Despite being top-rated and scoring high at every level, previous models of Yamaha RX V679 have always had a “but” or an “if”, whether it was the price or the lack of some highly expected features. Sure, both the V675 and V677 units were good and outperformed the competition, but small details kept them away from the first spot. Based on a series of Yamaha RX V679 reviews, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to change all these minuses and come up with something that can successfully top the market. But then, just like any other company, Yamaha claims its unit is the best on the market. As I have tested it myself, I would be lying if I claimed I did not have any disappointments. So, what should you know about it?

Features to top the segment

Previous models have topped the market on multiple aspects, but altogether, they were taken over by the competition. This one comes as an improvement. I have tested both the V675 and the V677 and I must say the V679 features a bigger and more spacious sound. The quality is so much higher that it becomes the first thing you notice. Not only that, but the sound is also engaging and balanced – watch an action movie and it feels like you are right there, in the middle of the action. As for dialogues, they are crisp clear. You could swear they are right there next to you.

Who Yamaha RX V679 is for

Honestly, I believe this is among the higher end products out there. I would not buy it if I was not a tech freak. At the same time, if you have a quality home cinema system, you will need a proper receiver too. Simply match quality standards for every other piece of equipment. On another hand, if you barely watch a movie once a week and you might as well watch it on your laptop with the built in speakers, you do not really need an AV receiver.

Why Yamaha RX V679 matches most buyers’ needs

So, what do you look for in an AV receiver? You want as many inputs as possible, right? You want enough for whatever you have around, but also some extra for future technologies. You can leave yourself in good hands with Yamaha then. Then, you want a top-notch quality. At this point, most Yamaha RX V679 reviews agree that it feels a bit tough to beat this product. Like I said in the beginning, I was a bit disappointed with the fact that Yamaha still has not integrated Dolby Atmos, yet the high quality sound can compensate for it to a certain point.

Technical specs

Now, what kind of features does Yamaha plan to use in order to dominate the segment? Sound quality To me, an intense action movie blockbuster will give me all the details I need. I tried a couple of movies with my friends and the amp feels like it throws itself inside the movie. Every punch is taken and redelivered to you with a solid impact and a great feeling. Glass shattering? I cannot imagine a clearer sound than this one. Whether it comes to a busy scene or a quiet dialogue, the sound is crisp and neat. Setup and configuration The setup is quite intuitive – the proprietary YPAO calibration system will take care of everything for you. You can also enable YPAO Volume features during the setup, but I kept it off for less interferences with the original sound. Other than that, you got a 7.2 channel amp with 90W for each channel. You have six HDMI inputs – five at the back and one at the front, as well as a single output. This is a minus if you want to get a second screen. But other than that, there are no issues. Inputs and capabilities All the HDMI inputs are 2.0a. Basically, they can take HDR content (yay!), not to mention 4K content – 60fps only, not more. Three of these inputs are also rated as HDCP 2.2. The configuration aims to add compatibility with 4K Blu-Ray players and other similar technologies. When it comes to 4K content, you can count on the 4:4:4 signal for the video as well. In other words, colors will be faultless. Interface and package The interface is straightforward, but it will take you a few minutes to get used to it if this is your first AV receiver. Get the controller app as well (free of charge), yet you also have a remote-controlled. You can connect the unit to the Internet wirelessly and stream music through various portals. Bluetooth is available too.

Final words

In conclusion, it is no surprise why you can find so many Yamaha RX V679 reviews out there. While not perfect, I find this AV receiver to have all the features you need. I would say it is future proof and can successfully handle one’s needs for many years.

Yamaha RX V381 may not look like such a big difference from the previously released models. It has similar buttons on the front, yet it is a bit more compact and smaller – just enough to get a good accommodation under the TV stand or anywhere in the area. The receiver is rated to be an entry-level model. It does not overflow with bells and whistles – after all, who needs all those random features that only add to the price? Instead, it is a focused performer coming with just the right capabilities. My Yamaha RX V381 review will help you determine whether or not this receiver is what your home cinema system needs. It is suitable for a series of other uses as well. So, what should you know about it before spending your money?

What makes Yamaha RX V381 a sound performer

The overall performance recommends this receiver for most home applications. The sound is articulate and quick. With certain movies or games, it will make everything feel like you are right there in the middle of action. It truly impressed me during dialogues. Voices are quite expressive and you can sense tones in a completely new way. On another note, while this is not my first receiver, I found it very easy to set up. Everything is straightforward and simple – no need for previous experience.

Who Yamaha RX V381 is for

I find the RX V381 model suitable for two categories. First, you got those who want quality. We all know how poorly designed TV speakers are – the issue is just part of the thin design style. After all, where are you going to fit some decent speakers? It makes no difference if you are after quality games or you have a small home cinema in a room. If you want quality sound, this receiver can make it happen. Second, you have those who want value for money. The AV receiver features just what you need. It is priced accordingly – no bells and whistles. Who needs them anyway? However, if the budget is not an issue for you and you want the latest technologies, this AV receiver may not be the best option for you. It can get the job done, but you want bells and whistles – not going to find them here.

Technical features

Now, what should you know about its features and specifications? Sound quality I have tried this receiver with everything. I tried it with both action and horror movies. The fact that it impresses in sound should not be a surprise – after all, Yamaha’s latest releases have dominated the market. Whether it comes to punches, shots, ghostly whispers or dialogues, close your eyes and you can feel the action around you. So, what will actually impress you? The detail. You will never read a negative Yamaha RX V381 review about small details. Every detail is detected and successfully represented throughout your speakers. Connectivity Yamaha has kept in simple in terms of connectivity. Think about it – what else do you need apart from USB and Bluetooth connectivity? You can hook pretty much any device through a classic USB connection. If you want to go wirelessly, you can also use the Bluetooth connectivity. I found it surprising that even if you hook in some lower quality files, the Compressed Music Enhancer will still get as much as possible out of them and provide rich sounds in a smooth ambiance. A remote controller is included in the package for more convenience. Numbers and specs The AV receiver is a 5.1 surround sound unit. Each channel features 100 watts. It is compatible with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 technologies, but it will also handle 4K signals with no issues at all. It is HDR compatible too. While the sound quality is quite good out of the box, you have an automatic setup calibration. The on screen GUI will make it easier for you. Everything is intuitive, so you do not have too much hassle. Extras Yamaha RX V381 is not entirely free of bells and whistles. The YPAO speaker setup will measure the room and set the unit accordingly. You also have a free application to help using the menu, not to mention connectivity.

Final words​​

As a short final conclusion, Yamaha has created yet another successful product that will most likely dominate the market for a while. The RX V381 unit comes to continue the tradition of some flawless AV receivers released over the past years. My Yamaha RX V381 review is straight to the point. You will get more than what you pay for. You have a leading product from a reputable manufacturer. You get all the features needed to enhance your experience, but no random stuff that will only boost the price.

Out on the market for a new television set? You might be familiar with top manufacturers, as well as low budget names. Just because you want something in the middle, it does not mean that you can ditch entry level companies – exactly! You would be surprised. Vizio is probably known for its entry level TVs – basic features, good quality standards, and decent prices. However, the past few years have shown us that Vizio can also play along with the big boys. In fact, the M and the P series can easily go above the average bargain collection. I was just as surprised when I got my first Vizio TV. In fact, this Vizio M50-D1 review will help you understand why picture quality and performance will beat anyone in this range – including big names like Sony or Samsung. The entry-level market has just become competitive and interesting…

The catch with Vizio M50-D1

Alright, so I was out there looking for a new TV. This one has the feature and image quality of a high end unit, but it costs three times less. I knew Vizio was an entry level company, so how come they managed to provide all those without increasing the price? The TV works with a tablet only. Nothing to worry about – the Android tablet is included in the price. It is essential for streaming application access, as well as all kinds of settings. While it is different, it is still similar to a big screen operation. It feels a bit unusual at first, but it is worth the savings. Also, it has no tuner, so you cannot come up with an antenna. To watch TV, I had to get a third party tuner box. But then again, it feels a bit less convenient, but you save lots of money, so it is worth it. Who Vizio M50-D1 is for If you have a smartphone or a tablet, you will get along with this set. You will figure out how it works immediately. Basically, this set is for everyone who wants to save money without compromising quality – everyone who is familiar with how touchscreen devices work. On the other hand, I would never buy one of these for my grandmother. She can barely operate a classic remote controller and she has no idea what half the functions do. Having her run stuff through a tablet would make the TV unusable. Vizio M50-D1 over other M series screens There are more screens released in this M series – 55, 60, 65, 70 and 80. Apart from the screen size and the type, there are no differences. One exception though – M60-D1 comes with an IPS panel. Other than that, it is mostly a personal preference of screen size, which will also reflect on the price. Features and specifications So, what else can you expect from this unusual screen? 4K content You may run into an older Vizio M50-D1 review claiming on the lack of access to 4K content – 2015 and older models though. The 2016 releases feature HEVC and VP9 4K access. In other words, your high definition content access has been increased. Other than that, one of the reasons why I chose this TV was the implementation of HDR10 and Dolby Vision. I could get HDS content from Amazon Prime and Netflix – some of my main priorities when getting a new TV. Controls Alright, so, at a first glance, it looks like the tablet is responsible for all controls. I like a classic remote controller – I want to change the channel, turn the volume up or down without taking my eyes off the screen. Sure, you get used to it, but still. The tablet comes with Vizio’s application preinstalled. Luckily, Vizio also includes a small remote controller for basic functions – volume, input, aspect ratio and a few others. Let me add that you can also invest in a quality universal controller – Vizio is compatible with plenty of solid brands. Processor When most 4K TVs come with a quad core processor, Vizio has implemented an octa core processor on its M and P series – extra speed, lots of power and no freezing. Besides, such a processor will work with native 4K content with no issues at all. LED backlighting Vizio has also focused on full array LED backlighting. Now, I have tried a few high end TVs from other manufacturers and Vizio’s technology is not as robust, but it is clearly impressive, especially as the price is significantly lower. Moreover, the technology comes with local dimming.

Final words

In the end, I hope my Vizio M50-D1 review has made it clear for you. To keep it simple, Vizio has brought in many features and technologies you would only find in high end TVs – all these while keeping prices low and reducing the convenience a bit. Is it worth? I say it is, but it is up to you to set your priorities.