Yamaha has rounded out its 2012 AV receiver assortment with two new systems, the RX-V773WA and RX-V673. Both have all the expected AV and Apple goodies you expect from a decent system. You get 7.2 surround sound, AirPlay and DLNA for wireless music access and playback, plus Yamaha’s auto system setup feature called YPAO. They also offer multi-zone options to get music to other parts of the house.
There’s also a suite of network features including Wi-Fi (via an adaptor for the RX-V773WA) an iOS and Android app for IP control over your system via a mobile device of your choice.
In preparation for the coming storm of 4K, the units will pass 4K signals unprovoked. All models also provide 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel (ARC).
The top model RX-V773WA inproves upon the standard YPAO room calibration system with YPAO R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), which offers automatic multi-point room measurement to determine speaker positioning for the highest degree of sound optimization possible. The RX-V673 offers YPAO R.S.C. for automatic single-point room measurement. The YPAO system has been upgraded to ensure more accurate room measurements by confirming the subwoofer is fully responding before making audio adjustments.
If you don’t want to use all 7.2 channels for one home theater, you can direct the extra channels to a second audio zone.. The 7.2 channel RX-V773WA also provides party mode and Zone B dual HDMI outputs that give users unprecedented options and flexibility for enjoying audio and video content throughout the home.
The new systems include a feature called Dialog Lift to make dialog sound like it’s coming from the center of the viewing area rather than from underneath the screen, where center channel speakers are usually positioned. Dialog Level Adjustment enables listeners to fine-tune the balance of sound for dialog and vocals. The RX-V773WA and RX-V673 also have a Virtual Presence Speaker function for achieving full CINEMA DSP 3D surround without front presence speakers.
Finally, both models HD Audio format decoding, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio.
The RX-V773WA will be available in June for $849.95 MSRP, and the RX-V673 will be available in May for $649.95 MSRP.