What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
01 AUG 2008
Yamaha DSP-AX563
Accomplished and enjoyable in many ways, but the Yamaha’s giving too much away to its rivals
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Yamaha’s products have been non-existent in our reviews section recently. Have a look at the Buyer’s Guide in the magazine: we haven’t had our hands on a Yamaha home cinema receiver since February 2007. So, despite the Japanese company’s expertise with products such as this, we approached the DSP-AX563 almost as if it came from a brand-new manufacturer.
In contrast with its receiver rivals, the DSP-AX563 is an amplifier – we don’t think the lack of FM or AM radio reception will put off too many prospective customers, though.
Only two HDMI inputsMind you, they might look unkindly on other specification shortcomings: the Yamaha’s two HDMI inputs seem a bit measly, and the lack of decoding for Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio looks a bit rum, too.
Yamaha will no doubt point to the fact that the ’563 can receive 7.1-channel LPCM audio via HDMI if you’ve a source capable of sending it, but it will be a lonely, thankless task convincing consumers when every direct rival includes HD audio decoding as a matter of course.
However, that won’t be as tricky as explaining away the lack of video upconversion beyond component video standard, as well as the complete lack of video upscaling.
In other respects, though, the Yamaha’s competitive. Its auto set-up is quick and precise, its looks are clean in a functional sort of way, and the remote control embraces commonsense, even if the buttons are on the small side.
Atmosphere and authorityAmplifying the LPCM soundtrack to our
Flags of Our Fathers Blu-ray, the DSP-AX563 makes up some ground. Like Yamahas of old, the ’563 seems to push the walls of your room back, presenting the most expansive soundstage in this three-way test.
It’s an atmospheric, detailed and authoritative listen – effects are steered precisely, dialogue is distinct, and there’s plenty of well-controlled bass action. Making the low frequencies integrate smoothly with the rest of the sound range isn’t a simple as it should be, though.
This roomy presentation and involving tonal balance is carried over to non-HD multichannel audio, and the Yamaha’s an enjoyably detailed listen in stereo – although it can be overly smooth and the bass is again snubbed somewhat by the other frequencies.
Up against accomplished and dynamic rivals, and hobbled by its specification, the DSP-AX563 comes up just a little bit short – but at least Yamaha is back.