Yamaha AV 67 Package 5.1 (Peats) E 379

!MAVERICK!

Just purchased yesterday as a late xmas present to replace an old sony 5.1 system for the living room. Set it up last night and was impressed with the results.

It quite a decent deal if anyone is on the lookout for a new home theatre sound system excluding a Blu ray or dvd player. Its 379 quid from Peats reduced from 450. Comes with a top notch amplifier and powerfull enough speakers. Its 3D ready with 1.4 v HDMI outputs in case anyone has a 3D tele. It also comes with a microphone to optimise the audio by analysing the acoutics of the room.

PS: The speakers Peats have advertised are the NS-P280's, the speakers in the package that I was given were the NS-P285's, that come with stands for the satilites and a wider centre speaker.

They are on their website, but cant get the web address.

Heres a picture of the system.






Features
The AV-67 comprises of elements. The first is Yamaha's fantastic RX-V367 receiver which boasts HD video compatibility, multiple digital and analogue inputs and outputs, an FM radio with RDS and the ability to run two sets of speakers. The second element is their excellent NS-P280 5.1 surround sound speakers with a whopping 100W subwoofer.

• Powerful 525W surround sound amplifier
• 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• 1080p compatible with HDMI switching (2 in/1 out) including 1080p/24Hz repeat
• Supports Deep Colour (30/36 bit) pass through and x.v.Colour pass through
• Front panel mini jack input for connecting portable audio player
• 40-station preset tuning and RDS (Radio Data System)
• Speaker A or B selection
• Powerful 5.1 surround sound speakers with 100W subwoofer

yoshytoshy

It doesn't seem to decode through HDMI ,it's not a HD reciever:(

CTU_Agent

I bought this same package...although this receiver does not do HD audio decoding, if your source i.e Blu Ray player, can decode the audio in HD that should be fine.

JustMac

Looks like it is available for approx €350 on richersounds. See: http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/yamaha/av67/yama-av67-blk

!MAVERICK!

yoshytoshy wrote: »

It doesn't seem to decode through HDMI ,it's not a HD reciever:(

What exactly do you mean ? I have it connected to a Sony Blu ray player and a UPC box through the HDMI port on the back of the reciever then another HDMI cable running to the TV, It plays the Blu-ray's transmission on 1080p with no problems with full 5.1 surround sound.

Do you mean it wont decode 7.1 HD audio?

!MAVERICK!

CTU_Agent wrote: »

I bought this same package...although this receiver does not do HD audio decoding, if your source i.e Blu Ray player, can decode the audio in HD that should be fine.

Did you happen to get a proper manual for the reciever, because all I got was a quick start guide for the system and a small guide for the speakers aswell.

There wasnt any large book like manual in your package was there?

yoshytoshy

!MAVERICK! wrote: »

What exactly do you mean ? I have it connected to a Sony Blu ray player and a UPC box through the HDMI port on the back of the reciever then another HDMI cable running to the TV, It plays the Blu-ray's transmission on 1080p with no problems with full 5.1 surround sound.

Do you mean it wont decode 7.1 HD audio?

I did mean trueHD ,but I didn't think it decoded any audio through hdmi.

CTU_Agent

!MAVERICK! wrote: »

Did you happen to get a proper manual for the reciever, because all I got was a quick start guide for the system and a small guide for the speakers aswell.

There wasnt any large book like manual in your package was there?

I dont recall what manuals where in the box....sorry, il have a look at home I always keep em, if there is anything other than the quick start guide you can have it. If there is a particular question I may be able to help?

In relation to the audio issue, you will only get DTS 5.1 because this receiver does not decode True HD Master Audio. However if your Blu ray player can decode this audio that will do TRUE HD and simply pass it to the receiver and then speakers. !!

!MAVERICK!

CTU_Agent wrote: »

I dont recall what manuals where in the box....sorry, il have a look at home I always keep em, if there is anything other than the quick start guide you can have it. If there is a particular question I may be able to help?

In relation to the audio issue, you will only get DTS 5.1 because this receiver does not decode True HD Master Audio. However if your Blu ray player can decode this audio that will do TRUE HD and simply pass it to the receiver and then speakers. !!

Its ok, I think I can manage all the features now on the amplifier now, and I doubt you got any more documents than I did, the box was sealed. Thanks for the help though.

carrollf

I am planning to buy this shortly and connect up my PS3 to it as my blu-ray player. Can the PS3 decode the TrueHD audio?

I also want to connect my Sky HD box via optical input. Any issues doing this?

CTU_Agent

from Gizmodo dated 2008 "Today, SCEA announced that the latest PS3 update, 2.30, would bring the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio tracks, that is to say, Blu-ray audio at variable bit rates up to 24.5Mbps, and 7.1 streaming of 96K/24-bit tracks. Does this make PS3 the best Blu-ray player ever? If you've got a receiver that can take an uncompressed audio stream of that magnitude via HDMI, then we think it does. UPDATE: To be clear, this decodes the DTS formats—plus Dolby's formats, including Dolby TrueHD—and outputs all channels via HDMI to a receiver that can take a 5.1 or 7.1 PCM stream. It won't do 5.1 or 7.1 analog output. Also, as some of you have noted, it does NOT bitstream the DTS or Dolby data to a decoder inside a newer decoder-equipped receiver"

Also why not connect the sky box via the HD Cable? Is there even an optical out on the sky box??

carrollf

Yes Sky HD box has optical out.

Does the latest PS3 update mean that the PS3 itself can do all the audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master etc.) meaning that the fact that the amp doesn;t do this is not a bit deal?

CTU_Agent

Yes that would be my understanding.

The decoding is all done at the source, in your case your PS3.

In my case my Blu-ray handles the DTS-HD decoding and my reciever (same as the one above) just takes it in an sends it out.

I have my Sky plus HD box connected via HD cable though, not sure if there are any benefits to connecting via optical cable.

When watching a blu ray and I check the info menu on the reciever it says output is PCM 48KHZ 3/2/2.1 and my blu ray is outputting DTS-HD Master Audio according to it's info button, so all is good.

carrollf

Many thanks.

Not that easy to find the AV-67 in Ireland it seems!!

How does this similar looking model compare? http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/5970011/art/yamaha/av-4117hd-5-1-home-cinema.html

CTU_Agent

that would seem to compare more with the 467 model. It DOES do HD sound decoding so certainly would be a better buy than the 367 model.

The speakers are the same one's as mine. Purchased in Peats before xmas. So all in all a good deal I would say.

carrollf

So nothing looks bad about this system? I am relatively new to all this so not 100% sure what to look out for

CTU_Agent

Not that I can see anyway. It supports TRUE HD Audio and DTS HD decoding, 3D Support, HDMI repeaters(4 in 1 out), plenty of outputs and inputs. It is 500w amp and 5 speakers, fab sub woofer. My only criticism is that it is 'Titanium' colour personally I prefer the black finish

For an entry level reciever and speaker system it certainly delivers and is feature packed. Have a look at richersounds.ie for example and compare the features of your Yamaha one and some of the other on the that site... might help.

carrollf

Great thanks - I think I can get it in black too...

I just called Peats to see if they had a price on this as was not sure about buying it online (pixmania) without hearing it. Peats dont have this one or the AV-67 but he said he does have the AV-77?? for €599. However I cant find the AV-77 tech review anywhere. Have you haard of this one?

I will probably go for the AV4117HD but wanted to read up on the AV-77 as it supports 7.1

Thanks

CTU_Agent

Not sure what the AV-77 is either. In my experience though Peats was always at the higher end of the price range, but did have the added benefit that you could see and in some cases hear the performance of the kit before you buy...

The pixmania model I would recommend to a friend no problem, it ticks all the boxes. You could spend some more money and get an AV reciever with similar features but why? Once you have the HD decoding, and all the other bits what more is there..?

There is a model on peats.ie called RXV 567 it is 469.00 and does not have speakers...it is 7.1 but then you need to purchase speakers separately and not just 5 speakers but 7...so something worth considering..

carrollf

Thanks again - went with the 4117HD

Now for a setup question….
Which is better and why?
1) Connect PS3 to TV using HDMI and feed the PS3 audio to the AV receiver using optical cable
Or
2) Connect PS3 to AV receiver using HDMI and no need for optical. Then HDMI from AV to TV.

Are there any advantages to either approach? Same for Sky HD box connection?
I can see that using the AV as a 'hub' is neat but wnated to know pros and cons.
Thanks

CTU_Agent

Ok, well here is where the water gets muddy.

The idea of an AV receiver is to minimise cables by using the receiver as an entertainment hub and maximising audio and video output to optimal levels, in the meantime reducing the amount of cables routing to the TV down to 1 HD cable only.

Both HD quality audio and video is passed over the HDMI cable from your PS3 and Sky box so One cable from each into the receiver with 1 cable out to the TV will suffice and provide optimal sound and video.

I wouldn't bother with the optical cable, no need really, HD cable will pull the audio direct,The opitical will pass upto 1.5Mbps and 6.1 channel sound. The HDMI connection can give lossless digital sound, I have seen it go as high as 20Mbps, so no competition really.

CTU_Agent

informative link explaining the audio formats

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/1064

carrollf

Thanks again for all your advice - is becoming clearer now

CTU_Agent

No problem. Glad I could help. AV is such a minefield these days with so many different options and formats etc etc..

The guide above is quite useful -just had a quick read of it there, explains the different sound formats and which ones are better. The instruction manual that came with my receiver also explains the best cabling and settings, sound formats etc for each device I connected up, which was useful.

Enjoy the new setup when you get it. I would advise ensuring you get good quality HD cables and ensure the levels on the reciever and the settings are all correct, likewise on PS3 etc.

There are some quality movies out there on blu ray that really come to life over a good sound setup. Subwoofer is quite good on this system also and you will notice the difference in movies/games immediatley when setup properly.


Enjoy !

Rodg3

Maverick, Which PEATS did you visit to pick this up?
Like carrollf, I'm considering the AV4117, but questioning whether this is worth a look in?

!MAVERICK!

Rodg3 wrote: »

Maverick, Which PEATS did you visit to pick this up?
Like carrollf, I'm considering the AV4117, but questioning whether this is worth a look in?

The original one on Parnell Street, The package I bought was one of the last ones available on sale, I picked it up just after new years. I dont know if Peats will be restocking them, you should ring them up as see if they are.

The one you guys are looking at on pixmania looks decent, comes with the same speaker package as mine and CTU's. Only thing I dont like is the titanium front, well it depends on your other devices and furniture. Plus Pixmania will charge you 31 quid for delivery bumping the price up to over 440, Which I personally think is ludacris, especially for an order of that size.

Is there anywhere else in Dublin with competitive prices on Home theatre amiplifiers?

carrollf

It arrived today. Just set it up and all working perfectly (took ages to wire in all the speakers!). Overall I am very happy with it.

Are there any specific audio settings etc. that I should set to get best audio from Sky HD and my PS3? Settings either on the Yamaha amp or the Sky box or PS3 themselves? I have all connected in through HDMI with one hdmi going to the TV.

Thanks

CTU_Agent

Deadly that was quick. ! By the time you shave the ends of the speaker cables and connect them up it takes time. What you should do now is plug in the microphone and do the test tones and automated setup to adjust it for your room and make sure each speaker is connected properly and working.

The best audio settings for blu ray movies are 'DSP Straight' on the AMP and ensure your PS3 audio settings are set to deliver DTS, I dont have a PS3 so dont know what the settings are. Pretty sure a lot of games probably wont have audio in DTS-HD so a DSP setting to take the audio from a game and deliver 5.1 audio on the AMP would be enough. Sky settings should allow you to select your audio output -worth checking and using the HDMI cables on both would be fine. Turn off your TV speakers now and let the AMP handle sound.

Also ensure your Subwoofer crossover is set between 60hz and 100hz depending on the size of the room. I had it wrongly set to 200hz and watching normal tv would deliver unwanted 'bass boom'.

carrollf

Great thanks. All is set but not sure how to ensure DTS on the amp? What menu setting is that in?

CTU_Agent

No setting on the AMP for DTS. It will automatically decode DTS audio if the source is providing DTS audio stream to it. Best thing to do is

1- Put on a blu ray movie(check the movies box to ensure audio in the movie is DTS-HD MA

2- Check the 'signal info' menu option on the AMP whilst watching the movie (not the movie menu)
3-Look to see what signal the amp is currently receiving

You should see DTS-HD Master Audio 3/2/.1

carrollf

Just checked....it says PCM 3/2/0.1 - I guess I need to change something on the PS3?

CTU_Agent

No not neccessarily..refer back to my previous post explaining the audio formats...

PCM =
"What it is: A PCM track is an exact replication of the studio master, encoded on disc without compression. The benefit to this is that it maintains the purity of the source without any loss of fidelity that may come from compression. The downside is that an uncompressed audio track takes up a tremendous amount of disc space, which may (especially on single-layer BD25 discs) negatively affect the video quality of the movie. While the Blu-ray format is capable of utilizing PCM audio up to 24-bit resolution, studios may choose to encode at 16-bit resolution instead, depending on the bit depth of the original source or concerns about conserving bandwidth (downsampling a 24-bit master to 16 bits is technically not the same thing as compression). "

So in essence DTS-HD is a compressed encoded version of the studio master and the uncompressed version is called PCM.

PCM is exactly what I see in my signal info so all is good.

carrollf

Brilliant thanks.

What about Sky HD? WHat signal info should I see when watching a HD station? Now it is PCM 2/0/--- but I thought SKy HD carries 5.1??

CTU_Agent

No probs. Sky HD does carry 5.1, however not all programming is provided in 5.1.

You could probably play it by ear and switch your AMP in 5.1 enhancer mode during a programme that is showing in 5.1.

carrollf

Can I get this
5.1 over HDMI or just optical?

CTU_Agent

HDMI will do just fine. But it will really only sound right on programming that is produced for 5.1 audio. For example the rte news won't sound great when you switch on the 5.1 enhancer on the amp, but the Iron man movie on a HD channel would sound ok.

Also watching normal TV in 5.1 can be a little distracting and honestly not neccessary. I tend to switch to 5.1 or one of the other DSP MUSIC settings when watching Music channels on sky.

For normal TV viewing less SUBWoofer and 2.1 sound is perfectly ok. 5.1 and DTS HD/PCM Audio really comes into its own on blu ray.

carrollf

Thanks again. What I really want is to get the best sound from Sky HD movies. Is the enhancer mode on the amp (and hdmi link) as good as using optical from sky box? Optical I know carries 5.1 but I heard that sky don't allow 5.1 over HDMI?

CTU_Agent

Perhaps its worth trying to see if you notice a difference. I've never worried about 5.1 from sky too much, the enhancer function provides an ok experience for movies, and I don't have Sky Movies HD so thats probably why I never worried about it...

Maybe one of the sky forums would have more info on the optimal sound configuration....