Yamaha YHT - 491BL

Awesome Home Theater System *****

"I searched around and read lots of reviews on numerous different home theater systems in the box and this is the one I ended up purchasing. This set up is truly amazing for the price I paid for everything.
The only negative comment I have about this receiver is that the DVD audio input is for a coaxial cable and not an optical cable. My blue ray player outputs to a optical audio cable so I had to plug it into the CD input on the receiver (which isn't that big of a deal). Other than that, the sound quality is amazing and the sub thumps really hard. I haven't even turned the sub up half way because I'm afraid my neighbors may say something.
I also purchased the Atlantic Stands of Amazon and they worked out great, except I had to install the speakers upside down on the stands so the mounting bracket could be screwed in.
For the money this home theater system is definitely a good choice. You get a lot of inputs/outputs on this receiver for a home theater system with a 5 disc DVD player. I went with this system because I did not need or want a DVD player because I knew I wanted to upgrade to Blue Ray. So if your wanting to do the same, I would recommend getting this home theater system rather than one that comes with only a upscaling DVD player."

C. Walker - Jun 17, 2009

Bought it. Love it. *****

"Purchasing a surround-sound decoder and speaker system was the last link in my HT setup. I decided on the YHT-491BL for 5 reasons in particular:

1. I decided all I really needed is 5 speakers for great surround sound, not 7.

2. The price point of the 491BL fit my budget.

3. HDMI, optical, and coax digital inputs: my DVR, PS3, and Mac Mini connect easily.

4. Sound quality from the active-servo subwoofer: I've owned a pair of Yamaha desktop computer speakers (YST-M15) and matching subwoofer (YST-MSW8) for over 10 years and I have never tired of the smooth sound and surprising power from these little studs. The 491BL did not disappoint me from the second I turned it on. The active-servo subwoofer keeps the bass tight and accurate, and the crossover slope from the bass to the mid frequencies is very smooth. The front left and right channels are mounted on good looking stands -- which gets the sound off the floor and puts it at the level it's supposed to be. So far these speakers sound awesome with movies, games, and music.

5. Yamaha quality. The long-lasting aforementioned desktop speakers, and a well-built Yamaha motorcycle have made me a believer in the quality of Yamaha products. Now if I could only learn to play the piano...

I am very happy with this system and have no complaints."

C. Day - Jun 16, 2009