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| Yamaha |
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Although Yamaha didn�t have an update to their �let�s get rid of the channel buttons� RAV-2000 remote control, as consolation they were showing what absolutely has to be the best high-end A/V receiver on the market: the RX-Z9. This thing has everything � really!
Imagine a full 7 channels, each with 170 watts of power, plus two dedicated effects channels with 50 watts each: that�s a total of 1,290 watts (impress your friends by calling it �1.29 kilowatts�). Next add on THX Ultra 2 certification � something Yamaha has shied away from in the past. Mix in the latest Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing, a full complement of Dolby Digital and DTS sound modes, 51 surround programs (something Yamaha always does well), composite, S-Video and component video up-conversion to progressive scan output via Faroudja DCDi processing, brand new exclusive graphical animated menus, an automatic microphone-assisted audio calibration routine, more inputs than you can shake a stick at, such as six component video and 11 digital audio inputs, plus top-quality construction (66 pounds!) and you�ve got an idea of what this receiver is capable of. Blasting your socks off!
I�m already in love, but this impressive spec sheet doesn�t come cheap: the suggested list price is $4,499, even higher than the Denon AVR-5803. The only thing lacking in the package is the remote control, which is an unintuitive many-buttoned model... but that�s easily remedied by one of several available products that are capable of making full use of Yamaha�s extensive and exemplary discrete code support. Hey, what�s another $400?
For those who want great sound but don�t want to spend that kind of money, Yamaha�s new $999 RX-V2400 just may fit the bill. This receiver also offers great power (120 watts into 7 channels) and THX Select certification, plus a full complement of DTS and Dolby decoding formats, 29 surround programs, multiple zones, component video upconversion, 8 digital audio inputs and 7 S-Video inputs, multi-zone audio and video, RS232 control, 12V triggers and more than enough for almost any A/V equipment. For those on an even stricter budget there�s the $799 RX-V1400 receiver, which offers 110 watts times 7 channels, THX Select certification, Dolby and DTS decoding, component video upconversion, 27 surround programs and a similar arrangement of inputs.
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| Intrigue Technologies |
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The big news at Intrigue�s booth this year was the imminent release of the new Harmony SST-659 remote control. Although advertised as a lower-end model compared to the SST-768, the new SST-659 has a number of hardware improvements such as more hard buttons, plus full LCD and keypad backlighting. In fact, there are so many buttons here � 51 in total � that it would seem that Intrigue has taken the exact opposite approach as with their first model, the SST-745, which had a scant 13 keys. The SST-659 once again features a great physical design that, while completely different than the SST-768, features the same high quality grade of construction.
Another feature of the SST-659 will be simpler online programming � Intrigue has taken away much of the complexity surrounding the SST-768�s advanced programming procedure and, while that does reduce what the remote is ultimately capable of, it will also make it much more accessible to the average consumer who doesn�t need or even want to edit raw XML code.
The Harmony SST-659 is available now for $199 USD. Whether you want some buttons, more buttons, or tons of buttons, there�s a Harmony out there for you!
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