Home Decor & Furniture :: Yamaha Home Theater
Yamaha Home Theater: The Well Designed - But Imperfect - Home Theater From Yamaha
The YHT-670 is one of the top Yamaha home theater systems available. It consists of a full size A/V receiver and a separate DVD changer plus a satellite and subwoofer system with six pieces.
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The receiver is definitely a big improvement over the typical integrated receiver-DVD-players that come packaged with other comparably-priced home theater systems. By being separate from the DVD player greater control and customization becomes possible. The buttons and controls of the receiver are well-organized and fairly easy to use. The remote control is likewise well-organized and straightforwardly designed, and is partially back-lit.
A minor quibble with the remote is that it didn't come pre-programmed to be able to control the DVD changer as well. Although the DVD changer does come with its own remote, it would be a bit more convenient to be able to use the same remote control for both. |
The A/V receiver comes with six 110-watt channels and the usual complement of surround sound processing technologies from Dolby and DTS. Yamaha also included its own proprietary technology called Cinema DSP (user-customizable surround sound field programs for both music and movie sources). The receiver also boasts outstanding connectivity, with three rear panel A/V inputs that can accommodate S-video, component video, or composite type connections. There are three digital inputs and one optical output. There is even an option to attach an iPod dock that can connect to the ubiquitous media player for both audio and video playback. There are 5.1 analog outputs as well as two sets of speaker outputs. On the front panel, there is a minijack for portable digital audio players and a single composite A/V connection.
The DVD changer works very smoothly, taking 18 seconds to complete an almost completely silent disc swapping. It also plays all standard CD and DVD formats.
The satellite speakers measure only 6.5 inches in height, and are therefore easily installed in available spaces. Their small size does not compromise their performance, however. These speakers are more than capable of filling a room with authentic surround sound. (At least not for low to mid-volume applications; at high volume applications the strain on these tiny speakers is audible, especially for demanding CD audio tracks.) The center speaker also performs well for a speaker of its size; it uses the same size of tweeters as the satellite speakers but with two woofers. The subwoofer contains an 8-inch woofer with an attached 50 watt amplifier and is instrumental in providing the muscle for the surround sound.
These speakers are acceptable, but no where near top of the line. However, because of the system's component design, the option to upgrade to better speakers is available.
In summary, the YHT-670 is a decent Yamaha home theater system that has the advantage of being upgradeable, and having a high-quality receiver. The packaged speakers are fine but not great, and the controls are well-designed but still not perfect. For its price, better deals could be had with other manufacturers' all-in-one home theater systems, but at the loss of upgrade flexibility.
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Home Theater Review
