Yamaha RX-V681BL A/V Receiver
AV receivers are no less popular than HDTVs in home entertainment segment and with time, technology used in these devices keep getting better. Yamaha is known for making some of the most well performing and feature rich AV receivers. The Yamaha RX-V681 is one such model that offers a good blend of features and performance. This can be a worthy alternative to the models from stables of Sony and Marantz, for sure.
Design: Classy & Elegant
The 7.2 channel AV receiver is not very different looking from most competing models in the market, and the design is classy yet understated. The top of the front fascia is covered by a display panel and it is sleek. Below the display panel there is a large volume knob at right side. There are a few buttons and a USB port at the front as well. The back side is replete with all type of ports and inputs but you can find them easily for color coding and clear labeling. You may need some time getting used to the bundled remote controller. It looks identical to the RX-V683, as it is.
Features: Everything is There- Almost!
Yamaha has crammed the RXV681 with almost all types of features buyers can ask for. This 7.2 channel AV receiver is an audiophile’s dream- as far as features are concerned. The surround sound lovers will rejoice to know that it comes with support for formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Right now availability of compatible media is limited but with time that is set to change.
Nowadays, most AV receiver buyers look for support for web streaming services. In this department, the Yamaha RXV681 scores very well and stumps most of its category rivals. The well known MusicCast system is present in this model. It can be used to stream services like Pandora and Spotify along with Rhapsody. Besides, it supports Apple AirPlay. So, you can stream music wirelessly from Macbook or iPod easily. Bluetooth works both ways and so you can use the device to stream audio to Bluetooth based headphones.
If using the bundled remote controller is something you do not like, do not fret. The Yamaha AV Controller App is your alternative. Download the app on your tablet and Smartphone and use the device as a touch based remote unit.
The Yamaha RXV681 can play back most popular audio formats without any issues. You can play back files in formats like MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC etc. The front USB port can be used to play back content from USB drives.
Yamaha use a number of technologies and features in this AV receiver to improve media playback quality and most of them are meant to improve sound outputs. The good thing is that most of them actually produce desired result. The Compressed Music Enhancer for example does a nice job of making low bit rate MP3s sound better.
The receiver comes with support for Gapless Playback. This is nice when you want to play back live and classical albums with zero gap between two tracks. This is compatible with file formats like WAV, FLAC and WAV. Yamaha also offers support for Virtual Surround Sound. This way you can enjoy immersive surround sound even without installing speakers at back side.
You may not buy AV receivers with intention to save energy. But Yamaha packs in an Eco mode that as per the claims of the company consumes up to 20 percent less power than normal mode. The Auto Power Standby can be used to make the device off after a certain time.
It offers two zone content playback and streaming. However, unlike pricier sibling RX V 683 there is no party mode. You can use 5.1-channel setup in zone 1 while zone 2 can play back two speakers.
Connectivity: Most Boxes Ticked
Wireless connectivity is gaining popularity in home entertainment and most AV receivers feature one or more wireless connectivity features. In this model, you get embedded Bluetooth and wifi. The good thing is that it has WiFi Direct feature so you can do without a wifi router. The only omission is support for Chrome cast. However, support for DLNA is there.
As for regular connectivity, the Yamaha RXV681 fares pretty well. There are 6 HDMI ports and they all comply with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 standards. So, you can be assured about enjoying 4K HDR content on your HDTV. There are enough analog and digital ports at the back side of the device.
Setup & Performance
Setting up the AV receiver is not tedious at all. You can use the included user annual but it is also easy to set up the device without the manual. It is recommended you use the AV SETUP GUIDE app to setup the receiver. Yamaha uses its proprietary calibration system YPAO and running it is not tough. You need to make use of the bundled microphone. The UI is not exactly the best but there is support for 8 languages which is commendable.
There is no denying the Yamaha RX-V681 performs exceptionally well in music department and video output is also very good. The Dolby sound effects work as desired as long as you setup the speakers well and calibrate in proper way. Even at high volumes, vocals do not sound unnatural or distorted and bass sounds thumping. Enjoying blu ray discs is not a problem as well.
Yamaha RX-V681BL – Specifications
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Amplifier Output Details |
|---|---|
| 105 Watt - 8 Ohm - at 1 kHz - THD 0.9% | 2 Channels |
| 90 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.06% | 2 Channels |
| 150 Watt - 8 Ohm - at 1 kHz - THD 10% | 1 Channel |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Audio System |
|---|---|
| Type | A/V Network Receiver |
| Subcategory | A/V Components |
| Functions | AV Network Receiver, Digital Player, Internet Radio |
| 3D Technology | Yes |
| Media Content Source | Bluetooth, Network, USB-host |
| Supported Digital Audio Standards | AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD, FLAC, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA |
| Sound Output Mode | Sorround Sound |
| Audio D/A Converter | 24bit / 192kHz |
| Built-in Decoders | DSD decoder, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Surround, Dolby TrueHD, SBC decoder, DTS Digital Surround, DTS Express, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-HD High Resolution |
| Surround Sound Effects | CINEMA DSP 3D, SILENT CINEMA DSP, Virtual CINEMA DSP, Virtual CINEMA FRONT, Virtual Presence Speaker, Virtual Surround Back Speaker |
| Sound Effects | Extra Bass |
| Surround System Class | 7.2 Channel |
| Digital Sound Processor (DSP) | Yes |
| DSP Preset Qty | 17 |
| Additional Features | Apple AirPlay Support, Audio Return Channel (ARC), Dual-zone capability, iPod/iPhone/iPad Ready, Smartphone Remote Controlled, x.v.Color, Bi-Amplifying, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Deep Color, MusicCast System, Pure Direct mode, YPAO Volume, YPAO with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control), Compressed Music Enhancer |
| Bass Control | Yes |
| Treble Control | Yes |
| Built-in Clock | Sleep Timer |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Power Device |
|---|---|
| Nominal Voltage | 120 Volt AC |
| Frequency Required | 60 Hertz |
| Power Consumption Stand by | 0.1 Watt |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 47 Ohm |
| Input Sensitivity | 200 mV |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Amplifier Output Details |
|---|---|
| Output Power / Channel | 105 Watt, 150 Watt, 90 Watt |
| Output Impedance / Channel | 8 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 20 - 20000 Hz, at 1 kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.06 %, 0.9 %, 10 % |
| Channel Qty | 1,2 |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Radio |
|---|---|
| Tuner Type | Digital |
| Tuner Bands | AM/FM |
| Tuning Display | Fluorescent Display |
| Preset Station Quantity | 40 |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Network & Internet Multimedia |
|---|---|
| Functionality | Internet Radio Playback, Digital Audio Playback |
| Connectivity Interfaces | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, IEEE 802.11b/g/n, IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet), IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet) |
| Internet Streaming Services | Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM internet radio, Spotify |
| DLNA | Yes |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Signal Processing Features |
|---|---|
| HDMI Pass-Through | Up to 4K |
| Video Conversion/Scaling | HDMI to HDMI scaling, Analog to HDMI up conversion |
| 3D Pass Through | Yes |
| Upscaling via HDMI | Up to 4K |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Connections |
|---|---|
| Type | HDMI input, digital audio input (coaxial), digital audio input (optical), headphones, monitor output, |
| Type | HDMI output, trigger, LAN, USB, audio line-in, audio line-out (multi zone), component video input |
| Type | Phono input, Remote control input, Remote control output, Speakers output, Subwoofer output, Component video output, Composite video input |
| Qtty | 1,2,4,5,7 |
| Connector Type | 19 pin HDMI Type A, RCA x 2, RCA x 3, RJ-45, TOSLINK, Banana/spade x 2 |
| Connector Type | Click-fit x 2, phone stereo 6.3 mm, 4 pin USB Type A, RCA |
| Connector Location | Front, Rear |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Service & Support Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Limited Warranty |
| Service Included | Parts & Labor |
| Full Contract Period | 2 Years |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Dimensions & Weight |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.1 in |
| Depth | 14.9 in |
| Height | 6.7 in |
| Weight | 22.05 lbs |
| Yamaha RX-V681BL | Signal Processing Features |
|---|---|
| Upscaling via HDMI | Up to 4K |
| HDMI Pass-Through | Up to 4K |
| Video Conversion/Scaling | Analog to HDMI up conversion, HDMI to HDMI scaling |
BUY YAMAHA RX-V681BL RECEIVER FROM AMAZON
Summing it All Up
Overall, the Yamaha RX-V681 comes across as a competent network AV receiver that has plenty of features and performs admirably on all fronts. The connectivity features are good and sound enhancement features all work well- they are not gimmicky. However, the lack of support for Chromecast is somewhat disheartening. The remote is not user friendly but you can use the app which is intuitive. The OSD is also sleek and setting up the device is simple. If you want a 7.2 ch receiver with most popular features and good overall performance, this is a good choice.
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