Dsp-ax763 Manual
Yamaha Dsp-ax763 Manual. THE DSP-AX763 is the first of two Yamaha receivers to be featured in this test. Being the cheapest model here.
Yamaha's DSP-AX763 does give me a touch of nostalgia, though; my first AV amp was the brand's equally black DSP-A1000. It too combined an obsidian fascia with a fluorescent orange display, a combination I recall labelling a 'cosmetic road accident'. Man, I was harsh in those days. My boat's clearly not afloat with the looks of the DSP-AX763 but the spec sheet is altogether more sea-worthy: its power, at a claimed 95W-per-channel, looks good on paper; it is equipped with full Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio decoding; and is replete with v1.3a HDMI sockets with DeepColor, auto-lip sync and so forth.
Only two HDMIs Any analogue video input is de-interlaced and put out over the HDMI as a native progressively-scanned picture (usually PAL 576i-to 576p) but there is no onboard upscaling. Similarly rather remiss is the two HDMI inputs, which in a day of multiple HD sources just isn't cutting it for a £500 receiver. To put that in perspective, this model's arch-nemesis, Onkyo's £400 TX-SR606, has four HDMI inputs and analogue video upscaling to 1080i. Top-notch audio Clearly the DSP-AX763 takes the qualitative high ground, if not the quantitative one. It is one of Yamaha's ToP-ART (Total Purity of Audio Reproduction Technology) concept products, and includes such prestigious gizzards as custom-made block capacitors, high-grade Burr-Brown 192kHz/24bit DACs and Adaptive Dynamic Range Control (A-DRC). For those looking for some high-fidelity music entertainment, it boasts a Pure Direct mode that shuts down any circuit not being used for the relevant audio input selected, and assignable amplifiers for front-channel bi-amplification. Several tweaks have been made to the auto-setup, YPAO RoomEQ system and the compressed music enhancer over Yamaha's previous incarnations at this price.
The AX763 adds four SCENE modes, too. This allows you to set the amp up for input-specific preferences, giving you a simple one-touch way of getting the best from each. I thought this was a bit gimmicky at first, but as I like my films in near flat-balance 7.1 set-up, and my games in 5.1 with a healthy mid-bass boost to really underpin the exploding aliens, it turned out to be rather handy. Amplifier spec Build quality is well up to the £500 standard, although the plasticky volume knob lets the physical side down and the block-text menus do the same for the operational. If there is any good reason why manufacturers continue to use text menus when they have perfectly good software GUIs on other models, please let me know. Still, thumbs up for a docking port for both Yamaha's iPod dock and the new Bluetooth receiver – and the standard Yamaha remote is its usual functional and style-challenged self.
The only other thing on the missing list is a radio – because, unlike almost all of its competitors, the DSP-AX763 is an amplifier, not a receiver. Yamaha's RoomEQ The DSP-AX763's less-than-bristling feature count, fairly serious price tag, and chocolate orange wardrobe put it a fair way down the grid before this review started. And opening with a selection of DVDs with standard Dolby 5.1 soundtracks didn't do a great deal to improve its position after the first few laps either. The sound is bold and fulsome, really pounding out the suspense and action scenes of I, Robot, and it carries a fair bit more sheer muscle than some of its competitors. But this weight is rather thick and it muddied up the front of the soundstage, keeping the movie firmly trapped between the speakers. A little speaker shifting opens up the soundstage but front and centre create more of a wall of sound than a highly detailed vista.
Engaging Yamaha's YPAO, one of the few RoomEQ DSP systems I have found to work well in my listening room, was the audio equivalent of engaging the turbos and hitting the nitro button simultaneously. Suddenly the cloying bass in the centre disappears and Will Smith's voice leaps cleanly into focus. Stupendous detail The eerie voice of Sonny (heavily influenced by 2001: A Space Odyssey's HAL), is calmly haunting, and each character is given a defining position in the mix. The trade off is a little less gusto and sheer bass weight at the bottom end – but nothing a couple of clicks on the sub volume doesn't sort out. Switch to a serious HD movie with HD-audio soundtrack and the Yamaha continues to find ever more solid footing. The Golden Compass (BD) is a masterpiece of sonic detail encapsulated in a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack and the Yamaha leaves few audio stones unturned. New super mario bros font rom wii u.
The mix is not overtly crash-boom-bang, but instead rich in the sort of detail that puts you in the heart of the scene; distant birdsong, the flutter of tiny wings, the echo of footsteps and an enveloping background ambience that maps out the chamber dimensions with ruler precision. Bass Impact The sound is still rather dense in the mid-bass region, giving plenty of thunder to explosive effects (enough to remind me my projector bracket is getting a bit loose) but never really 'breathing'. The bear fight scene, complete with deep growling roars and thumping blows, is hugely potent, but seems cramped at the front of the room, robbing the stunning final blow of its jaw-dropping impact. A minute later and the DSP-AX763 is again doing what it is best at; crafting the scene-defining ambience of the crumbling ice bridge, complete with ear-splitting cracks and Iorek Byrnison's (Ian McKellen's) booming voice. Cleaner performance Yamaha was one of the first companies to integrate a Pure Direct mode to AV amps in an effort to keep audio signals clean and buffed inside a case awash with video signals, processing, displays and power supplies – and it works a treat.
With analogue two-channel music the AX763 does a good impression of a hi-fi amplifier, although the DACS are kept fired up in case you are inputting over HDMI or SPDIF without analogue inputs. With Radiohead's The Best Of. CD the sound is warm and weighty, and suitably charged with angst-filled emotion. By the time I got to Fake Plastic Trees I was idly wondering if an HDMI cable could be tied into an effective noose, indicating the Yamaha is getting to the soul of the music. Again, it is still a little heavier and sluggish in the mid-bass than ideal, but I guess you can't have everything for £500. Limited appeal The Yamaha DSP-AX763 passes muster as an effective, modern AV amplifier ready for the HD age but it's not necessarily at the top of its game. The shortage of HDMI inputs, basic menu structure and lack of video scaling put it a little off the pace feature-wise and the heavy-weight sound will definitely suit some room and speaker combinations more than others.
Put an ear to it before your credit card.
Click to expand. If anyone is looking for an affordable HD reciever, the AX763 is a worthy contender!! - I took delivery of this from petertyson.co.uk and its amazing for the price. The 763 can decode Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD (inc Master) and the previous codecs of course.
If you wish to have your source player (PS3/bluray device) decode the audio and pass over the audio as PCM to the 763, this is possible as it supports 7.1 uncompressed PCM audio up to 192kHz decoded as Linear PCM at source via HDMI. I previously owned a Yamaha AX-620, awesome amp once configured correctly, however it didn't have support for the HD codecs and it wouldn't be able to handle multichannel pcm since it has no HDMI. The 763 comes with 2 HDMI inputs (1.3a) - This could be considered quite low by today's standard.personally I just use a blu-ray player and have the other HDMI port spare.maybe for SkyHD one day?
- My Xbox runs through component. This could be a problem for some. But the price point probably reflects this. If the number of ports is an issue you could get the higher model.the AX863 which has more ports but costs a lot more. As a bonus - it has 2 subwoofer outputs! One really nice feature is that it will pass through Composite, S-Video, component via the HDMI out.
Configuration has taken quite some time, I was really happy with the ax620 but I remember that it took me a good few days to get it setup correctly, and ax763 is no different.fear not though! - if you want to get setup quickly you can use the supplied Yamaha Mic! Simply plug it into the unit and follow the on screen instructions.
The system will calibrate itself based on your speakers and room properties./- EDIT: It is becoming apparent that a lot of people are having some problems which are a result of the auto setup (no bass output). For this reason I advise everyone to start using the MANUAL SETUP. This way you will set everything up properly.if you don't understand a certain setting then look in the manual or ask here. If you have used auto setup and now wish to manually set this up, I advise you reset everything on the amp.
Look in the manually on how to reset everything back to Factory. Remember, with auto setup you are relying on mics and not your personal hearing!
I'm a control freak, so I didn't go down this route as I prefer to manually set the amp up, but for someone who just wants to set it up quickly - this is ideal and the onscreen menu just makes things soo much easier to setup rather than using the 763's LCD screen. The remote is quite nice - much better than the ax620 which was very long and slim (difficult to hold). The 763 remote is more wide and features a LCD screen so that you know which source you are operating (if you choose to program it to talk to your other devices).
The remote is pretty smart too, it features a macro system, so if you do end up controlling all your other devices from it you could create a one touch procedure.although I personally will probably end up getting a harmony remote. Initially I found the sound to be very bright, the bass was good but I felt that the middle was somewhat lacking slightly. I managed to correct this however by using the equalizer control for each channel - just a few minor tweaks and my system sounded awesome, excellent range! So I just wanted to point out that not only is this a great bit of kit but also for the price its a bargain!
Click to expand.I have not sampled the 1800 personally, but from what I have read it gets the same amount of praise. It is obviously a higher model and the cheapest I've seen is £575 from digitaldirect.co.uk. It has extra features, more hdmi ports etc, The 768 is really amazing value for the price (£350), the rx-v1800 is also at a good price point ( I think it is only available in silver in the uk?). If your price range is around £500-£600 then I would certainly arrange for a demo of the RX-V1800 - I'm sure you will be impressed!
Agree with you on the Onkyo, absolutely hideous. Anyway, a few issues back What Hi-fi did a group test: Denon 1909 v Onkyo 606 v Yamaha 563. The Yamaha came last due to it not having HD audio. They quoted the price for the Yammy as £400 and I made a point that that seemed way out on the going dealer rate for it and suggested they should have included the 763 instead. However, they came back to me saying that it was Yamaha's choice and that was the price Yamaha asked them to print. One dealer did actually say he'd listened to all 3 and reckoned if the 763 had been included it would've won it.
I'll try and dig out the thread for you. Im desperate to know if this receiver will matrix 5.1 Bitstreamed sources such as True HD and DTS MA/HD to 7.1. The North American Yamahas have been reported not to do this. EDIT: Guess its true from the manual of the 763: '. When you play back the Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio sources, this unit does not activate any sound field program.
When the sampling frequency of the input sources are higher than 96 kHz, this unit does not apply any sound field programs.' EDIT 2: '■ Extended surround E)EXTD SUR. Use this feature to enjoy 6.1/7.1-channel playback for multi-channel sources using the Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital EX, or DTS-ES decoders by using the connected surround back speakers.'
Maybe it is possible? The manual is so confusing! Agree with you on the Onkyo, absolutely hideous. Anyway, a few issues back What Hi-fi did a group test: Denon 1909 v Onkyo 606 v Yamaha 563. The Yamaha came last due to it not having HD audio. They quoted the price for the Yammy as £400 and I made a point that that seemed way out on the going dealer rate for it and suggested they should have included the 763 instead. However, they came back to me saying that it was Yamaha's choice and that was the price Yamaha asked them to print.
One dealer did actually say he'd listened to all 3 and reckoned if the 763 had been included it would've won it. I'll try and dig out the thread for you. Click to expand.Thanks for the link Lewis, an interesting read.
I'm seriously considering one of these to replace my Sony 910, not because I'm unhappy, but have itchy feet for something different. And the price is very good at the mo.
I've a few of questions however: 1. Would this Yammy sound better than my current Sony? (I know I should audition but wanted some opinions first). I believe I'd loose 1 HDMI input and 2x SUB outputs over the Sony, which isn't a problem to me as I'm only using one of each currently.
Can you name the specific inputs on the Yammy, something I find really usefull. I can't tell anything else that I'd loose or gain over the Sony, but welcome anyone's views & opinions. Thanks guys & gals. Thanks for the link Lewis, an interesting read. I'm seriously considering one of these to replace my Sony 910, not because I'm unhappy, but have itchy feet for something different. And the price is very good at the mo.
I've a few of questions however: 1. Would this Yammy sound better than my current Sony? (I know I should audition but wanted some opinions first). I believe I'd loose 1 HDMI input and 2x SUB outputs over the Sony, which isn't a problem to me as I'm only using one of each currently. Can you name the specific inputs on the Yammy, something I find really usefull.
I can't tell anything else that I'd loose or gain over the Sony, but welcome anyone's views & opinions. Thanks guys & gals. Click to expand. You may need to tweak it a little to get it to your desired taste.
This isn't to say it underpeforms.not at all, you will just have to explore the menus and play with the settings until they suit your needs. After all.you usually callibrate audio/video devices anyway. I guess what I am saying is, it sounds great to me (and this isn't my first amp), I've tweaked it to 'my preference'. Out of the box the amp is certainly bright in terms of sound. This isnt a bad thing at all, however I prefer less of the top end. So I simply play around with the digital equaliser bands and use an array of DSP programs (the Yammy has plenty). This is something as you say you will need to test, the Yamaha has plenty of options to allow you to get the sound you want.
Sorry didn't understand this bit, but the yammy comes with 2 HDMI inputs and 2 Sub outs. Do you mean the name of inputs? DVD, VCR (lol), DTV, CD, MD-R.
Thats all i can remember BUT the Yamaha lets you rename your inputs, so right now I have the DVD set as 'PS3 1080' on my display. Looks soo smart! Click to expand.Alright, I NEEEEED to get a new camera, this current one is S!
Well firstly you cannot actually apply any DSP programs when the reciever is decoding a DTS / Dolby TrueHD BITSTREAM. The manual states this and the LCD panel just shows STRAIGHT. Selecting a dsp program results in 'Not Available' However, if you set your source (BluRay Player) to decode the codecs and then pass the signal over as PCM (Multi-Channel PCM over hdmi) then the Yamaha allows you to apply programs: When the PCM indicator is on (LCD text will say PCM in large font too), then you simple press the 'Parameter button' on your remote: I Prefer to manage the device from my projector/tv. So here is the screen you will see once your in the this mode: There are quite a few decoders but these are the ones relevant to you.i think.: The negs to this are the fact that you will not see the TRUEHD/DTS HD lights on your amp (you are receiving that though via PCM if that makes sense) - any decent blu-ray player will have the HD codecs though.
I currently have just a 5.1 setup at the moment so I am unable to test this out, but from the screens it will hopefully answer some of your queries. Im desperate to know if this receiver will matrix 5.1 Bitstreamed sources such as True HD and DTS MA/HD to 7.1. The North American Yamahas have been reported not to do this. EDIT: Guess its true from the manual of the 763: '. When you play back the Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio sources, this unit does not activate any sound field program. When the sampling frequency of the input sources are higher than 96 kHz, this unit does not apply any sound field programs.'
EDIT 2: '■ Extended surround E)EXTD SUR. Use this feature to enjoy 6.1/7.1-channel playback for multi-channel sources using the Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital EX, or DTS-ES decoders by using the connected surround back speakers.'
Maybe it is possible? The manual is so confusing! Click to expand.Just backtracked and saw this. Yeah the manual is a bit weird. Don't worry its English lol, but I guess they have different terminologies. I mean this amp even has two front sets (speaker b) but they call this Presence speakers, its kind of like a matrix I suppose, but just for the fronts. In the manual it shows the rears speakers but then another set called surround-back speakers.
So all together its like 4 speakers at the back (includes the standard 2 rears in surround setups). Its quite tricky for me to test out because at the moment I just have 5.1. Maybe you need to test one out prehaps? See a dealer? Cheers mate i owe you a.
Its confimed then, as with its American sisters, it cannot process 5.1 HD Audio to 7.1! Only via LPCM.
Of course, theoretically this shouldnt be a problem, however, i would be extreemley bugged by this (just the way i am ).If i have a Blu Ray Disc with 2.0 Ch DTS MA in the future (for instance), i wont be able to expand the stereo to 7.1 without having to change my source to output LPCM!- For this i may aswell settle for a cheaper AVR which does not offer Bitstream decoding! This, along with the fact that the Yammy doesnt pass the Full Color Range 0-255 (Despite advertising x.v.Color support) has relegated itself from my shortlist. Being a HTPC user with a Full range display and using my HTPC for Blu Ray and HD DVD, Games etc, this would be a major issue for me Its a pity really as i loved the Yamahas sound modes replicating 'Actual' theatres and arenas and the customisation was very impressive (looking through the manual). The price to sound ratio was also very apealing in my choice compared to competing receivers. Pioneer VSX-1018 - Passes BTB and WTW, will decode all Bitstram sources apart from TRUE HD higher than 172KHZ Marantz SR-5003 - Unconfirmed, most likely the same as the Denon below: Denon AVR-1909 - Nothing mentioned in Manual regarding processing a 5.1 Bitstream source, however does pass full 0-255(BTB and WTW) (No Onkyo due to issues, looks and build quality ) Thanks again. Click to expand.Full colour range is basically the range of color that a PC outputs, it can also be implemted by computer game manufactures and Blu Ray discs. Anything with a HDMI or DVI connection.
At this moment in time, there is no media or content that supports the full range of blacks and whites available, however this may change in the future. To enjoy (or be worried) about this, you need to have either: 1- A HTPC and wanting to connect your video card through the 763 (and you want to watch HD Movies on your PC and playing games). This is because the PC will upscale the color range from standard to FULL and then AVR will clip the Blacker than black (btb) and whiter than white(wtw) ends of the picture therefore making the color limited again and loosing some colour in the picture. This will mean you loose colour quality in any content you watch on the HTPC. To not loose colour, you need to also have a display that supports the full range of color (Samsung LExxM86 for example) If you dont have a display that supports this, then you wont be loosing anything with the 763 as it is not possible for you to achieve full colour at all. 2- A PS3 Set to 'Full Colour' (i think its called full range or something).You can just get around this by not setting your PS3 for full colour.But you may loose out on games which are produced in full colour (none that i know of!) and any future full colour movies!
Full colour range is basically the range of color that a PC outputs, it can also be implemted by computer game manufactures and Blu Ray discs. Anything with a HDMI or DVI connection. At this moment in time, there is no media or content that supports the full range of blacks and whites available, however this may change in the future.
To enjoy (or be worried) about this, you need to have either: 1- A HTPC and wanting to connect your video card through the 763 (and you want to watch HD Movies on your PC and playing games). This is because the PC will upscale the color range from standard to FULL and then AVR will clip the Blacker than black (btb) and whiter than white(wtw) ends of the picture therefore making the color limited again and loosing some colour in the picture.
This will mean you loose colour quality in any content you watch on the HTPC. To not loose colour, you need to also have a display that supports the full range of color (Samsung LExxM86 for example) If you dont have a display that supports this, then you wont be loosing anything with the 763 as it is not possible for you to achieve full colour at all. 2- A PS3 Set to 'Full Colour' (i think its called full range or something).You can just get around this by not setting your PS3 for full colour.But you may loose out on games which are produced in full colour (none that i know of!) and any future full colour movies! You may need to tweak it a little to get it to your desired taste.
This isn't to say it underpeforms.not at all, you will just have to explore the menus and play with the settings until they suit your needs. After all.you usually callibrate audio/video devices anyway.
I guess what I am saying is, it sounds great to me (and this isn't my first amp), I've tweaked it to 'my preference'. Out of the box the amp is certainly bright in terms of sound. This isnt a bad thing at all, however I prefer less of the top end. So I simply play around with the digital equaliser bands and use an array of DSP programs (the Yammy has plenty). This is something as you say you will need to test, the Yamaha has plenty of options to allow you to get the sound you want.
Sorry didn't understand this bit, but the yammy comes with 2 HDMI inputs and 2 Sub outs. Do you mean the name of inputs?
DVD, VCR (lol), DTV, CD, MD-R. Thats all i can remember BUT the Yamaha lets you rename your inputs, so right now I have the DVD set as 'PS3 1080' on my display. Looks soo smart! Click to expand.
Dsp Ax763
Thanks for the info Dalar, with reference to point 2, I was pointing out things I'd loose if I changed my Sony to the Yammy. At the moment I have 3 HDMI's in and 4 Sub out's. I'm only using one of each as it stands. I've also since learned that I'd loose out on the built in tuner that I never use cos it's rubbish!! I'm just wondering wether the change is worth it, is the sound that much better than the Sony? Frank harvey on that link earlier suggested this amp was better than the 606 and I've read the 605 is better than the Sony so I am presuming yes.
Yamaha Dsp-ax763
Click to expand.Hi, simply plug in the optical out or analog out (red and white wires) from your box into the relevant 'DTV' input at the back of the amp. The Amp like others contains 3 possible connections for obtaining audio from your sky box: HDMI OPTICAL (I think Coax too, might need to check this) Analogue (Red/White Phono) It will process the inputs in that order, so no need to tell it which input to tune to, if there is no HDMI cable present, it will check to see if there is an optical plugged in for that port and so forth. I am using an old Sony digibox with optical out, I do have a sky+ box upstairs, i think it should have optical too as standard, provided yours does then I would defo go for optical over analogue of course. Now it seems that sky+ does not have an optical, rather strange but it does have SPDIF which I thought was Coax.but the connector appears squarish on this which is not what i was expecting, maybe someone could shed some light on this.
It does however contain 2 analogue outs (red and white), so simply hook them up to the analogue inputs for DTV on the amp and your good to go! So in summary, yes - very simple to setup sky+.