Yamaha RX-V371: Full HD AV receiver with 17 Sound Modes

The Yamaha RX-V371 may not be the most multifunctional AV receiver, but it does have all of the essential features like 3D passthrough, HD audio, and Full HD video support. This 5.1-channel receiver is rated at 100W per each of 5 channels, which is sufficient to power most medium-sized speakers.

Design

The RX-V371 looks similar to the Yamaha RX-V385BL and most other receivers from the RX series: classic design, physical buttons and a knob, and an enclosure of deep black color. It doesn't seem to be minimalistic since there are 19 buttons and 5 inputs on its front panel. The display is bright, well-readable, and shows plenty of information (input, mode, volume level, etc.).

The RX-V371 Yamaha features a time-proof, classic Yamaha design, so I have no doubt about it's convenience. Thus, it gets 9/10.

Features

Yamaha's exclusive Cinema DSP and Scene functions are one of the greatest benefits you are getting from this model. Cinema DSP allows choosing from 17 sound programs for different types of content (sports, movies, games, and others). Thanks to the Scene function, you can switch between the receiver's preset sources (DVD Viewing, Disc Listening, TV Viewing, and Radio) with just one press of a button on the Yamaha RX-V371 remote.

When it comes to video features, all 4 HDMI inputs support Audio Return Channel, as well as 3D passthrough, Deep Color, and x.v.Color technologies, and automatic lip-sync compensation.

Although the RX-V371 isn't the most feature-packed receiver, it still has some solid functions for both video and audio quality improvement. So, it receives a 9/10 for the features.

Performance

The receiver easily handles high volumes, and the surround sound effects make the sound field noticeably wider and deeper. As I connected the receiver to my gaming console and a TV, it has shown nearly flawless performance, so I have no complaints about it.

This way, the performance gets a perfect score of 10 out of 10.

Sound Quality

At first, the sound seemed a bit flat. However, the sound increased substantially after some tweaking (enhanced low frequencies and lowered mid frequencies). Such surround sound features like Dolby Digital and DTS HD Master Audio work especially great when watching Blu-ray movies and playing video games, making the sound more immersive.

This receiver is definitely able to make your speakers sound better. So, I feel confident rating the sound performance of this receiver at a 9/10.

Connectivity

The unit offers plenty of inputs: 4 HDMI inputs and one output, component and composite ports, analog stereo ports, two optical and two coaxial ports, and subwoofer pre-out. Unfortunately, there is no USB port. Since it isn't a network receiver, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections aren't provided. It's possible to add a Bluetooth connection if you buy the YBA-10 Bluetooth audio receiver.

Although the quantity of inputs exceeds expectations for the price, it lacks several modern connectivity possibilities. This way, in this category, the receiver gets 8 out of 10 points.

Setup

There is no on-screen setup tutorial, and the Yamaha RX-V371 manual is only available on CD. You can only use the receiver's display to perform adjustments. Luckily, it still has an auto-calibration function, so you won't have to worry about manual audio setup.

In terms of setup ease and comfort, this device falls short of the other Yamaha receivers. So, I can estimate it at 7 out of 10.

Conclusion

Summing up this Yamaha RX-V371 review, I can say that it's a decent receiver. It has 17 sound programs, which is likely more than the average user will require. Of course, the lack of USB, wireless connectivity, and network capabilities is a noticeable drawback. The installation is not so easy: apart from an auto-calibration, the receiver doesn't provide any features that would make the setup easier.