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Review Summary
2017-04-23T20:00:00
I remember a time when "stereo" used lamp electric cord to connect the speakers to the amplifier, so this unit is much too complicated for my simple needs of connecting a television and blue ray player to a set of speakers (and a sub-woofer). I wish some company would make a high quality audio/video amplifier that has the latest in the basics but is simple to operate.
Doc

2017-04-18T20:00:00
Product is overrated and over priced
Denis

2017-04-12T20:00:00
It is used as the central heart of our Home Theater
Mountain G.

2017-04-02T20:00:00
sounds great ,4k,arc
jb

2017-03-20T20:00:00
I replaced a Yamaha RX 675. I believe the sound and connectivity is much better. It improved tv picture quality and surround sound, 4k ability. The only bad thing is that instructions for set up and use is difficult to understand, if you do not have a very good knowledge of terms used.
Grog

2017-03-18T20:00:00
Bought this particular model because it's the only Yamaha that I found that still has a phono jack to play vinyls. It replaces a 35 year old MacIntosh that I loved. At this stage of my life, didn't want to invest a ton of money into a new Mac. Since I trust the Yamaha brand, [have a Yamaha piano with fantastic tones & touch!] a Yamaha receiver made sense. Wish this model had the ability to adjust tenor & bass sounds. Nevertheless, it has great sound, and I'm very happy with it. Would definitely recommend it.
Carolina G.

2017-03-18T20:00:00
We haven't owned this receiver long enough to give it a fair review. What we do know so far is, that it seems to work very well.
Us

2017-03-10T19:00:00
+ lots of inputs and codecs + great sound + controllable through browser - can't dim the front display when watching movies (only with pure direct), it's annoying when receiver is near the tv. - can't play surround music through DLNA - after restart, you have to navigate to DLNA folder structure all over again, annoying when there are multiple nested folders - can't play albums in sequence through DLNA
Nándor

2017-03-06T19:00:00
So very glad I upgraded to this receiver.
StArrow

2017-03-06T19:00:00
As stated, very easy to setup and use. The sound is awesom for the price point. Much better then the Onkyo and Pioneer I had before and paid a lot more money for.
onesergeant

2017-02-21T19:00:00
I bought my first Yamaha receiver in 1990, and it was so outdated I had to update... loving this new one, mainly for the HDMI connectivity!! I love the sound, and quality of Yamaha receivers.
Silverado S.

2017-02-19T19:00:00
This is my 3rd Yamaha receiver. My expectations were high; as I always expect excellent quality from Yamaha. Yamaha found a way to exceed my expectations. The primary reason I purchased the RX-V681 was so I could utilize the Bluetooth and Phono inputs. Well, my turntable never sounded better; and the Bluetooth function is outstanding, especially using the Yamaha phone application. I am ready for 4K and UHD; however the RX-V681 has improved by current 1080 image so well; I have time to enjoy the TV I have. Well done Yamaha.
Belmont B.

2017-01-14T19:00:00
We have two of these receivers and have them as part of our media centers. They do a fantastic job with everything we've thrown at them so far. We use the Zone 2 function as well for playback into other rooms. We really enjoy the MusicCast feature and have 4 of the MusicCast speakers set up as well.
Techvet

2016-12-28T19:00:00
I replaced my aging Harman Kardon receiver to take advantage of the HDMI inputs to organize my different components, cut down on wires, etc. The "Scene" function makes it possible to turn on TV, radio, DVD player, Roku, Apple TV, etc., with one button. Operates like a universal remote. I can even run my DVD player with this remote. On screen display is great -- I've never had to use the front buttons on the receiver, it's all done on the remote. Adjusting speakers in surround sound is a breeze with auto setup. Large selection of sound filters. My only negative has to do with the headphone jack -- a minor point. It shuts off all the speakers so I can't use headphones while others listen through speakers. I figured out a way to work around this problem using zone 2, but I wish Yamaha had a toggle for this -- seems like a simple thing to include. Even though I haven't begun to appreciate all the features, I am very happy with the unit.
OldTimer

2016-12-25T19:00:00
I purchased this unit since it was rated as a high quality music delivery receiver. That part works great. I also found the video delivery to be top notch. The only complete I would have is that there appears to be no access to video apps such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, with the system tied into wifi. Since my TV does have those network offering I had to run the audio from the TV to the received. Would have much rather used the HDMI connection.
WG

2016-12-17T19:00:00
The receiver is part of my surround sound system. I replaced a Denon AVR-2310CI receiver which started to fail. I really like the sound quality of the new receiver.
CobraR

2016-11-17T19:00:00
The unit is used as a radio, and music player off of a CD player, turn table, and handheld devices. Sound quality is great. Instructions are not very clear. If not connected to TV, programming is hard. Most programming feature is designed for on-screen options. Having no TV, I am stuck with the programming choices.
Gabe

2016-09-29T20:00:00
Overall I am pleased with unit but disappointed that I was unable to utilize features such as zone 2 speakers and remote amp for remote speakers throughout my home. The remote amp I tried to implement was a Yamaha HTR-4065. After several chats and phone discussions on how to make remote amp work, I gave up. I ended up utilizing connections from source boxes (DirecTV, tuner etc). Not what I had in mind.
Ern

2016-09-12T20:00:00
1. After long periods of being 'off' it takes some time for it to begin broadcasting its 'AirPlay' signal, which is a little annoying. 2. It also has a tendency to switch to 'AirPlay' when you start playing something on iTunes, even when you are for instance watching TV. (So, with those two it's kind of not sensitive enough on the one hand, and too sensitive on the other) 3. The 'Standard' and '2-Channel Stereo' settings are waaay too 'bright' for music audio. Whatever was used for the 'True Direct' setting is actually a much better calibration (and it appears to be impossible to make that a default setting - even just on 'AirPlay'), and base-line settings such as 'Standard' and '2-Channel Stereo' really should be closer to that.
CP B.

2016-09-11T20:00:00
I would have given this 5 stars, but lack of a windows app to control the receiver (and musiccast) is something that needs to be addressed.
Dom

2016-08-17T20:00:00
I was uncertain on which receiver to purchase at 500.00 and up. After comparing many brands the information on Yamaha site plus users reviews helped me make the correct choice. The RX681 has impressed me on its features and performance. The Yamaha apps for android has locked me into telling everyone how great this unit is to a home owner. I really like the Net Radio which I look forward to relaxing after work and chilling to house music from Amsterdam or Russia. I'm looking at purchasing additional RX-81 amp to allow my mom plug her head phones in and listen to movies instead of reading closed caption. I found the RX head phone jack has a wide volume range allowing the head phones to reach a sound level for hearing aid users.
Dougers

2016-08-01T20:00:00
Great for movies and music, the smart phone makes it easy to change any of the settings. Minor con was the wireless setup - just entering in the data manually (the WPS setting on the router didn't work...so a minor issue)
Alan

2016-07-27T20:00:00
I spent more time than a reasonable person should doing research before settling on the RX-681 receiver. I made the right choice. We use it as the hub for music and video in our living room. I swapped out an older Yamaha receiver and kept the speakers that had come with it with the intention of upgrading at some point in the future. That's still the plan, and with the quality of the sound the future may be further off than I expected. It really is easy to set up and use. I'd have to work hard to find something I don't like about it. I've always liked Yamaha equipment and still am a fan.
John g.

2016-06-12T20:00:00
I am happy to be the first person to review the receiver. It Does everything your description claims it does! The sound is amazing! The picture is amazing! I thought I'd buy a 4k TV to go along with this, but I don't think I need to. My 1080 Plasma Picture through the HDMI so clear, so sharp, that I'm going to save my money. The musicast works great as well. No need for Apple TV now. (sorry Tim Cook). The remote however will not go through my wall to the closet where my stuff is hidden. But My Harmony remote would. Once I got it set up, it was simple to pair my phone, then I didn't need a remote. I upgraded from a Harmon Kardon. For the $ this so far is the best reciever I've ever had! If you have any doubt. Put that away! I've only had mine a week, but the set up, and use is so easy... I'm sure I will love it a long time!
Derryberry

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My Favorite new toy!
By Derryberry
I am happy to be the first person to review the receiver. It Does everything your description claims it does! The sound is amazing! The picture is amazing! I thought I'd buy a 4k TV to go along with this, but I don't think I need to. My 1080 Plasma Picture through the HDMI so clear, so sharp, that I'm going to save my money. The musicast works great as well. No need for Apple TV now. (sorry Tim Cook). The remote however will not go through my wall to the closet where my stuff is hidden. But M...
View full Review
Happy with new toy :-)
By Carolina G.
Bought this particular model because it's the only Yamaha that I found that still has a phono jack to play vinyls. It replaces a 35 year old MacIntosh that I loved. At this stage of my life, didn't want to invest a ton of money into a new Mac. Since I trust the Yamaha brand, [have a Yamaha piano with fantastic tones & touch!] a Yamaha receiver made sense. Wish this model had the ability to adjust tenor & bass sounds. Nevertheless, it has great sound, and I'm very happy with it. Would definite...
View full Review