Yamaha HTR-6160BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

by Yamaha

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.7 x 22.2 x 10.6 inches ; 27 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 31 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0013ZCHO8
• Item model number: HTR-6160BL
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,691 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Yamaha's new 665-Watt 7.1-Channel HTR-6160 Home Theater Receiver offers full support for HD audio formats and ensures maximum enjoyment of all high-definition sources. Other exciting features include HDMI video upconversion and deinterlacing, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, improved YPAO sound optimization, Adaptive Dynamic Range Control, multi-zone custom installation options and four SCENE buttons.

Multiple inputs make the HTR-6160 your home theater hub View Larger

Full Support and Pure Direct for High Definition Sources
The HTR-6160 lets you enjoy the best possible and newest surround sound from Blu-ray Disc players and HD-DVD players. It supports the two lossy formats--Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD High Resolution--as well as lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Pure Direct is a special receiver mode that causes the signal to bypass all but the most basic audio circuitry, and even turns off the display to prevent any chance of noise interference. It provides the purest possible high-fidelity sound from all sources including USB and HDMI inputs.

Pure Direct mode provides outstanding high-fidelity sound by bypassing receiver components that can potentially cause interference

CINEMA DSP Digital for Enhanced Surround Realism
Conventional multichannel audio reproduction systems base their sound on Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, using matrix and steering technologies to create surround sound effects. Yamaha CINEMA DSP is much more advanced, actually creating richly realized independent sound fields that envelop you in an unmatched surround sound experience. With dialogue, music and effects ideally located in these separate sound fields, you will hear sound with accurate placement, smooth movement, exceptional clarity and richness, and startlingly realistic presence. It will seem as if the walls of your room have disappeared and you are in the middle of your own immense theater. The decoding circuitry performs Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-ES (DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1), DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24 decoding with extreme accuracy, as well as all digital sound field processing.

When volume is low, CINEMA DSP effects may be difficult to hear. Adaptive DSP Level overcomes this problem by evaluating the difference between the volume level and a reference level, and adjusting the DSP level to ensure optimum effectiveness--that is, the best possible sound.

1080p Video Upscaling and Deep Color (30/36-bit) Transmission
The HDMI 1.3a interface upgrades the transmission of standard, enhanced, and high-definition video signals via HDMI for higher-than-ever quality through a single cable. With two HDMI input terminals and one HDMI output, you can connect a variety of high-definition sources such as Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD players and switch easily among them.

The HTR-6160 supports the latest HDMI 30- and 36-bit color depths, improved from the 24-bit depth of previous versions. This "Deep Color" allows the rendering of billions of colors for far greater accuracy. Colors are so vivid they seem to jump off the screen, with perfectly smooth tonal transitions and ultra-fine gradations between colors. It also enables many times more shades of gray, for higher contrast ratio.

The HTR-6160 is built with the highest quality components available, such as custom block capacitors, Burr-Brown DACs and ADCs, and Schottky barrier diodes

Refresh your MP3s with the Compressed Music Enhancer

Analog Video to HDMI Digital Video Upconversion
This is a function that converts analog signals from composite, S-Video or component terminals to output from higher quality HDMI digital video. This ensures the highest possible picture quality from the AV receiver to a monitor or TV via a single cable. It also performs down-conversion among component, S-Video and composite signals.

Auto Lip-Sync Compensation Keeps Your Experience On Track
When video and audio signals are transferred via HDMI and the video is shown on a display and the audio output is performed by an A/V receiver, the video delay time (time from signal input until it is seen) and the audio delay time (time from signal input until it is heard) are different. This can result in the video and audio slipping out of sync. The Auto Lip-Sync compensation function monitors the video delay time, and automatically adjusts the amount of audio delay to eliminate the difference, so you always hear the dialogue just as the person is speaking.

SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
SILENT CINEMA makes it possible to hear large-scale surround sound through ordinary headphones. This is a variation of CINEMA DSP technology that Yamaha developed to let you listen in private to movies and other multi-channel sources for hours without listening fatigue. Virtual CINEMA DSP lets you enjoy the effects of CINEMA DSP surround sound without using surround speakers, perfect for use in custom installations where some rooms don't have surround speakers. It can be used with the front/center/presence speakers, or even with just the two front left and right speakers.

Digital ToP-ART Philosophy Brings You Superior Receiver Technology
Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) is the name Yamaha has given to a design philosophy whose goal is to maximize digital quality while minimizing analog circuitry. The culmination of Yamaha’s long experience in digital engineering and design, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding A/V components available on the market. These include 12,000uF custom-made block capacitors, high-grade Burr-Brown DAC and ADC units, Schottky barrier diodes for high signal-to-noise ratios, as well as other high quality audio-grade parts. The RC-V663 also has an all-channel discrete amplifier configuration. Its amplification circuitry achieves high-current power with low impedance for superior amplifier performance.

Next-Gen Connectivity and Flexibility
In addition to great video and sound quality, the HTR-6160 lets you bring music from multiple next-generation sources into your home. It is compatible with Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. This Sirius-Ready receiver lets you access your favorite SIRIUS Satellite Radio entertainment, including 100% commercial-free music, plus sports, uncensored talk, comedy, exclusive entertainment, world-class news and more, directly through your audio system with the use of an optional SIRIUS ConnectT Home Tuner kit. With an optional XM tuner, you can hear over 150 digital channels of music, news, sports, talk and entertainment. And now with XM HD Surround, you can tune into XM stations with six discrete channels of digital full-fidelity audio powered by Neural Audio technology.

You can even bring your own tunes to the HTR-6160. It is equipped to use Yamaha's optional YBA-10 Bluetooth Wireless Audio Receiver, giving you the flexibility to stream music from Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, portable devices and even your personal computer. The optional YDS-10 Universal iPod Dock connects the HTR-6160 to all versions of Apple's iPod, giving you the power to navigate and play via an onscreen menu.

Optional docks for your iPod or Bluetooth phone set your music free

Improved YPAO for Hassle-Free Configuration
Yamaha's YPAO Sound Optimization system analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts various speaker parameters to provide optimum sound quality at the listening position--all in less than three minutes. Yamaha’s YPAO system uses a small microphone and sophisticated equalization to automatically set the best sound for any room, no matter where the speakers are. First it checks the speaker connections and phase of each speaker. Then it sends out tones which are captured by the microphone to analyze the room acoustics and sets a variety of parameters, such as the speaker size, the distance of the speakers and even the sound pressure level, etc. It does this until it achieves the best sound conditions for your room, and you don't have to adjust a thing. The HTR-6160 has an improved YPAO system that automatically selects the crucial frequency bands for the listening room, and then adjusts the level of the selected bands to create a cohesive sound field in the room.

Compressed Music Enhancer Refreshes Your Music
Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing with exclusive algorithms to enable playback that improves the performance of compressed music formats, including MP3 and WMA. With the Compressed Music Enhancer, highs and especially lows are richer and smoother, bringing music back to life to be as close to the original as possible.

Independent Zone 2 Operation for Second-Room Audio
You can enjoy sound in a separate room because the HTR-6160 provides Zone 2 audio output. Furthermore, Zone 2 power amplifier assignability and speaker terminals mean that Zone 2 can be fully independent with its own 2-channel power, while you still enjoy 5.1-channel sound in the main room.

SCENE – A New Level of Operating Ease
Four SCENE buttons make operating the HTR-6160 easier than ever. Pressing a single SCENE button automatically launches the multiple operations that initiate play of the source controlled by that button. They are initially set to default settings for DVD Viewing, Disc Listening, TV Viewing and Radio Listening. 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.

On-Screen Display with GUI Makes Navigation Easy
An on-screen GUI (Graphical User Interface) display makes operating the HTR-6160 easy and intuitive. It is compatible with iPod, internet radio, PC and USB displays. Access and control everything you need from a simple and easy-to-navigate interface.

Product Description

Designed for the true audio/video connoisseur, the Yamaha HTR-6160BL 7.1-channel digital home theater receiver delivers the highest quality sound and image reproduction. This able receiver will work with your iPod and features 1080p compatible HDMI, high-definition video upconversion, de-interlacing, and is ready for XM Satellite Radio. The Yamaha HTR-6160BL also boasts upgraded CINEMA DSP for rich and full surround sound and improved YPAO sound optimization for the best listening experience in any room.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a difference!, May 21, 2008

By 

David N. Jorn (Murrieta, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-6160BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

Originally purchased the Onkyo 705 and it sounded good for a while and then all of its issues came out. I plugged this Yamaha into the same setup and WOW! The sound that this Yamaha puts out is so clear. The Onkyo at its best is not even close. The onkyo needs 8 inches of space above the receiver in order to not burn up. I have less then 2 inches of space above this receiver and it still runs extremely cool. A Yamaha fan for life now!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great 7.2 AUDIO Receiver, February 12, 2009

By 

ultrabike "ultrabike" (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-6160BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

SUMMARY: Great Sound, Good video switching, Decodes all HD sound formats, Great DSP features, tremendous value, Pre-Outs upgradable.

I was interested in buying an A/V receiver and was undecided between the Onkyo SR606 and the Yamaha RXV663 (aka HTR-6160BL), given what I'd read about them. Both are well known, well liked receivers. The Onkyo SR606 seems more popular due to the number of HDMI inputs, 1080i up conversion (though fairly buggy), and decent performance. The Yamaha is popular because of its great sound fidelity and quality, has pre-outs (unlike the SR606 and many other receivers at this price range), and 2 subwoofer outputs (instead of 1 - i.e. this is really a 7.2 system, not 7.1). Both receivers offer great value. Note that both receivers do poorly in video up conversion. BUT both decode all SD and HD audio formats!

--- Updated review from here on 10/4/09 ---

SOUND PERFORMANCE:

In terms, of actually hearing the receiver perform: I went to a local store (Fry's) and had a chance to hear both the Onkyo and Yamaha units perform. I liked the Yamaha sound better (before learning about the numbers above). But the Onkyo was very good too. How about in my living room? The Yamaha sound is described by one word: AMAZING.

The RX-V663/HTR-6160 power consumption according to the manual is 400W, and the SR-606 is 120V*5.5A = 660W. That means that the Onkyo should be able to play louder. However, 400W is already plenty for a small/medium room and it seems that with in the power specs of the Yamaha, it does seem to do a better job in paper than the Onkyo:

According to HT Labs, in stereo mode (2 channel) the Yamaha was able to perform above 0.01% THD @150W continuous in stereo mode. This is substantial since most high end small and medium speakers (and some entry level towers) would probably get destroyed when driven by 150W/Ch continuous power. In stereo mode, the Yamaha OUTPERFORMED NOT ONLY THE SR-606, BUT THE Rotel RX-1057 "450W" (Rotel has a reputation for understating their power numbers) receiver as well in terms of THD.

However, there are no miracles. Like previously stated the Rotel and Onkyo have larger power supplies and can drive 5 and 7 speakers with more power than the Yamaha. In the 5 channel measurements (and 7) the Yamaha apparently loss ground significantly to both the Rotel and the Onkyo: 112.1W/Ch (Rotel to 4 ohms), 109.4W/Ch (Onkyo to 4 ohms), and 74.9W/Ch (Yamaha to 4 ohms).

Now, if you bought typical small home-theater 5.1 speakers, each satellite tends to require 40W nominal, and can tolerate a maximum of 100W before they start getting damaged. Based on this, this Yamaha receiver should run them effortlessly. Furthermore, if you need to drive power hungry high-end speakers requiring at least 50-600W to work, none of the receivers in the HTR-6160 class would be a great choice. UNLESS, you use the pre-outs of this receiver along with a separate audio amplifier. Not many receivers in the HTR-6160 class offer 7.2 pre-outs!

Yamaha often gets criticized because they claim 95W into 7 channels, when in fact according to HT Labs it is more like 46.9W (driven continuously - Onkyo gives 63.2W). That means Yamaha's marketing may be misleading, but the receiver is fairly good considering their power consumption rating.

VIDEO:

In terms of video up-conversion, this and current receivers in this price range are not great performers (with Sony usually reviewed as the top performer at the expense of audio).

This receiver (HTR-6160) is probably at the bottom of the pack when it comes to up-conversion. In fact it either does nothing (probably best) or up-converts analog signals to 480p (with a lot of issues). Onkyo SR-606 is not much better with their infamous borders around 1080i up-conversion. Sony probably does better, but allegedly at the expense of audio performance (at this price range).

For decent video results you need a much more expensive pre-pro's or receivers (>>$2K) that use very high end video chips, or a dedicated video processor (like the $600 DVDO). They are great in up-converting digital video (HDMI). But analog sources are a little trickier.

If video up-conversion is a deal breaker for you, consider pairing this receiver with a video processor for a better job and less $$$.

HDMI:

One thing this receiver does not have that the Onkyo does is 4 HDMI inputs. You can get a priority 4 port HDMI switch for your Yamaha for $30, but it is an inconvenience. Personally, I can live with that if the Yamaha delivers in terms of sound performance for the $$$.

TEMPERATURE:

If you do not have 8 inches above your receiver for proper ventilation, you may have issues with Onkyos and Pioneers, but not with this Yamaha.

My main concern with the Onkyo was not necessarily that its audio performance was not satisfactory (in fact, its numbers are quite good and you can crank up the volume more than you can with the 663 so that your neighbor's neighbor can enjoy your music). It was the Onkyo's fame for running hot that concerned me. I placed my hand on the top of both receivers while @ Fry's, and the Onkyo did run substantially hotter than the Yamaha. UltimageAVmag actually measured the temperature after the 7 channel test, and the thermometer read 135 degrees! Since I don't have an open cabinet for the receiver, this scared me away from the Onkyo.

Two of my friends had their receivers die due to heating problems, so this is indeed a concern. On Onkyo's defense though, my friend's receivers where not Onkyo nor Yamaha (point is overheating should not be overlooked in closed spaces).

PRICE

The price for the HTR6160 can go as low as $350 (RX-V663 can go that low as well), just depends on the vendor and the time. The Onkyo is usually $400, but you may find it for $350 as well. Rotel RX-1057 usually sells for more than $1K.

OTHER RECEIVERS (PRICE AND FEATURE RANGE):

HTR-6260/RXV665: Has more HDMI inputs and probably better video upconversion. It has pre-outs as well. But it has a smaller power supply, and if people criticize the 663 about its power against its peers, 665 would probably be seen more as a pre/pro than a receiver (and an expensive pre/pro for its feature set)

RXV765: Seems like a 663 with better video stuff, but at almost 2X the price. In this price range, other brands like Marantz might be worth checking out.

Pioneer VSX-1018: Just like the RXV765, but runs a bit hot and it seems discontinued.

HK-254: Worth considering as well.

I would mention Denon, but like Onkyo, at this price range NO PRE-OUTS: No way to upgrade power for higher end speakers down the road.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

Now that I have this unit, I can say that paired with a 5.1 Mirage Nanosat system, this receiver rocks my living room and I could not be happier. Some people say this receiver is bright, and some others are warm. Well, after I ran the YPAO calibration it seems the receiver equalized that out (Onkyo's - and other receiver's - Audyssey should do the same). The receiver also has a graphic equalizer that should tailor things to your taste a bit more. I do not feel my system bright at all, and I can definitively hear incredible audio detail out of it through the speakers.

I have my receiver connected to my LN46A650 TV and my WD HD TV hard drive player (1080P), and I have had no problems so far running HDMI video through the receiver (because I'm not up converting), or decoding audio at all. I also control my LN46A650 TV using the HTR-6160 remote. I also can pump the volume up, and can never go above -15 dB before my wife screams at me to turn it down :)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yamahwow!., April 9, 2009

By 

Chase Anthony Hogan (texas city,tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yamaha HTR-6160BL 665 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Electronics)

I bought this Yamaha recv.back in jan of 09 and I've been very pleased with this product, don't be fooled by the 665watts, it can get louder than you might possibly ever need ,this unit is a 7.2 not a 7.1 it has two sub outs, I have 7 pair of JA Audio cube speakers and two powered subs which makes a huge difference and really rounds out the bass in my living room,I did alot of research and even baught and returned a few name brand recv. and Yamaha was just a better quality all around, very clean sound even for a lower end recv. and for $349.00, no tax, and free fast shipping,you can't find a better deal, thanks Amazon!!!