Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsAwesome features, low price
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2017
Using this with some Polk outdoor speakers and so far I am impressed with what this $200 receiver can do!
PROS:
- Phone app allows you to control power, volume, inputs and stations. This means if you connect the receiver to the same network as your phone, you can place it out of sight and use your phone as the remote control.
- Plenty of inputs - I connected a computer, CD player, and Bluetooth adapter.
- If you're a programmer you can control this thing with some simple XML api calls and build your own remote app or schedule it to turn on and off while you're away.
- Screw-down speaker connectors (not springs) for a firm connection.
- Was able to browse and play songs from a UPNP server on the network from the remote app.
CONS:
- No "tape loop" for an equalizer. (Yes, I know you can install an EQ inline, but that would only apply to one remote controlled input.)
- No loudness control or tone adjustments beyond bass and treble.
- The remote app is great once you find it, but Yamaha has too many apps! The one you want for this receiver is "NP Controller".
- Once in the app, changing sources is obvious but volume is not. Tip: click the little arrow at the bottom to "reveal" the volume and power buttons.
CONCLUSION:
They really "knocked it out of the park" on features with this receiver. On sound quality, I have owned a Yamaha surround receiver in the past and been impressed with it, so I was willing to take a chance on this one despite lack of advanced tone controls or equalizer. However, after adjusting the bass/treble controls to my liking, it sounds decent and seems to be working well for outdoor speakers.
