Interesting (to me) feature on Yamaha receivers

[Danny Tse]

While researching whether I should sell my stereo integrated amp and buy a multi-channel receiver to use with my SACD player, I came across an interesting feature on Yamaha's current line of HT receivers. Apparently, there's a "Direct Stereo" mode on most of these receivers (except the lowest-priced one) that bypass all of the decoders and DSP processors, allowing an analog signal to go straight to the volume control. When that mode is engaged, the display of the receiver dims.

Wow!! As if this mode is made for serious, critical listening. I have never seen this on a receiver before. Maybe it's just me, but this is pretty neat.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

That's basically what happens with the 5.1 channel inputs on many receivers...

I have an HK that also has that...

[Early B.]

Most receivers have that feature. It goes by different names depending on the brand. IMO, music always sounds better in direct mode.

[PolkWannabie]

Some go so far as to have a "pure" mode that is supposedly beyond "direct" that turns off all the video circuitry as well.

[Danny Tse]

As you can see, I am totally out of the loop in terms of HT.

[Airplay355]

my marantz has a source direct which is the same thing

[aba4430]

My 11 year old (still looks brand spanking new and performs flawlessly) RX-V870 also has the direct mode button. I used it to listen to two channel music.
Regards,
aba