Yamaha RX-V440 AV-receiver
The design of Yamaha audio products stays unchanged for many years. Such consistency makes the apparatus of this brand recognizable at the first glance. But sometimes it is hard to determine which generation an offered for sale model refers to - as it is so new and advanced.
A potential owner of RX-V440 can have the same doubts, but they will be absolutely in vain. This is one of the most functional, powerful and flexible in setting receivers: a six-channeled amplification section, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders are supplemented with improved Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6.
You can connect two audio and three video sources to RX-V440. A record selector is provided. There is a set of inputs for quick connection with DVD-player or video cam on the front panel. There are only two digital inputs in this receiver. It doesn't switch S-Video but there are RGB inputs and outputs.
Sound processor provides rich opportunities. The branded modes of advanced three-dimensional sound and the equalizer of dialog channel are added to the standard settings (equalizer, setup of room size, setup of type, distance and compression degree). Setup menu is difficult. Before configuring RX-V440 it will be useful to read the instruction very carefully and to study all the opportunities of the receiver.
The process of use, fortunately, doesn't cause difficulties. The remote control is handy; you can also control other system's components of different brands by it. Perhaps, you should get used to the tuner, the memory of which is divided into 5 banks with 8 stations.
In both two- and multichannel modes RX-V440 shows a powerful, confident sound with quite accurate dynamic picture. Add here a clear bass and transparent, almost natural top - this explains "pantophagy" of the receiver to the programs of various type and genre. In stereo we find out many details and delicate musical hints. In multichannel programs the scale, diversity and continuity of sound environment attract your attention - we can't talk about absolute realism but here is the involvement and comfort. In addition, RX-V440 has several submodes of sound processing, which are suitable for viewing of video programs with two-channel or mono sound.
It's a pity that a typical problem of inexpensive devices appeared in this receiver too. At the using of digital input in simple stereo mode it couldn't form a deep and clearly separated by plans stage. As a rule, a budget digital circuit technique and the combination of inexpensive DSP and DAC are guilty of this. It seems that something in RX-V440 limits the possibilities of its 32 bit CinemaDSP processor. You can get more accurate sound stage by using analog inputs - but a lot here will depend on source.
In addition, Yamaha got our attention by tint, which was in the mid-range. There are no explicit artifacts - sound doesn't become sharper or brighter; there no noticeable "mechanic" overhangs. But even taking these disadvantages into account, it is impossible not to admit that the quality of RX-V440 sound is on the top in the budget group of receivers.
