At a Glance

Class-leading DSP surround

5.1.2-channel Dolby ATMOS/DTS:X decoding Useful Scene memory feature

Wireless surround speaker (and multiroom) option via Musiccast speakers No 9-channel (front- and rear-height) ATMOS/DTS:X expansion option

Slow DLNA audio streaming response

Price: $599 714-522-9105 usa.yamaha.com

bloom of hall-sound spaciousness and of proscenium-arch altitude that made it more convincingly lifelike and thus more musically complete. I really have no idea what proportion of RX-V685 users might employ these programs in this way, but those that do will derive real sonic value.

ERGONOMICS AND EXTRAS

Yamaha’s supplied remote controller is a handsome new design, quite usable in the main though devoid of any key-illumination. A bit curiously, there are direct-access keys to the receiver’s Extra Bass and Enhancer features (both fairly unimportant in my view), but no