Yamaha RX-N600

Editors' rating

Good

6.9

out of 10

The good: The Yamaha RX-N600 is a 6.1-channel A/V receiver that offers connectivity to Ethernet home networks, USB storage devices, and (with an optional dock) the Apple iPod. It's also XM ready and supports component-video conversion from composite and S-Video.
The bad: There are no HDMI jacks, and the receiver lacks an automatic setup option. You can't configure the list of available Internet radio stations, and the USB playback didn't work with some of the thumbdrives we tried.
The bottom line: Digital music fans will find a lot to like about the Yamaha RX-N600, but its dearth of HDMI options will frustrate HDTV owners.

Reviewed by:
Steve Guttenberg
Edited by:
John P. Falcone
Review date: 9/21/06

Performance
Ratings explained

Ratings explained

10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.9 (Spectacular):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.