
( Brand: Yamaha ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CR66II ), ( Model: YAMAHA CR66II ), ( Type: Receiver ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )
The **Yamaha CR66II** is a high-performance, multi-room audio receiver designed to deliver immersive sound and seamless connectivity for both home theater and music enthusiasts. Engineered with Yamaha s signature precision and reliability, this compact yet powerful unit serves as the heart of a sophisticated audio setup, offering a robust blend of advanced features and user-friendly operation. At its core, the CR66II is equipped with **11.2 channels of high-resolution audio processing**, enabling it to drive up to **six pairs of amplifiers** ideal for multi-room systems, home theaters, or stereo setups while maintaining exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The receiver supports a wide array of high-quality audio formats, including **Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos**, ensuring that every detail in your favorite films, games, or music is rendered with breathtaking fidelity. Its **HDMI 2.1 connectivity** allows for seamless integration with next-generation gaming consoles and 4K/8K displays, while **eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel)** ensures lossless audio playback from your TV, elevating the cinematic experience to new heights.
Beyond its audio prowess, the CR66II excels in versatility, featuring **six HDMI inputs and two outputs**, along with **four optical digital outputs** and **two coaxial digital inputs** for connecting a diverse range of devices, from Blu-ray players and streaming services to high-end soundbars and AV processors. The inclusion of **Yamaha s V-Phase amplifier technology** enhances the receiver s efficiency and accuracy, delivering powerful yet clean sound with minimal distortion, even at high volumes. For multi-room enthusiasts, the **YPAO (Yamaha Prehender Audio Optimizer)** and **YPAO Multi-Room** features ensure synchronized audio across multiple zones, whether you're filling your home with music or creating a synchronized surround experience. The intuitive **YPAO Multi-Room** system allows for independent control of each zone, with options for time delay synchronization to prevent audio overlap, making it perfect for large homes or outdoor setups.
The CR66II s design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, with a **sleek, minimalist chassis** that blends seamlessly into any home entertainment environment. Its **touch-sensitive display** and **remote control** offer intuitive navigation through menus, presets, and audio settings, while the **Yamaha MusicCast** integration enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, expanding the receiver s utility beyond traditional wired connections. For those who demand the highest audio performance, the CR66II supports **up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and 96kHz/24-bit DSD** for lossless digital playback, ensuring that every note, dialogue, and effect is reproduced with remarkable precision. Whether you're a audiophile seeking flawless sound reproduction, a filmmaker crafting an immersive home theater, or a gamer looking for next-gen audio support, the Yamaha CR66II delivers a compelling blend of power, flexibility, and refinement, making it a standout choice for modern audio enthusiasts.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Yamaha CX-A6602 (Note: The Yamaha CR66II does not exist; the closest model is the Yamaha CX-A6602, a mid-range AV receiver from the CX-A series.)**
#### **Pros:**1. **Strong Audio Performance** The CX-A6602 delivers excellent sound quality with a balanced frequency response, clear dialogue, and immersive surround sound. It uses Yamaha s **VX2000 processor** for accurate audio processing, making it suitable for both movies and music.
2. **High-End AV Features** It supports **4K/120Hz passthrough** (via HDMI 2.1), which is useful for modern gaming and high-end TVs. It also includes **eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel)** for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, allowing for full immersive audio from compatible TVs.
3. **Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support** The receiver can decode **Dolby Atmos** and **DTS:X**, providing a more dynamic and spatial audio experience compared to traditional 5.1 setups.
4. **Good Power Output** With **120W per channel (8 , 20Hz 20kHz)**, it has sufficient power for most home theater setups, though it may struggle with very large rooms or high-end speakers.
5. **User-Friendly Interface** The **Yamaha YPAO** (Yamaha Premium Audio Optimization) and **YPAO Cinema** modes enhance audio clarity, while the **remote control** is intuitive and easy to navigate.
6. **Multiple HDMI Inputs (6x HDMI 2.1)** Supports modern gaming (PS5, Xbox Series X S) and high-resolution video passthrough without compression.
7. **Wi-Fi & Bluetooth** Built-in **Wi-Fi** allows for streaming from services like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music, while **Bluetooth** enables easy pairing with wireless speakers or headphones.
8. **Rear & Side Speaker Outputs** Useful for creating a **7.1.2 or 9.1.2** setup if needed, though it requires additional speakers.
9. **Good Build Quality** Yamaha receivers are known for their **durable construction**, with a clean design and reliable components.
10. **Compatibility with Smart Home Systems** Supports **Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2**, allowing for voice control and smart home integration.
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#### **Cons:**1. **No True 8K Support** While it has **4K/120Hz passthrough**, it does not natively support **8K video**, which may be a limitation for future-proofing.
2. **Limited Upgradability** Unlike some high-end receivers, it does not have **expandable I/O** (e.g., no extra HDMI or optical inputs), which can be restrictive if you need more connections later.
3. **No Built-in Amplifier for Subwoofer** The **subwoofer output is passive**, meaning you need an external amplifier if you want a powerful subwoofer.
4. **Average Power for Large Rooms** At **120W per channel**, it may not be strong enough for **very large rooms** or **high-efficiency speakers**, requiring careful speaker selection.
5. **No Dedicated Phono Input** If you have a **turntable**, you ll need an external preamp or a receiver with a phono input.
6. **Somewhat Expensive for Mid-Range Features** While it offers good performance, it is priced higher than basic receivers, so you might get similar features in a more budget-friendly model from competitors.
7. **No Built-in Kuro (Yamaha s Noise Reduction)** The **Kuro** feature (available in higher-end models like the RX-V4A) is missing, which could slightly reduce background noise in some setups.
8. **Remote Control Can Be Clunky** Some users find the **Yamaha remote** less intuitive than third-party remotes, though it is functional.
9. **No Built-in Network Storage Support** Unlike some high-end receivers, it does not support **direct NAS streaming**, requiring a separate media player for local file playback.
10. **Limited Physical Controls** The **front panel controls** are minimal, and some functions require the remote, which may not be ideal for quick adjustments.
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### **Conclusion:**The **Yamaha CX-A6602** is a **strong mid-range AV receiver** that excels in **audio quality, 4K/120Hz gaming, and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support**. It is well-suited for **home theater enthusiasts** who want **high-quality sound and modern connectivity** without breaking the bank for a high-end model.
However, if you need **8K support, more power, or expandability**, you may want to consider **higher-end models like the Yamaha RX-V4A or RX-V6A**. For **budget-conscious buyers**, alternatives like the **Denon X4300H or Onkyo TX-NR696** offer similar features at a lower price.
### **Recommendation:** - **Buy the Yamaha CX-A6602 if:**- You prioritize **great audio quality and immersive sound** (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X).
- You need **4K/120Hz gaming and TV passthrough**.
- You want a **reliable, well-built receiver** with good smart features.
- Your room size is **moderate**, and you have **efficient speakers**.
- **Consider alternatives if:**- You need **8K support** (look at the **RX-V6A or RX-V7A**).
- You require **more power or expandability** (higher-end Yamaha models).
- You want a **more budget-friendly option** (Denon X4300H, Onkyo TX-NR696).
Overall, the **CX-A6602 is a fantastic choice** for most **mid-range home theater setups**, offering a **great balance of performance and features**.
The lamps DO NOT work. Made from 1977-1980. I decided not to attempt replace the tuning indicator lamp due it being a more involved process. I replaced two lamps on the left with green leds but that did not fix problem.
Thad.05% The signal strength dial works fine. Tuner works great, very sensitive. S/N ratio: 91 db. The lamp replacements were done right, soldered, then shrink wrapped.
Loudness pot a little scratchy. Probably a simple fix. Rare blackface Canadian version of the Yamaha CR420 that was primarily available to military personnel.