YAMAHA RX-V681 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

I am not a hobbyist. I have no great knowledge of or use for the vast features in this machine, so I won't be commenting on Dolby this or that, or what magic sound feats it can perform. I'll just say why I bought it and some of the features that are useful and even surprising.The reason I wanted to update my older (2000) 5/1 Harman receiver was to simplify. The old receiver lacked HDMI inputs for my half-dozen or so components including TV, resulting in miles of wires. The 6 inputs on the Yamaha should be more than enough for most purposes, although it's always possible to double up with switchers so I don't think the number of HDMI inputs in a receiver is such a big deal. With my old unit there was no easy way to coordinate the different systems without resorting to the half-dozen remotes or a universal remote that really didn't completely eliminate the need to occasionally hunt for the right remote. The Yamaha has more than satisfied these issues.Setup is a snap using the on-line auto configuration for speakers. The 5/1 surround sound is great, with enough filters to satisfy the most demanding listener; if anything, there are too many choices, most of which will likely never be used. Internet connection for internet radio in my case took mere seconds – a happy surprise. The on-screen menus completely eliminate the need to access any front-panel buttons on the unit -- ever. Everything is easily controlled with the remote. This remote is busy and takes a bit of learning, but its busyness means it can function like a universal. I am down to needing only two remotes: the Yamaha and the DirecTV. The "scene" feature is another surprise and terrific, and to me it would be the reason to buy this unit if others lacked it: it is a one-button control for any of the connected components -- radio, internet radio, Apple-TV, whatever -- turning them on with preset adjustments. The remote even accesses most of the features of the Blu-ray DVD player -- rewind, skip, fast forward, etc. The Yamaha app is another slick feature -- you can use your iPhone or an iPad instead of the remote, or use them as a second remote for someone watching/listening with you. I have only one negative comment to make which won't affect most people: I would have appreciated an internal on-off toggle for the speaker shutoff when you use the headphone jack, because sometimes I like headphones while others in the room want to listen via the speakers. I worked around the problem using zone 2, but it took some figuring out. If anyone is interested they can ask me for my solution and I'll respond. Yamaha customer service was helpful.I haven't scratched the surface of the capabilities of this amazing machine. It’s rather pricy compared to other household electronic gadgets. And I can't help but believe that receivers in general, along with gigantic floor loudspeakers, will go the way of the eight-track tape deck. As my son and his friends say, nobody buys receivers any more. Everything these days is wireless and consists of phones and mini-soundbars that sound fantastic and that you can carry in your pocket from dorm room to dorm room with ease. That being true, I still love my big speakers and heavy receiver. Fortunately I don't plan on changing dorm rooms any time soon.

I have only had this receiver set up for a few days, and I will update as needed. I will write a "quick" review for the 1st paragraph, and go into some detail in the 2nd. :)I am upgrading from an older Sony "All in One" surround sound/DVD system, which might explain my pro and con things a little bit. Overall, this is a very nice receiver, and I absolutely love it. It does everything i need, and then some. I recommend it if its in the price range your looking for. Yamaha doesn't usually disappoint.*Quick: There are some amazing features, such as 4k support, Multicast, AirPlay, WiFi/Network & Bluetooth connectivity, YPAO (which is the Mic Calibration program) as well as a pretty awesome app that controls the system. I am using the App on an iPad, and love it. The receiver has a "quality" feel overall, with tons of connections, including and extra HDMI and USB on the front. The picture and sound quality is great. I do feel that the setup process was a little complicated. There are just SOOOO many types of "Sound Modes". The remote is also a little nutty, tons and tons of buttons. But once you get this setup, you can leave it alone, which does make it worth it in my opinion.*Little more: If you have been following the Surround Sound Scene, and stayed educated to the old and new formats over the years, you will be fine using this system. If your like me, and have some general knowledge, you might get a little overwhelmed with what you can pick from for sound modes, and what they will do, and Yamaha doesn't go into great detail, because its not their technology (meaning they don't develop Dolby or DTS), they just support it in their systems. So finding out exactly which Sound Mode does what is hard to find through Yamaha. You'd have to go to Dolby, or DTS's websites to learn more about it, or do what I did, and just start switching the modes around until its what you like... I know, real technical, right? lol. However, I will "complain" about the ease of use, which is why i knocked off 1 star. I would definitely say this is not an "Out of the box ready", user friendly type system. You will definitely need to set some time aside to set up everything. I would absolutely recommend using the Yamaha A/V Controller app, which I'm using on an iPad, and it makes it much easier to control. I will say that this is a perfect system for someone who has the knowledge of all the different types of Surround Sound Formats, or for a "secondary" surround sound system set up, again, because you would have the knowledge. however, don't be afraid to learn something about these technologies, because this receiver is a great way to have a nice home theater.I consider myself to be and "Advanced Amateur" Audiophile. I've been working with audio equipment for 20+ years. Just never dove full into it. I would gladly get a 2nd one of these if i needed it, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a decent surround sound receiver.