Yamaha HTR-5660 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver

by Yamaha

Product Details

Product Manual [2.50mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 29 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00009ZY5D
• Item model number: HTR-5660
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,052 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Packed with connections and proprietary audio-enhancing technologies, Yamaha's HTR-5660 is your gateway to home-theater bliss. The receiver can power two rooms at once (one in surround sound, the other in stereo), and it offers the convenience of DVD-Audio/multichannel SACD-ready six-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing and premium Yamaha features.

When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 85 watts-per-channel HTR-5660 (105 wpc peak) handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the HTR-5660 also processes Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES, which create an even more expansive soundfield through the use of a center-rear surround channel, totaling six discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: left, center, right, and left, center, and right surround. Want even higher power? The receiver offers 6.1-channel preamp outputs for direct hookup with a six-channel power amplifier.

Exclusive Yamaha technologies include Quad-Field Cinema DSP (based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, this processing is designed to highlight the full potential of movie sound mixes), Silent Cinema (which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones, not included), and the company's YSS-938 32-bit DSP chip providing 25 unique surround algorithms with 44 variations to help you perfectly match your simulated acoustic space to your video program.

Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too--with enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides five channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs. Pro Logic II delivers full-bandwidth stereo surround channels with 40 dB of left-right separation.

And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary stereo headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.

Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. If these formats are so high-tech, you might wonder, why do you need analog inputs to appreciate them? Because, for reasons of content protection, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog, rather than digital, signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)

The versatile unit offers 12 video input connections (with five S-video inputs and two high-resolution component-video inputs), five fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DVD, DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup (including S-video and an optical digital-audio in). The HTR-5660 comes with a preset remote control.

Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5660 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. ToP-ART's goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analog circuitry. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, a user's manual, warranty information, and registration information.

From the Manufacturer

The HTR-5660 is a full-featured home theater receiver ready for all formats and for custom installation. Major features include six-channel discrete amplification (85 watts x 6), Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART design concept (with the goal of maximizing signal purity), Quad-Field Cinema DSP, 24 surround programs, Silent Cinema, and a preset remote control. The unit provides decoding for DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, and DTS Neo:6, as well as Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic II, using Yamaha's exclusive YSS-938 32-bit floating-point quantization LSI. The receiver also employs a high-performance 96 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter to perform accurate sound field reproduction for high-quality multichannel sources and two-channel stereo, providing outstanding separation and precise musical delineation. In addition, the amplifier uses discrete power transistors rather than IC chips to provide the cleanest sound possible in all six channels.

Two high-end sound features--Quad-Field Cinema DSP imaging for video sound and Digital Sound Field Processing for music--deliver the most realistic and dramatic sound possible. With 24 distinct sound programs that provide a total of 44 variations, every movie and piece of music will sound complete in your home theater.

No one expects more from a volume control than Yamaha, whose products far exceed the standard up-and-down volume format. The device features a digitally regulated volume control that lets you make delicate adjustments within a narrow range, yet also allows you to increase or decrease the volume dramatically with precise results. The remote control itself includes built-in preset codes for most other manufacturers, so you can use it as a single remote for your entire system.

The included Dolby format provides 5.1-channel surround from any stereo source. Separate movie and music modes are also provided for optimum listening. Yamaha's six-channel stereo DSP is terrific for casual listening and parties, as it runs music through all the speakers in the system while maintaining stereo imaging. For home theater use, the HTR-5660 employs Quad-Field Cinema DSP to project several sound fields: a presence field in the front and two surround-sound fields in the left and right rear for powerful, realistic 3-D soundscapes. Building on technology incorporated into its world famous "silent" musical instruments, Yamaha added HRTF and "virtual" technology to create a realistic surround movie effect using standard two-channel headphones.

For convenience and versatility, you can switch the receiver between two sets of speakers at the touch of a button, or you can run two pairs of main speakers simultaneously. The subwoofer's pre-out connection allows you to add outboard amplification or a direct subwoofer connection. In addition, Yamaha included its famed low-impedance drive circuitry in this receiver, so it can handle virtually any load and a wide variety of speakers. To match the speakers more precisely, you can set the amplifier to accept either 4- or 8-ohm speakers. The receiver includes a linear damping factor circuit, which uses a full range from 20 to 20,000 Hz to improve the definition and resolution of the sound output throughout the audible frequency range. User features include a sleep timer, which permits a delayed receiver to turn off (you can set it for up to two hours in 30-minute increments), and up to 40 preset AM and FM stations, which you can group in five groups of eight stations each.

The receiver features five fully assignable digital inputs (four optical and one coaxial) that accommodate such digital sources as DVD, CD, MD/CDR, D-TV/cable, and a video game console. The HTR-5660 also includes five S-Video inputs and two S-Video outputs, plus two component video inputs and a video conversion circuit for S-Video to composite or composite to S-Video. The receiver is also equipped with a set of front-panel A/V inputs, including a digital input and S-Video terminals. Yamaha's heavy-duty binding post-speaker terminals accept banana plugs, spade connectors, and a variety of speaker wire, including heavy-gauge cable.

As befits a high-performance home theater receiver, the HTR-5660 is also designed for use in custom installations. It has a Zone 2 selector so the audio signal can be output into a second room.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reciever at a great price, July 17, 2003

By 

SaintViper (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-5660 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

I'm not a hardcore audiophile, but I did a fair amount of research before buying this receiver. I found this unit has all of the features I was looking for, and at an exceptional price.

This receiver is basically the new version of the 5560. It adds 10 watts per channel for 85 watts each. It also now has digital audio inputs and s-video inputs for every video input including the front one. This receiver is also basically identical to the RX-V640 that Yamaha sells through it's retail channels. According the Yamaha website, the only difference is the coloring of the lettering on the front of the receiver.

There was a list of features I was looking for in a receiver and this met all my criteria. Support for both 6.1 channel Dolby Digital and DTS were a must. For my particular application 7.1 channel surround was overkill, and there currently aren't that many sources for it. Discrete circuitry for each speaker is a must. No spring clips for speaker connections. All support banana clips. I use a DVR and a VCR, so I wanted 2 AV in/out hookups. I have an oddly shaped room with less than optimal speaker placement, so I wanted the ability to adjust each speaker volume level independently. I don't have a HDTV compatible TV yet, but I wanted composite video support for when I get one. This receiver has 2 composite inputs and 1 output. Size was also a consideration for me as the receiver would have to fit into an entertainment center. The Onkyo I was looking at had similar features, but was just too massive to fit. The Yamaha was a more reasonable size.

Performance wise, I have been very impressed with the Yamaha. With the ability to adjust each speaker volume level independently, I was able to set it up to create impressive surround effects despite my less than optimal room. The Dolby Digital and DTS effects are impressive. When the receiver detects a DD or DTS source, it switches to those modes automatically. There are 40+ additional surround modes. Yamaha apparently went to a lot of trouble to develop them, but in my opinion they are mostly useless. I've settled on Dolby Surround II for most of my non-Dolby Digital AV viewing which is very impressive so far. 6 channel stereo is great for listening to music and really allows you to take advantage of your surround system. I've tried most of the other surround modes. Some are interesting, but I haven't found that I use them much. The included antennas for AM and FM reception are adequate and I found that my reception was much improved over my last receiver (Sony).

I found the remote and manual to be adequate and simple to use. I was able to adjust most of the settings on the receiver with minimal hassle. I was able to map all of the remote features to my Sony learning remote and it works fine.

If you are looking for a step above entry level receiver with many of the features and quality of the high end models, I highly recommend this model. I did a search on the internet and found many stores offering it at very attractive prices. I called J&R and they matched the lowest internet price and I had the receiver in 2 days. They also have a very reasonable return policy though I haven't had to test it yet.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Class act all the way!, April 2, 2004

By 

C. Fernandes (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-5660 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

Most of what I have to say is covered in the other reviews, although I have to say that the reviewer who gave a 1 star rating just because of the remote was not doing this receiver any justice.

Setup was quite nice and simple. Now anyone who has never used a 5.1 or 6.1 receiver before might not find it that easy. But it's still quite straight forward if you read the manual. You can choose how many speakers you want to set up, anywhere from 2 to 6. Setting the volume for each speaker is also easy. The best part is that you can even change each speaker volume while listening to an audio input - makes it easier to choose a setting you really like.
Regarding the remote - yes, it can be a little intimidating at first. There's a LOT of functionality in the remote. And a lot of the buttons actually have double functionality (similar to a 'SHIFT' function on calculators). But after using it for a while, you'll get used to it. I certainly wouldn't condemn this receiver just because of the remote. In fact, it looks nice and even grows on you after a while.

As for sound - this receiver is absolutely awesome! I had a Denon AVR-2800 earlier that went bad. I loved the Denon. But this Yamaha receiver is even better - didn't think it possible. Of course, to be fair, I'm using the Yamaha in 6.1 mode while the Denon was only a 5.1 receiver. The extra 6th speaker (Rear Center) really sounds nice. Also, the simulation modes that this receiver has are fantastic. For those who are not aware, a simulation mode is needed to convert a 2 channel audio source (like broadcast TV, Tuner, etc.) or a 5.1 audio source into a 6.1 output. The extra channels are 'simulated'. I myself didn't understand the importance of simulation till I used this receiver. Typical simulation effects are 'Hall', 'Rock Concert', etc. and they're all fun to play with and sound great!

The only complaint I had at first was that the bass didn't seem to sound as deep as my previous Denon receiver (everything else like speakers and DVD player remained the same). The sound was (and still is) crystal clear, but only the bass seemed lacking. So at first I had to turn up the volume on my powered subwoofer. But then I played with some settings on the receiver - like making the bass come out of both subwoofer and all speakers and it sounded much better. In fact I had to end up turning down the volume on the subwoofer. But the point is that you have a LOT of control. There's even a graphic equalizer that lets you set 5 different frequencies, a bass and treble control, a LFE (Low Freqeuncy Effect) Level adjustment, etc.

As far as choosing from the Yamaha family of receivers, here are some tips you might find useful:
1) The HTR-5660 is the same as the RXV-640, the HTR-5650 is the same as the RXV-540 and the HTR-5640 is the same as the RXV-440. Apparently Yamaha changes the product code only for purposes of channel distribution, or something like that. So shop around for whichever one gives you a better deal. In my experience, the HTR series was less expensive than the RXV series.
2) When deciding between the HTR-5660 or the HTR-5650 or the HTR-5640, be careful. The sound quality of the HTR-5640 and the HTR-5650 should be identical, and I'm sure very good. But the HTR-5660 steps up in output power and it uses a more powerful amplifier section. Apparently, this new amplifier also improves a little on sound quality. As far as requiring a powerful receiver, I thought I wouldn't really need the output power of the HTR-5660. But I find that I usually turn it up to -30db (it goes from -60db to 0). It's always good not to have to stress your amplifier. So with a HTR-5650 or HTR-5640, I'd probably have to turn the volume up even more - and I don't really listen to anything that loud. My room dimensions may have something to do with this, but still - choosing a more powerful receiver may be more important than you think.
3) Yamaha (and perhaps other manufacturers too) come out with new models around the summer. So retailers may start to try and get these HTR or RXV series off their shelves, should result in a price drop.

Hope this helps - if you ever see a good sale on this receiver, go for it. You'll be really glad you did!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TYTIGER, January 30, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-5660 6-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

This receiver is 2nd to none for sound quaility and price...I have had Dennon and Kenwood receivers but none can compare!! For richness of sound and bass this is a great receiver..and if you have Bose speakers this is the way to go..in this other review the guy can't figure out the remote..he is not very smart! And it takes two seconds to adjust the volume of the speakers!! There is simply no other receiver under 1000.00 dollars that is better than this one.