The 6.1-channel RX-V740 is the third Yamaha receiver I have auditioned in a year, after the mid-level RX-V2300 and top-of-the-line RX-Z1. Technology and build quality has quickly migrated from the RX-Z1 down to the lower lines of Yamaha receivers. The RX-V740 is no exception, which includes Yamaha’s Digital ToP-ART design concept and high current amplification (90 watts x 6). Plus kudos to Yamaha for keeping the price down to a very reasonable $599 MSRP!
Feature rich
The RX-V740 was easy to setup for home theater use. The basic on-screen menu gives you settings for speaker level volume, surround delay, and speaker size. The subwoofer crossover is fixed at 90Hz, but you can choose to direct the bass to the main speakers, just the subwoofer, or both. In addition there is a 5-band center channel graphic equalizer to help match the tonal qualities of the main speakers if necessary. Although, I was using the same brand of speakers all around, I didn’t find a need to make any adjustments. Nevertheless, this is a feature not often found on receivers priced at this level.
Remotely imperfect
The included remote control, model RAV236, achieves the basics functions, but doesn’t quite win me over. It’s a thin, long, push button remote, with some glow in the dark buttons and a small LCD display highlighting the active component selected. It’s not too over crowded with buttons and can be programmed to control any component. However, it was not intuitive when I tried to select surround options, which seem clearly labeled on the remote. So, I reluctantly scoured the manual and learned you must press an inconspicuously placed button labeled “AMP” to enable the receiver commands. When “DVD” mode is selected, you can control the DVD player, but you can’t switch surround modes unless you hit the “AMP” button to activate the receiver mode.
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Ultimately satisfying
While the RX-V740 is not perfect, it gets it right on what’s most important — sound quality. It was almost as good as the higher priced Yamaha RX-V2300 I recently reviewed. But I don’t want to belittle a receiver against its bigger brother. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed with how well it sounded for stereo music and home theater use. The RX-V740 can easily fill up a large room with sound and should be seriously considered for any budget conscious shopper. It’s not overloaded with features, but the most important ones are in there, which include 5 assignable digital inputs (4 optical, 1 coaxial) and two component video inputs.
The Yamaha RX-V740 receiver is a budget best buy!
Pros
- Excellent Sound Quality
- High Current
- Center Channel EQ
- Low Price
Cons
- Remote Control Usability
- No THX Processing
Test system
Axiom Audio Epic 80 5.1 Speaker System
Eighth Nerve Acoustic Room Treatments
BetterCables.com Speaker and Interconnect Cables
Yamaha DVD-C920 DVD Player
Zenith D65W25 65-inch Rear Projection HDTV
Remember I am just one man with one opinion. If you own this product, or have a comment or question feel free to add your thoughts below.
Brian Mitchell
Founder & CEO
eCoustics.com
