Test & Unboxing Yamaha RX-V481
Most / The audio quality for a relatively affordable price, compatibility with streaming services in wireless, the ability to connect a Bluetooth headset, HDMI ports that can play Ultra HD video sources and HDR
Least / The presence of only 4 HDMI ports which can be problematic for those with more than a gaming console. Competitors amp models from Pioneer and Sony are Google Cast
Contents / The Yamaha RX-V481 is a mid-range receiver that delivers excellent sound while offering a range of comprehensive features.
Yamaha's expertise in video audio amplifiers is long known. The RX-V481 is a good example, with a fine balance between superb audio quality and features you need. Our only regret the choice of Yamaha to increase the number of HDMI ports from 6 to 4. It will be consoled with the fact that they manage the Ultra HD and HDR.
RX-V481's performance is slightly better than the RX-V479 it replaces. But Yamaha's competitors were not asleep on their laurels. Sony and Pioneer have also made progress. For example, the Sony STR-DN1070 of exceeds the Yamaha sound and features, but it is more expensive. So if you want a high quality weapons arsenal in your home theater while keeping you at a reasonable budget, the V481 is the best choice. In France, it is found at around 400-450 euros on the Internet.
While some manufacturers opting for a minimalist design with front facades which amount to two buttons and not much else, rather Yamaha is located in the "airplane cockpit" style. The facade is obviously less stripped, but at least we did find the advantage of the most used in an easy access buttons available. The digital interface of the screen is displayed in high definition and is fairly easy to navigate for those who know the amps. The remote control, almost identical to that of the RX-V479, is it also easy to handle.
The RX-V479 was a marvel: an excellent and plethora of features including 6 HDMI ports. The RX-V481 is cut from the same wood, but there have been some changes. The number of HDMI ports from 6 to 4, which are however all support HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0. There is also an input / output for Bluetooth headsets and wireless speakers.
The Yamaha MusicCAST system is not as complete as what the competition offers, but it still offers support streaming service Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Pandora and Spotify, reading from a smartphone and dissemination via AirPlay Apple. However, the amp does not support Google Cast as Sony, Pioneer and Onkyo offer the same and are in the process of developing the multi-room feature.
The V481 is a 5x150W amplifier with a subwoofer output. It decodes the most common formats, including various variants of Dolby Digital and DTS. Since there is a 5.1, is obviously not found from DTS.X or Dolby Atmos.
For this test, we used our reference installation: two ELAC Debut F5 column speakers in the front, a C5 ELAC Debut for central voice, a pair of ELAC B5 at the rear and a Klipsch subwoofer R- 110SW.
Compared to the RX-V479 which we had braided laurels, the V481 has shown slightly above, with a tad more transparency and clarity.
We put the Blu-ray film "Terminator Genisys" and pushed really hard volume, without that clarity will weaken. The combined sound of the front speakers and rear creating a coherent whole.
The effect was even more evident with the film 'The Zero Theorem' Terry Gilliam, starring Christoph Waltz in the role of Qohen Leth, a brilliant computer engineer who tries to discover the meaning of life. The sound effects were dense, rich and were spreading throughout the room.
We concluded our testing new music with the Blu-ray Concert 2013 "Sweet Summer Sun: Hyde Park Live" Rolling Stones. The sound mix was good with a wide dynamic range which gave a nice power percussion. Acoustic guitars of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were really natural.
Then we switched to streaming via MusicCAST after connecting a pair of PSB X2T. Again, we were impressed with the clarity delivered by the speakers Yamaha amp seemed to have no trouble managing. Of bass rich tracks like Daft Punk or two talking heads were full and rang true. Frankly, we do not expect that an amp to 400 euros is also so beautifully with a pair of speakers to more than 1,000 euros.
Finally, we tested Bluetooth link quality. Whether with or Mitski the film "Deadpool", the sound stream remained perfectly synchronized with on-screen action and X2T speakers.
Combine the RX-V481 with correct home cinema speakers and you have a good time. The superb sound and wealth of features for a very content price are hard to beat. One could quibble over the loss of two HDMI ports compared to the RX-479, but you alone will judge if it is a crippling defect.
Least / The presence of only 4 HDMI ports which can be problematic for those with more than a gaming console. Competitors amp models from Pioneer and Sony are Google Cast
Contents / The Yamaha RX-V481 is a mid-range receiver that delivers excellent sound while offering a range of comprehensive features.
Yamaha's expertise in video audio amplifiers is long known. The RX-V481 is a good example, with a fine balance between superb audio quality and features you need. Our only regret the choice of Yamaha to increase the number of HDMI ports from 6 to 4. It will be consoled with the fact that they manage the Ultra HD and HDR.
RX-V481's performance is slightly better than the RX-V479 it replaces. But Yamaha's competitors were not asleep on their laurels. Sony and Pioneer have also made progress. For example, the Sony STR-DN1070 of exceeds the Yamaha sound and features, but it is more expensive. So if you want a high quality weapons arsenal in your home theater while keeping you at a reasonable budget, the V481 is the best choice. In France, it is found at around 400-450 euros on the Internet.
Design
While some manufacturers opting for a minimalist design with front facades which amount to two buttons and not much else, rather Yamaha is located in the "airplane cockpit" style. The facade is obviously less stripped, but at least we did find the advantage of the most used in an easy access buttons available. The digital interface of the screen is displayed in high definition and is fairly easy to navigate for those who know the amps. The remote control, almost identical to that of the RX-V479, is it also easy to handle.
functionality
The RX-V479 was a marvel: an excellent and plethora of features including 6 HDMI ports. The RX-V481 is cut from the same wood, but there have been some changes. The number of HDMI ports from 6 to 4, which are however all support HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0. There is also an input / output for Bluetooth headsets and wireless speakers.
The Yamaha MusicCAST system is not as complete as what the competition offers, but it still offers support streaming service Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Pandora and Spotify, reading from a smartphone and dissemination via AirPlay Apple. However, the amp does not support Google Cast as Sony, Pioneer and Onkyo offer the same and are in the process of developing the multi-room feature.
The V481 is a 5x150W amplifier with a subwoofer output. It decodes the most common formats, including various variants of Dolby Digital and DTS. Since there is a 5.1, is obviously not found from DTS.X or Dolby Atmos.
For this test, we used our reference installation: two ELAC Debut F5 column speakers in the front, a C5 ELAC Debut for central voice, a pair of ELAC B5 at the rear and a Klipsch subwoofer R- 110SW.
Performances
Nothing in stereo listening, we felt from the first moment the RX-V481 offered all good. To "A moon shaped pool" of Radiohead, Thom Yorke's voice and acoustic guitars were particularly authentic. Deep bass lines African Head Charge were both powerful and well defined. With high resolution file at MA Recordings, clarity and transparency were better than what we used to hear on a mid-range amp. The soundstage was particularly deep and framed. In the end, the V481 ranks above average for its musicality. Even printing of realism with documentary recordings of Don Cheadle "Miles Ahead" dedicated to Miles Davis.Compared to the RX-V479 which we had braided laurels, the V481 has shown slightly above, with a tad more transparency and clarity.
We put the Blu-ray film "Terminator Genisys" and pushed really hard volume, without that clarity will weaken. The combined sound of the front speakers and rear creating a coherent whole.
The effect was even more evident with the film 'The Zero Theorem' Terry Gilliam, starring Christoph Waltz in the role of Qohen Leth, a brilliant computer engineer who tries to discover the meaning of life. The sound effects were dense, rich and were spreading throughout the room.
We concluded our testing new music with the Blu-ray Concert 2013 "Sweet Summer Sun: Hyde Park Live" Rolling Stones. The sound mix was good with a wide dynamic range which gave a nice power percussion. Acoustic guitars of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were really natural.
Then we switched to streaming via MusicCAST after connecting a pair of PSB X2T. Again, we were impressed with the clarity delivered by the speakers Yamaha amp seemed to have no trouble managing. Of bass rich tracks like Daft Punk or two talking heads were full and rang true. Frankly, we do not expect that an amp to 400 euros is also so beautifully with a pair of speakers to more than 1,000 euros.
Finally, we tested Bluetooth link quality. Whether with or Mitski the film "Deadpool", the sound stream remained perfectly synchronized with on-screen action and X2T speakers.
Conclusion
Combine the RX-V481 with correct home cinema speakers and you have a good time. The superb sound and wealth of features for a very content price are hard to beat. One could quibble over the loss of two HDMI ports compared to the RX-479, but you alone will judge if it is a crippling defect.
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