Yamaha RX-V2500

Eyes Wide Shut

By Jamie Gemming

April 2005

Yamaha RX-V2500 AV receiver. $2499

Ever since I read the Dan Brown books Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code I have had my eyes peeled for hidden signs of secret societies. Although, I could find no trace of the Illuminati, Skull and Bones or the Priory of Sion, I may have discovered an example of clandestine meddling with society.

Apart from the supposedly independent oil companies behaving like a cartel, a more subtle and inexplicable practice exists within the majority of hi-fi companies. I am unsure as to the name of this little sect, but their founding principle appears to ensure that every receiver set-up is as illogical and time-consuming as possible. Yamaha has traditionally been a member of this gang, but over the past year they have deviated from the group with their brave and innovative YPAO automated set-up system. Once the others see how easy the RX-V2500's new GUI (Graphical User Interface) is to navigate I am sure that they will banish Yamaha from their group.

The future

Last month I reviewed the brilliant RX-V1500 and would have been more than happy if Michael, our editor had forgotten about me and not rung to ask for the receiver back. Although I was disappointed, Michael promised that he would have something special to replace it. The RX-V2500 is what he delivered.

Instead of featuring boring basic white writing on a black background, the 2500's onscreen display is big, bold and in colour. It reminds me very much of Sky TV's straightforward set up screens, only it's easier to use and has far more options.

Yamaha's excellent YPAO set up is even easier to use now that it is combined with the new GUI. Plug in the mic, hit go on the menu, listen to the whizzes and pops from your speakers and you're ready to go.

With stats such as 130x 7W RMS, 192kHz/24-Bits DACs on all channels, the aforementioned YPAO set-up, Zone 2 and 3 pre-outs, component up conversion, audio delay for correcting lip-sync problems and all the latest decoding options including Pro Logic IIx and THX Select, the 2500 must certainly top the bang for bucks chart.

Why can't the black caps play like this?

Using Yamaha's S550 DVD player as the source for both DVD's and music, the 2500 performed brilliantly. Top Gun was awesome with thunderous planes, whizzing bullets and great backing music. With the 6.1 DTS soundtrack, the 2500 was able to make great use of the extra two surround speakers, providing a totally engrossing soundstage. "Intense" best describes the hit scenes in Collateral and "savage" for the sword battles in both Troy and Die Another Day . Though, the one effect that stood out the most was a scene in Wimbledon where a Mexican Wave is circulating the arena. It was impressive enough for my girlfriend to say: "wow that sounded really good." That in itself sums up the receiver - pretty damn good!

At $2499 the RX-V2500 costs $500 more than similarly specified RX-V1500 but I think the difference is money well spent. Although the two receivers look similar, the 2500 has a couple of slight variations. While the majority of Yamaha receivers have two knobs, one on each side of the front panel, the 2500 features a third directly under the volume knob. This alters the programme and tone settings of the receiver and is much easier to use just relying on the remote. The 2500 also features Zone 2 controls which are nicely hidden behind the folding front panel. I think the new onscreen display is worth the extra cash all by itself.

All up the 2500 is one hell of a machine. The receiver itself looks great, it's simple to set-up and operate, has all the inputs, outputs and decoding options you could possibly ask for and will dazzle you with its stunning, effortless performance. Yamaha may well get expelled from hi-fi's secret society but the world is a better place because of their courageous stand against the status quo.

For your nearest Yamaha dealer