Yamaha has rolled out some new AV receivers. Notable among the new group is the Yamaha RX-V663 AV Receiver, which boasts an impressive spec sheet for a price that won't break your bank account.

 

The Yamaha RX-V663 AV Receiver offers most of the functionality of it's $1000 big brother, the Yamaha RX-V863. Similar to the new Onkyo Av Receivers that launched last fall, the new Yamahas offer HDMI 1.3 compatibility with onboard handling of all advanced audio codecs. The Yamaha RX-V663 is a 7.2 channel AV receiver that sends 95 watts per channel. Some of the noteworthy features: analog bypass, Sirius and XM satellite radio ready, 2 HDMI in 1 HDMI out with upconversion, USB and ethernet jacks, RS-232c, YPAO room equalization, zone 2 output, and 12v triggers. The HDMI capability of the RX-V663 will handle 1080p24 and pass 120 Hz signals. This sound like any other sub $1k AV receiver to you. Ok, how about Burr-Brown DACs on all channels.

 

The Yamaha RX-V663 has an MSRP of $549.95, which makes it a very good value. Yamaha has never had a reputation of making AV receivers for audiophiles, but the specs on the RX-V663 position it to be considered if you're in the market for a $500 AV receiver.