Yamaha RX-V681BL MusicCast Receiver with Yamaha WX-030BL MusicCast Wireless Speaker, Works with Alexa

The manual is a pdf file on a CD. Read that first. Once I got past the Japanese setup screens (the language is the icon with "ABC" on it), it was pretty simple. However, the sound was like an echo chamber on everything but stereo. Once I set up the WiFi, it downloaded a firmware update (it took 20 minutes) and all of that went away. The sound is superb and smooth across all the speakers in my 7.1 setup. Of all the possible sound settings, 7-channel stereo seems the best on everything but Blu-ray, where "Surround" allows for true 5.1 and 7.1 sound. That's to be expected since the source is typically stereo. The sound on movies like "Master and Commander" is startlingly accurate and realistic, and also for movies over WiFi, which likewise transmit 5.1. The remote is not a universal remote, although many of the functions for a CD or Blu-ray player can be handled with it. The TV button is not for the TV. I think it actually means "video out" and that's where some eccentricities show up. If you turn off the TV, it turns off the amp. That's normally a good thing; but not if you want to continue to listen to a CD and only had the TV on to change a setting. And if you turn on the amp first, and then turn on the TV, the TV will not play through the amp until you turn the amp off and back on. Cute. But I do have an older TV that requires me to use audio out (RCA plugs) linked to Audio1 on the amp. It's probably not a problem on newer TVs where the HDMI handles it. The amp produces the upper frequencies beautifully and cleanly, and the timber of the violins and cellos is exquisite. The bass is deep, rich, and smooth. I had an Onkyo which I thought handled those things really well until I heard this Yamaha. It noticeably outperforms it. I am VERY happy with it.11/15 - I resolved the TV vs. amp issues (sound, power off). On the amp, choose setup, HDMI, and turn off HDMI control. Then they operate independently of each other, and the amp sound will auto-adjust to whatever the input is.

I have only had this receiver set up for a few days, and I will update as needed. I will write a "quick" review for the 1st paragraph, and go into some detail in the 2nd. :)I am upgrading from an older Sony "All in One" surround sound/DVD system, which might explain my pro and con things a little bit. Overall, this is a very nice receiver, and I absolutely love it. It does everything i need, and then some. I recommend it if its in the price range your looking for. Yamaha doesn't usually disappoint.*Quick: There are some amazing features, such as 4k support, Multicast, AirPlay, WiFi/Network & Bluetooth connectivity, YPAO (which is the Mic Calibration program) as well as a pretty awesome app that controls the system. I am using the App on an iPad, and love it. The receiver has a "quality" feel overall, with tons of connections, including and extra HDMI and USB on the front. The picture and sound quality is great. I do feel that the setup process was a little complicated. There are just SOOOO many types of "Sound Modes". The remote is also a little nutty, tons and tons of buttons. But once you get this setup, you can leave it alone, which does make it worth it in my opinion.*Little more: If you have been following the Surround Sound Scene, and stayed educated to the old and new formats over the years, you will be fine using this system. If your like me, and have some general knowledge, you might get a little overwhelmed with what you can pick from for sound modes, and what they will do, and Yamaha doesn't go into great detail, because its not their technology (meaning they don't develop Dolby or DTS), they just support it in their systems. So finding out exactly which Sound Mode does what is hard to find through Yamaha. You'd have to go to Dolby, or DTS's websites to learn more about it, or do what I did, and just start switching the modes around until its what you like... I know, real technical, right? lol. However, I will "complain" about the ease of use, which is why i knocked off 1 star. I would definitely say this is not an "Out of the box ready", user friendly type system. You will definitely need to set some time aside to set up everything. I would absolutely recommend using the Yamaha A/V Controller app, which I'm using on an iPad, and it makes it much easier to control. I will say that this is a perfect system for someone who has the knowledge of all the different types of Surround Sound Formats, or for a "secondary" surround sound system set up, again, because you would have the knowledge. however, don't be afraid to learn something about these technologies, because this receiver is a great way to have a nice home theater.I consider myself to be and "Advanced Amateur" Audiophile. I've been working with audio equipment for 20+ years. Just never dove full into it. I would gladly get a 2nd one of these if i needed it, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a decent surround sound receiver.