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CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 10 reviews
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Product summary
The good: True six-channel receiver; massively flexible surround processing; A/B speaker switching.
The bad: Must adjust processing settings to improve sound.
The bottom line: This receiver's extensive tweakability will appeal to hands-on buyers.
Specifications: Product type: AV receiver; Sound output mode: Surround Sound; Amplifier total output power: 480 Watt; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 05/13/2002
Have it your way
The V1200's soft, orange display is easy on the eyes, and the receiver's sleek faceplate hides a cluster of buttons and knobs, as well as a complete set of audio/video/digital inputs behind a flip-down panel. The Bass Extension button on the main front panel lets you add a low-frequency boost without the hassle of using setup menus, and the Processor Direct feature gets you back to the original format in a jiffy. We spotted one rather unusual but potentially very useful feature: Center GEQ. If your center speaker is of a different brand or doesn't sonically match your left and right speakers, the Center GEQ's five-band graphic control can smooth things out. It's a way cool feature.
In addition to Yamaha's proprietary Tri-Field Cinema digital signal processing (DSP), this receiver is decked out with the latest Dolby Digital and DTS-ES Matrix and Discrete 6.1-channel surround-processing modes. Stereo CDs, FM radio, and older video sources will benefit from Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo: 6's exquisite 5.1 surround effects. The receiver delivers 80 watts to each of 6 channels.
The V1200's back panel is chock-full of jacks: two sets of component-video inputs, numerous S-Video and composite-video ins and outs, and a grand total of seven digital-audio inputs (and two outputs). Audiophiles with turntables and Super Audio CD/DVD-Audio players will find all of the necessary connections. Future upgrades are possible via the 6.1 preamplifier outputs. Oh, and Yamaha wisely included A/B speaker connections so that you can toss an extra set of stereo speakers in another room. Setup procedures were fairly standard, but we never got used to the remote's awkward button layout.
Sounding out the V1200
There's a direct quality to the sound of the V1200 that brings out details such as the distant droning drums in the funeral procession at the beginning of The Godfather Part 2 DVD. As that scene unfolds, the viewer is surrounded by acres of hissing and whooshing cicadas, but the V1200's sound was more forward and detailed than we're used to. For example, Denon's receiver was warmer and more laid-back than the V1200. The Yamaha's leaner balance will appeal to some buyers, but we prefer components with a fuller sound.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 10 reviews
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