Yamaha RX-V363 with NS-P110

[admin_exported]

My LG DVD player (the £99 one from Tesco) has decided that I can only have volume from front left and subwoofer. Can't find the receipt and I threw the box away two days ago so can't take it back.

I'm now looking to replace with an actual AV receiver with a set of speakers (the ones above).

I was looking at the 361 as I wanted something with an optical input which would allow me play my Xbox 360 in proper surround sound. Then I noticed the replacement 363 has a HDMI input/output on it. I prefer this to the 361 because it means I can pipe it all through the AVR rather than audio to AVR via optical and visuals to TV via component.

What's the pros, cons and general opinions on this unit? What others are available at a similar price that you would recommend. It needs to be able to accept HD as I have a HD TV (32" Sony Bravia) and the Xbox 360 HD DVD player. Also, would the NS-P110s be sufficient for the 363? Interested in them because they're what Yamaha ship with their AV package with the 361. The reason I ask is because I think the 363 is more powerful than the 361.

Thanks

David

Edit: would just like to add that I'm completely new to the world of audio, my only experience is the LG unit mentioned above.

 

[professorhat]

Well, two things here:

1. How old is your LG? Even without a receipt and a box, it may still be in warranty (generally 12 months is standard with electronic goods). Have a look at the manual - if it is, contact LG to see about getting it fixed.

2. On the Yamaha, you say anything you get needs to be able to accept HD - are you talking about just having HDMI video switching or actual HD audio processing? The Yamaha can do HDMI video switching, but it can't accept HD audio signals so if this is important to you, you need to be looking at something else I'm afraid. The initial thought is naturally the Onkyo 606 though it is double in cost of the Yamaha...

 

[Anonymous]

LG is maybe 6 months old but I can't find the paperwork - it wasn't in the box when I threw that away.

HD audio - given that I didn't even know HD audio existed I don't think it's that important to me (very new to the whole audio/visual thing). How does HD audio work and is the difference as noticeable as SD vs HD visuals? I was happy with the sound quality of the LG even though it was a very cheap system so am I right to assume the Yamaha can only be better even if it's not HD Audio?

Couldn't stretch to double the Yamaha cost anyway, I am a Uni student after all lol

The main thing is the speakers working with the unit safely. Yamaha ship them with the 361 which is rated at 100watts per channel (from www.richersounds.com) as are the speakers. The 363 is 105watts per channel.

I'm possibly worrying about nothing but I'd just like to check before I spend a lot of money.

 

[Anonymous]

Everyone appears to be waxing lyrical about Onkyo! Don't get me wrong, but they make very good, value for money products and even more to their credit they have made high quality home cinema affordable to many more people. However, Yamaha, renowned for making even better products have just announced their 2008 A/V range, from £199 up to £799. I'm quite surprised that What Hi-Hi Sound And Vision haven't picked up on this! As someone said on another forum, competition is good, so move over Onkyo, Yamaha is back in town! Yamaha have also announced that they have adopted the VIERA link facility found on Panasonic LCD and Plasma TVs, enabling control of multiple devices with one remote control. My family have been using Yamaha products for over 20 years now - my first Yamaha amplifer (AX500), sold to a friend some ten years ago (it was 11 years old then) is still being used today! That's what I call reliability! It's probably older than some of What Hi-Fi's readers!?

 

[professorhat]

Well, at 6 months old, I'd say you have a good chance of it still being in warranty. You can try phoning LG and give them the serial number (will be written on the player itself somewhere). They should be able to tell from this.

HD audio is a big step up in quality from standard 5.1 audio, but if you can't afford it at the moment, I wouldn't worry as the standard Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 will still work on any HD players you have / get in future. I haven't heard either of the Yamaha systems so can't comment on whether they are any good, but don't worry about the power ratings. In this case, the 363 outputs slightly more power than the speakers can (in theory) accept, but this just means you shouldn't turn the amp up to full volume. If you start to hear distortion through the speakers, turn it down basically until this goes away.

If you can, visit a Yahama dealer and have a listen before you buy, then check out some other receivers in the same price range from Sony, Denon, Pioneer etc. until you find one you think sounds the best. Good dealers should be able to advise on a decent speaker set up to use with them.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a local HiFix, Superfi in Coventry and Richer Sounds isn't too far away (Birmingham). I'll go into town today and listen to a few.

It's good to know about the speakers, I don't listen to things at full volume anyway.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had those Yamaha speakers and given what they are for the price range they are fine.