Yamaha RX-V2073

Ever since I replaced my old Yamaha RX-V 663 with a Marantz SR 7002, I truly enjoyed quality sounds from the both worlds,  music and movies.  The Marantz SR 7002 was one of the best receivers we had in 2009. However, it didn't take much longer to make the Marantz SR 7002 an outdated metal chunk. I looked towards Yamaha instead of Marantz for my next purchase. 

Although there's a compromise when moving from Marantz to Yamaha, I preferred a mid-high end receiver to reduce the deficit. Ideally to minimise the compromise I have to make; yet eventually ended up buying one of their top of the range receivers. 

I picked Yamaha RX-V 2073 receiver during mid October 2012, followed by two Klipsch floor standing F30 speakers. I decided to delay my review to make it accurate. 

Although this is a network receiver, Yamaha did not supply a wireless adapter for the device. This led me to rely on an Ethernet port. Since I've wired my place with having a number of Ethernet ports around, it wasn't an issue at all. I've had one at the right place and ready to kick in at the right time.


Network capabilities with Internet radio support was the major attraction over multiple zones and airplay. However, you need to log on to the vtuner website to bookmark any locations by creating an account using the MAC address of your receiver. The Airplay helps not just the apple devices to stream but iTunes too. 


Configuration :
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The speaker configuration was way too easy with the provided quick start guide as with any other AV receiver. The Internet connectivity and connecting Foxtel IQ2 box and blue-ray were a piece of cake with HDMI connectors.

The receiver's on screen display is sufficient to setup but it might be confusing for an average Joe user to read the "single line display". Had there been a two line display on the receiver, navigation through the receiver's setup menu would have been a lot easier. Nevertheless, the configuration menu can be viewed on the TV.

The sound set up can be performed either manually or automatically via YAPO. The YAPO configuration works _ok_, but I wouldn't use it against this receiver. You'd probably won't be able to achieve what's this receiver is quite capable of.

Just like the old Yamaha receivers, the graphical equalizer can be configured with a unique setting on an each individual speaker. It doesn't stop there on this powerhouse. Instead, you could even adjust and set your own frequency bands on the graphical equaliser. This means, the receiver comes with a predefined set of bands on the GEQ, which can then be customised to user's discretion.


Firmware update :
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The online firmware upgrade at the time I tried was dodgy. It didn't complete successfully but left the receiver in limbo, as it was displaying "ROM ERROR" message. I had to download the firmware from Yamaha support site and perform install it manually.


Features :
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Internet radio
Airplay to connect to supported Apple devices
4K support with upscaling
Customisable GEQ on each channel
Customisable GEQ bands
9 Channel Surround sound 9 * 140 at 8ohms 
8 HDMI ver 1.4 inputs and 2 outputs with 3D support
Multiple zone support up to 3 zones
ECO mode operation, which supports 20% less power consumption
Apple/Andriod control application support
DLNA support for music streaming 
Web browser support from a PC


Specs in brief :
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Amplifier Section Channel 9.2
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 140W (8ohms, 0.06% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) (JEITA) 220 W (8 ohms, 10 % THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) 165/210/285/405 W
Retail price : $1999

A few words on Klipsch F30 speakers

I thought of adding a pair of speakers to the existing home theatre system,  just for music. The existing speaker configuration isn't music friendly. Although many use home theatre systems to listen to music, I never liked the sounds they produce at the absence of good mids. Picking a pair of speakers is a personal preference and you have pick what you want to hear most. The amount of details, clarity and distortion at higher sound settings are the key elements, when selecting a speaker system.

The crossover frequency, impedance, sound pressure level (SPL) and supported wattage are just a few things to be noted of. The crossover frequency indicates the frequency at which it splits the frequency from bass to mid-range or to the tweeter.

I actually had a lengthy list of speaker options to select the best, which would suite my listening pleasure. The Aussie made Krix, Jamo, PSB, B&W were some of the speakers on that list. But I decided to purchase Klipsch for they produced the sounds I love. The built quality was great and solid. But the speaker legs are annoying and fragile.

These bass-reflex speakers provide fair mids and highs through

the solid tweeter. They do deliver good bass thanks to the dual 8” woofers. However, they aren't great for Justin Beiber/Kylies music but for real music and for real music lovers. I would recommend Bose or Sony to listen to Beiber ;-)

Before I wrote this review I played a great amount of music, the ones don't have the loudness madness. These speakers deliver good sounds and perfect for metal and hard rock but Jazz, Country, Pop and Alternative. Since I don't consider Rap, Hiphop and techno as music I didn't bother to test them on these. I must admit these speakers are bright and some might find them bleeding bridge depending on the amplifier characteristics.

These speakers were retailed at HN for $1400. This would obviously be a very good purchase, if you want to hear metal and rock music as they deliver crisp clear detailed sounds. They would surely blow you away with live like music and won't regret having these twin towers. This does not mean these aren't great for a home theatre but I wouldn't buy these high end ones for just video, simply not worth throwing $$$$ to watch movies. But of course you can use them. As of now, after hours and hours long music, these speakers have produced great sounds without missing a beat. I love these speakers, you won't get bored or tired.

Score :
Design            6/10
Build quality     5/10
Mids              6/10
Highs             9/10
Bass              7/10
Overall score   6.6/10


Specs can be found at :
http://www.klipsch.com/f-30-floorstanding-speaker