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Re: Yamaha RV663 receiver?
Yes, the 661 applies full processing to MPCM via HDMI, including expansion to 7.1 of 5.1 sources.
Yamaha's YPAO does room correction via a fixed number of parametric eq bands (7 fixed bands per channel spaced from 32-16kHz for the 661, info not published for the 663) . The EQ is only measured from one location. Audyssey, as implemented in the 705/805, can average the frequency response measured at up to 8 positions. The routine attempts to create a frequency response that matches the standard used for theatrical mixing rooms. Audyssey manipulates the signal in both time and frequency using potentially hundreds of data points. I'm just regurgitating the marking material, but you can find plenty of discussion from the Audyssey principals themselves here at HTF as well as other forums.
I only used the minimum 3 locations for my 805's setup. I can't say I can tell a difference in the midrang and treble regions between Audyssey on/off. However, I can hear a difference in the subwoofer channel and REW measurements clearly shows it. Audyssey actually dialed in a rising response below 25hz...up 7dB at 10hz over the no-EQ readings. My sub already fit in a 5dB window (+/- 2.5) from 10-60hz, Audyssey in essence created a house curve (or maybe it's a Fletcher-Munson?) that rises roughly 11dB as the frequency drops from 60hz down to 10hz.
You might want to add the Onkyo 705 to your consideration list. As a prepro, the biggest difference between it and the 805 is the Burr-Brown DACs in the 805 vs. Crystal? parts in the 705. I really doubt I could hear a difference between the two in a blind test. Currently low $500 range at Amazon making it very price competitive with the 663.
Logically, I think I would have been perfectly satisfied with the 661 (or 663 if I'd waited that long) and think they represent a tremendous value. I still have my first HT receiver, a Yamaha RX-V850, in service as a subwoofer amp. However, since the price difference wasn't that big of a deal to me, I chose the extra HDMI port and hi-res decoding of the Onkyo 705/805 line. At the time, the difference between 705/805 was about $120 so I went with the 805 for the potentially improved SQ and clearly beefier amp section in case something ever happens to my current 5 channel Adcom. There was probably an little emotional attraction to the Onkyos as well. :-) To show my age a bit, I'm hypnotically attracted to those three letters...THX...that first appeared on the HT scene as I was really succumbing to the addiction. As an engineer, I also appreciated the creation of standards for amps/processors/frequency response/levels/etc. to give the consumer more of a chance of hearing the director's intended soundtrack. However, I don't buy into the THX cables/computer speakers/etc. that were driven more by the pursuit of profits than artistic purity, IMO so I'm not blindly fascinated by all things THX...just processors/amps and to a lesser extent, certified discs (LD/DVD).
-Brent
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