Yamaha RXV-795 Receiver
Review written by Charles Zammit on 17-Dec-1999

The Yamaha RX-V795a looks the business, with plenty of buttons and dials, as well as input jacks, on the front panel. Its looks match its features, though. With built in Dolby Digital and DTS capability, 25 Digital Sound Field Processing (DSP) programs, and an ample 85W for each of the five chanels, the 795a really packs a punch.

There are six channel inputs for an external decoder for compatibility with future formats. For the real enthusiasts, pre-outs for all channels (including subwoofer) are included to allow outboard amplification and direct subwoofer connection.

The Yamaha can accommodate three digital sources (DVD/LD, TV/DBS and CD). However only the DVD/LD input has both optical and coaxial digital connections. People with a DVD player AND a Laserdisc will need to look elsewhere. An interesting note is that one set of A/V and S-Video connections are on the front panel to allow for easy connection of a video game console or video camera.

A universal remote control keypad (metallic silver in colour as opposed to the unit’s black) provides a different approach to input selection. A rotating selector wheel is used, which (with practice) can prove easier than button hunting. This is not true in the dark, however, as the selection is not illuminated. Thankfully all of the buttons do glow in the dark, but you would be advised to subject the remote to a light source before all the lights in the room are dimmed. The remote works well, combining with the useful on-screen display to enable you to easily change settings.

Now all these features are well and good, but how does the RX-V795a sound? In a word, sensational. Yours truly has the Yamaha connected to a Toshiba SD-2108 DVD player, and the results are outstanding. On aurally demanding movies such as The Mummy and The Matrix, the 795a produces a truly cinematic experience, with tight, deep bass and crisp, clean dialogue.

An example of this is the shootout scene in The Matrix when Neo rescues Morpheus. Gunfire and explosions were so vivid I felt I was in that building, looking to duck behind cover. My neighbours must have thought a riot was going on! The bullet casings hitting the ground also have to be heard to be believed. The Matrix is an incredible movie, and the RX-V795a is an integrated receiver that does it justice by accurately reproducing its amazing soundtrack.

The Yamaha also faithfully handles ordinary CD’s, whether played back in normal two channel stereo or one of the DSP modes. When selecting "Rock Concert" mode your CD’s are played through five channels, giving a live feel that some people will prefer. DTS CD’s (so far I have only tried one classical offering) are simply outstanding, and are so far ahead of normal CD’s sonically that I could not believe the difference.

On the whole, the RX-V795a is an excellent integrated receiver suitable for all but the most demanding home theatre enthusiast. At around $1499, it is superb value and won’t have many competitors that can match its performance and versatility. It is pretty well future-proof (although Dolby EX may change that), has more than enough power, more DSP programs than you will ever use, and delivers high quality sound that will impress.

The only negatives are a shortage of S-Video Inputs and Outputs, and that you cannot hook up a DVD player as well as a Laserdisc player. But, at $1499 (you should be able to do better) who’s complaining!