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After trying out the Yamaha RX-V2700 I thought I would buy the Yamaha Rx V361 entry level receiver just to see how well an inexpensive receiver would handle music and movies.

Though it is very inexpensive at $229 MSRP the RX-v361 comes packed with all the features one would want or need for a small h/t setup.

Channels 5
RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz) 
RMS Output Power (1kHz) 100W x 5
Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz) 500W (1kHz)
Dolby Digital EX/ Dolby Pro Logic IIx Dolby Digital 
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1  Pro Logic II
DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6  
Compressed Music Enhancer •
Neural Surround •
XM HD Surround •  
XM Satellite Radio Ready •   
Component Video (In/Out) (3 / 1)
A/V Inputs (S-Video) 4
Digital Inputs/Outputs [O: Optical, C: Coaxial]  (O: 2, C: 1)
Front A/V with Digital Input •
Front Mini Input for Portables •  
D/A Conversion 192 kHz / 24 bit
Surround Programs 8
Night Listening Enhancer  •     
On-Screen Display   
Zone 2 Speaker Terminals 
Zone 2 Output   
Speaker A, B or A + B  (A or B Only)
Selectable Subwoofer Crossover •
Multi-Channel Decoder Inputs 6-Channel 
Learning Remote Capability  Preset
Macro Command Capability 
Product Dimensions (W x H x D) 17-1/8″ x 5-5/16″ x 12-1/2″
Product Weight (lbs.) 17.6
Shipping Dimensions (W X H X D) 21-13/16″ x 10-7/16″ x 19-3/4″
Shipping Weight (LBS) 22

This little unit handled any bookshelf setup I threw at it, but only began to have trouble with the larger floor standers I had on hand. It can run very efficient towers at moderate volumes but if pushed starts to sound a little pained. The 361 seemed to be right at home with smaller bookshelf speakers. I tested the 361 with the Onix ref.5’s, Onix XLS, and the Aperion Intimus 532 book shelf speakers. Running them with a sub is a must for movies.

My only gripe is that they used the cheap spring wire clip style speaker jack for the center and surrounds instead of using binding posts for all channels. They did use binding posts for the L/R mains though. What cna you say, its inexpensive so you cant have it all.

A new feature on Yamaha receivers called scene, I found to be useful for a quick change between external devices.

“SCENE – A NEW LEVEL OF OPERATING EASE
Four SCENE buttons make operating the receiver easier than ever. They are initially set to default settings for DVD Viewing, Disc Listening, TV Viewing and Radio Listening. Pressing a SCENE button automatically launches a number of operations that initiate play of the source controlled by that button. Other SCENE settings are also available, such as iPod Listening, XM Listening, TV Sports Viewing and Action Game Playing. Browsing and selecting the settings is quickly accomplished by rotating the Input knob and watching the on-screen display. The settings can be selected for one-time use, or they can replace the original default settings. The SCENE names can be changed also.”

Not a must have, but a handy little feature non the less.

Yamaha has 9 different receivers in the RX series, and as you go up in models you gain more features and power. For those on a budget or who want something that is ideal for a smaller living room system that wont break the bank this little unit is very capable.

Related:

Yamaha RX v2700 Emotiva switch
YAMAHA RX-v2700 Home Theater Receiver
EMOTIVA MPS-1 HOSS!!
My Favorite Preamp Combo From Emotiva

Tags: Receivers //