example!
If you’re in the market for a Receiver, wait another year. I’m sure next year Yamaha will make an RX-V2700 that will fix all the shortcomings of this receiver.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 884.9910 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product, Lousy Support
by Ed Mueller on May 7, 2007
Pros: Sound! Sound! Sound! HDMI upconversion, pretty GUI
Cons: Menu learning curve will frustrate most, poor support, zone 3 analog only???
Summary: 1st, the sound quality is the best i have heard at this level. Video upconversion also looked great. The only feature that I really was not happy with is the ...
Summary: 1st, the sound quality is the best i have heard at this level. Video upconversion also looked great. The only feature that I really was not happy with is the fact that only analog sources can be distributed to zones to and 3? In other words, if you plan to use this unit to power your deck speakers, or even just as the source of music for your deck speakers, you will need to use an analog connection (in addition to your new, expensive HDMI's you just bought)from your cable box, DVD player, Computer, etc. to the 2600). This is noted in just one paragraph, of 1 page of the extensive manual - and not exactly where you would expect to find it. I placed two calls to Yamaha, and 2 emails over the course of 3 weeks, before getting a response to my 2nd email. Their tech support was useless, and eventually I stumpled upon the answers by myself.
This unit is truly awesome - just plan on spending some time learning how it ticks.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Too many issues for the price, including on-screen info displays and zones
by tsullivan2071 on February 15, 2007
Pros: HDMI upscaling allowing a single tv connection
Cons: The on-screen displays (i.e., receiver volume, source, sound fields, etc) do not function when when viewing HDMI sources or HD-TV signal; and the zones 2&3 can only output L/R input
Summary: The unit looks great and tauts a lot of great features for the price range. However, once I got it home and installed, I have become very disappointed -- it ...
Summary: The unit looks great and tauts a lot of great features for the price range. However, once I got it home and installed, I have become very disappointed -- it doesn't live-up to its promises and feature list. First, the on-screen info display (i.e., when you alter the receiver's volume, it is suppose to appear on the tv as what Yamaha terms a "short message" display) only works when viewing non-HDMI video sources and non-HDTV signals. So, it doesn't work watching any HDTV channels or when watching a DVD connected via HDMI. This completely defeats the purpose of one connection and conversion. If you read very carefully through the manual, there is a sentance hidden 2/3's back that confirms this fact. How could they possibly put out a HDMI upconversion unit that cannot diplay the receiver's info screens? Second, the zone 2 and 3 features do not work as advertised. This was one of the big reasons I purchased the unit, to also run my living room and patio speakers. Turns-out, thee is another sentance hidden in the manual that informs the purchaser (after the fact) that the zones can only output signals that are connected into the receiver as L and R rca connections. Again, this means that audio originating from sources such as a DVD (via HDMI), HD cable box (from either HDMI cable or other options), etc, cannot be heard or sent to zones 2 and 3. This means that you cannot listen to a music cable channel on zones 2 or 3 either. Makes the zones worthless to most users, or at least much less functional. Very disappointed based on these highly tauted but lacking features.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Music and home theater upgrade in one
by gbone73 on August 26, 2006
Pros: Fantastic sound and good video upconversion
Cons: right now i can not think of any
Summary: Well i i first had a older model yamaha reciever ( htr-5660) .It was only 85 watts per channel.It sounded great buy i just wanted more power.Well i got ...
Summary: Well i i first had a older model yamaha reciever ( htr-5660) .It was only 85 watts per channel.It sounded great buy i just wanted more power.Well i got what i wanted ! the RX-V2600 sounds great .I noticed that the higer wattage does not realy mean it's just louder.When i compared it to my older model,i realized that when i crank the volume up almost all the way though ,it never lost clarity like the htr -5660 would when i was realy playing very loud music.How loud you like your material is up to you or your situation(room size ex..)but again this receiver realy sounds great.Now on the video side of things.I am upgradeing all my cable tv to 1080i.It realy does work folks! NO Joke! All of my 450 somewhat channels are all in 1080i hd.Just dont expect it to look as good as your standard hd channels.Even when its set to upscale 480i to 1080i,It looks more like 480p.It is still a marked improvement though.I have two component cable devices coming in and an hdmi coming out to my tv.I recommend this receiver to anyone who is in to home theater!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT freaking unit!!Wonderful quality and ease of use.
by richdip64 on February 20, 2012
Pros: Handset is a snap after you run through it and give a chance. Not convoluted at all. To make this unit do what an older set would do you would need lots of knobs on the front. Clarity of sound is off the chart and extremely easy to set up the sound.
Cons: At first I too thought the wireless handset was a mystery. Until I started using it for awhile. Then it became much easier to use. But nothing to whine about and bring a review to it's knees for Christ sake!
Summary: For the money, I could not find better and still a thrill after two years of use.
Summary: For the money, I could not find better and still a thrill after two years of use.
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Highly recommended for those who want superb sound.
by anshiman2 on August 30, 2010
Pros: Great HDMI upscalng, conversion, backlit remote, pure direct, 7.1 channels.
Cons: The only thing I can think of is that it doesn't support upscaling to 1080p.
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Not Impressed but more functions then you can dream of.
by jeeping on August 10, 2007
Pros: Solid build, many audio, video setting options
Cons: Menu not great and maybe a bad unit?
Summary: I was so excited to get this unit after reading all the great reviews (most not on this site). I ended up returning this unit because I didntt like they ...
Summary: I was so excited to get this unit after reading all the great reviews (most not on this site). I ended up returning this unit because I didntt like they user/menu interface, had issue with the screen shuting off during menu modes, audio/video signals did not make a smooth transistion and flickered on and off. Finally I could not get some icons on the front panel to light up correctly. Now, I may have recieved a bad unit but I was not impressed overall. I was VERY impressed with all the audio/video setting to dial in the sound or video. This is a unit for the true Audiophile and not for the general user!!!
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EXCEPTIONAL PIC AND SOUND
by wags11 on February 26, 2006
Pros: hdmi hookups a breeze
Cons: other than figuring out the set up , this thing rocks
Summary: upgraded everything, monitor - NEC 50XR5A.
speakers- KEV 2005.5 w/ sub
dvd- Oppo 971
Directv HD.......
w/ this receiver unbelievable sound and pic, just needed 3 hdmi cablesSummary: upgraded everything, monitor - NEC 50XR5A.
speakers- KEV 2005.5 w/ sub
dvd- Oppo 971
Directv HD.......
w/ this receiver unbelievable sound and pic, just needed 3 hdmi cables1 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Yamaha
- Part number: RX-V2600
- Description: Yamaha has endeavored to produce products and services that satisfy the diverse needs and desires of people worldwide. Its products and services are recognized the world over for superior quality in acoustics, design, technology, craftsmanship, and customer oriented services. These products and services under the brand name of Yamaha are highly regarded by a large number of professionals, institutions, business people within the related industries, and consumers. PRODUCT FEATURES: Quad-Field/Tri-Field CINEMA DSP and 22 surround programs with 5 THX Select2 programs; Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS 96/24 compatibility; Audio Delay for adjusting Lip-Sync (0 - 240 ms); Analog mixdown; Extended remote control codes, dual remote terminals for Zone 2 and Zone 3 and Dual +12V Trigger outputs; Dialog lift; Selectable 9-band subwoofer crossover; Subwoofer phase select; Night Listening Enhancer ensures that all programs (including Dolby Pro Logic IIx); SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP; Speaker A, B or A+B selection, with Virtual CINEMA DSP; Capability in Zone B; Two-Line FL display; Max volume setting; Initial volume setting; Channel mute; 6 System memories; Direct-Access (Macro-Command, Learning and Preset Capable) remote control unit with macro-command buttons and illuminated buttons.
General
- Product type AV receiver
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.1 in x 17.2 in x 6.7 in
Audio
- Surround System Class 7.1 channel
- Amplifier Output Details 130 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 0.04 % - 2 channel(s) ( Front ),
130 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 0.04 % - 2 channel(s) ( Center ),
130 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 0.04 % - 2 channel(s) ( Surround ),
130 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 0.04 % - 2 channel(s) ( Surround back ) - Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Audio D/A Converter 24bit / 192kHz
- Built-in Decoders Dolby Pro Logic IIx,
Dolby Digital,
Dolby Pro Logic II,
DTS decoder,
THX Surround EX decoder,
Dolby Pro Logic,
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1,
Dolby Digital Surround EX,
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1,
DTS Neo:6,
DTS 96/24 - THX certified Yes
- Surround Sound Effects SILENT CINEMA DSP,
CINEMA DSP - Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
- DSP Preset Qty 22
- Input Impedance 47 KOhm
- Input Sensitivity 200 mV
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 100 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion 0.04 %
- Output Power (Total) 910 Watt
- Bass Control Yes
- Additional Features Bi-Amplifying,
THX Select2 certified,
A-B speaker switch,
On-screen display,
Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) Tuner
- Tuner Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
- Tuner Frequency Range AM: 531 - 1611 kHz,
FM: 87.5 - 108 MHz - Tuning Display Fluorescent display
- Preset Station Qty 40
- Antenna Form Factor Loop AM / wire FM
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 15000 Hz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 70 dB
- Auto Preset Memory Yes
Equalizer
- Equalizer Yes
- Equalizer type Parametric
Inputs & Outputs
- HD connectors HDMI connection(s) on this receiver make it a great choice for your High-Def home theater. One cable carries digital audio and video data directly to your display.
- Connections 3xDigital audio input (coaxial)(RCA phono)-Rear,
4xDigital audio input (optical)-Rear,
2xDigital audio output (optical)-Rear,
1xSerial(9 pin D-Sub)-Rear,
2xHDMI input(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
1xHDMI output(19 pin HDMI Type A)-Rear,
3xComponent video input(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
1xComponent video output(RCA phono x 3)-Rear,
5xS-Video input(4 pin mini-DIN)-Rear,
5xComposite video input(RCA phono)-Rear,
9xAudio line-in(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
3xS-Video output(4 pin mini-DIN)-Rear,
3xComposite video output(RCA phono)-Rear,
4xAudio line-out(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
2xAudio line-out (multi zone)(RCA phono x 2)-Rear,
2xComposite video output (multi zone)(RCA phono)-Rear,
1x5.1 channel audio line-in(RCA phono x 6)-Rear,
4xRemote control(Mini-phone 3.5 mm)-Rear,
1x7.1 channel audio line-out(RCA phono x 8)-Rear,
1xFM antenna-Rear,
1xAM antenna(Click-fit x 2)-Rear,
2xFront speakers output(Banana/spade x 2)-Rear,
2xSurround speakers output(Banana/spade x 2)-Rear,
1xCenter speaker output(Banana/spade x 2)-Rear,
2xSpeakers output (multi zone)(Click-fit x 2)-Rear,
1xHeadphones-Front,
1xS-Video input(4 pin mini-DIN)-Front,
1xComposite video input(RCA phono)-Front,
1xAudio line-in(RCA phono x 2)-Front,
1xDigital audio input (optical)-Front - Headphone Jack Yes
- Coaxial Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Input Yes
- Optical Digital Output Yes
Display
- Built-in display Fluorescent
Accessories
- Second remote control type None
Miscellaneous
- AV Furniture None
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 230 V
- Power Consumption Operational 500 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.1 Watt
- Power Outlets 2 AC outlets
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Yamaha products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Yamaha
- Address:
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620 - Phone: 714/522-9000
- Email: infostation@yamaha.com



