Thursday, 16 May 2013

User review of YAMAHA YHT-298

Hello friends,


Here im giving a user review of yamaha yht-298 home theater. Before getting into the topic first im introducing my self to you. im a technology enthusiast means just i ll buy the products which is newly available in the market with lot of technological stuffs.   
                                                                                 
Yamaha YHT 298
Before go further, this review is suitable for whom upgrading their conventional home theater to a professional one. When you are Google about the home theatre with AV receiver you will get variety of  system available in the market. Im just listing down some of those for your easy search.

1. JBL 2. Denon 3. Onkyo 4. Yamaha 5. Martanz 6. Prodigi 7. Bose etc. These are the mostly popular brands in this category. 

Before buying a home theatre things need to be consider:

1. Budget (Home theaters available from 20000 Rs to Some crores)
2. Room Size (Will use to decide how much watts u required)
3. Features need (like wireless, Internet, USB, Apple product compatibility, 5.1 or 7.1 ) 
4. Audition (Need to choose the products for your taste)
5. User review for the product.

So finally from the above you can decide which one to go. Im here listing down pros and cons of YHT 298 with all the aspects above.

1. From the budget point of view:

Who is looking for a very good home theater with AV receiver between 25000 Rs to 35000 Rs can go for Yamaha or Onkyo.  Because these two has a model with features within this budget. Here YHT-298 is available from Rs. 33500 onwards . With the features above Onkyo HTS-3500(Rs. 32000 onwards).

2. Room Size:

This can be perfect for living place home theater setup in your home. The size can be upto 10x15 feet hall. Because each speaker will have 100w output with 16-14 gauge wire. 

3. Features:

Its sliky design of the each component make you feel good when friends around you for the party. It has a three different DSP(Digital Signal Processing)  called cinema DSP 1. for Movie. 2. for Music and 3. Surround sound. Since its 5.1 channel. you could enjoy the movies as you watch in the theater as well. More feature please visit yamaha official website.

Specific features like HDMI overlay, IPhone, Ipod, Ipad comparability with remote. USB device support. 2 digital optical and 2 coaxial inputs(No other models has these configuration for this price range), YAPO audio calibration. the lagging one is Network compatibility.

4. Audition:

When i came to the Audition for JBL and Onkyo and Yamaha. I had a three different music experience  Yamaha yht-298 is so sharper in the sound its gives me a perfect deep bass with align to the movie or Music track. Its all six speakers are coordinated well by the DSP programs.

So finally i ll prefer you to go for this instead of Onkyo HTs-3500. Soon i ll update the more details about connection and  other useful stuff.

81 comments:

  1. Hi,
    Thanks for the review. I am planning to buy this HTiB. My primary usage will be 80% music and 20% movie. Is it good for listening music?
    I am little bit confused with Yamaha yht 196(Rs. 22k) vs YHT-298(33k).Since power-wise both are same, will DTS-HD make any difference while listening music?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Andy,

    Yep..! This system is best for Listening music. Not for the Music parties bcoz of the power. I too using in the same way 60-40 basics.

    YHT196 doesn't have the HD speakers,USB, YAPO, On screen Display. Basically we will like the on the go Music So USB needed(For me). Next YAPO not much effective but its good to calibrate. On screen display helped me lot to setup the Receiver.

    For your question, DTS HD or Dolby HD doesn't have effect on musics untill you have a Blu-ray music discs which have DTS or Dolby HD. But YHT298 speaker and woofer is perfect for listening music that's sure dude. Especially Deep bass sound amazed me while listening music or watching Movies.

    So go for a audition and rock with the system..! Enjoy the music party. Get back me if you have any questions on setu or anything else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can yamaha yht 299 future upgradable cause my friend said its not upgradable

      Delete
  3. Hi Bharath,

    Thanks for answering.I am going to buy this HTiB. I will sure ask for help incase I need it for setup.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi I am planning to buy Home theatre, but bit confused with Onkyo 4505 and Yamaha 298. Could you please help me out. what is the pros and cons of each one.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Veera

    These two models are manufactured for competition for each one. Both have a same features. Now only thing you need to look is price and the sound.

    Here the price in India for Yamaha yht 298 is 34000 and Onkyo HT-S Rs.39000. And according to me the audition is final thing to decide. Always Yamaha will offer sharp and crisp sound. You could hear minor frequency in a music track also boost up. So mostly yamaha will suit for a person who would like to hear music and music(music lover). Onkyo side it will deliver soft sound.

    So final decision is in your hand to decide which one to go. My suggestion is both have a same feature. But both will offer different sound. And different price. So go for audition to the show room and decide. Have a good day dude...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Bharat,

    I am also confused between 198 and 299 What is the difference?

    Can anyone help me in this regard.

    Thanks in advance.

    Rahul

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Rahul,

      Just check the above comment i added..!

      Delete
  7. Hai Vyankatesh,

    Sorry for the delayed reply. Actually these two models having a difference in sound quality. I have already given a answer in this blog first user comment.

    Actually 298 and 299 is just a upgrade in the software performance and electronic h/w components. both are same only.

    For your question, check the answer in the first comment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Bharath

    Thank you for sharing this info'. This was really decisive for me. I finally decided to go for YHT-298. In addition to disk & USB playback, I would like to watch DTH HD channels with this. However, I'm bit confused about how would I connect my TV or DTH box to this. I have Sony Bravia LED (KDL-32EX520) and Airtel DTH HD set top box.
    Currently, STB and TV are connected using HDMI cable.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Bipin,

      As mentioned by Vyankatesh below. You can connect your HD set box to the HDMI pin which is meant for Setup box(see back side of receiver). And take optical cable(toslink)
      Cable and connect Airtel hd box and to the any one of optical port provided in the receiver. Once you done this take the remote do the below steps

      Click option -> audio in -> select the optical port connected(its always AV1 to AV4)

      Doing this only if Airtel hd setup box video is available in your TV. All the input video to the receiver is available in one HDMI video output port. So you can change the input using your remote. For example if you connect your HD setup box in HDMI 1, click HDMI 1 in remote. That's it.

      Addition to this you have option of ARC and Control through HDMI ( you can use single setup box remote to control your receiver volume button and more) if you are interested let me know I ll give details in next post.

      Thank you..!

      Delete
    2. Hi Bipin, Bharath,

      I have 2 questions here because I'm planning to buy YHT-299.

      1. Is it worth going for this option because my room size is 250 Sq. Ft.? and I have a Samsung 40" LCD TV.
      2. Do we have to connect to Receiver from TV for getting the sound of the channel/movies (viewed through Tatasky HD setup box)? I thought all the devices like PS3, HD Set top box can be connected to Receiver and Receiver to TV for getting the sound in the speakers. Is my understanding wrong? Please correct.

      Thanks,
      Anand

      Delete
  9. Hai Vyankatesh,

    Thank you for your reply for the post above. It's really great that user will update their views and info for others. Keep going...!

    Bharath

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you Vyankatesh
    So in your case, TV is sending audio signals to YHT thro' optical cable. Does it deliver 6 channels audio output?
    One more question, are you able to play MP4, MKV video files on USB?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am planning to buy Onkyo HT-S3500 or HT-S4505, does Yamaha YHT 298 better than onkyo models?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Suresh,

      Its truly based on your taste. So go for audition and select one. Before that compare the spec of each one of this.

      Delete
  12. i have yht196..
    the unit gets hot. i am not giving proper vents to dissipate the heat and i am going to change the place of the amp very soon. just wanted to know whether it has heating issues or is it just due to the vent?

    secondly wanted to ask whether it can decode 5.1 digital dolby? and what format is required? i am using Blu ray player which can decode all types of dolby but i just wanted to check what all can my receiver decode..
    please tell me on how to use DD 5.1 in the receiver
    thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Varun,

      As you know each receiver will have DSP(Digital signal processor) in it. So Basically the amp will dissipate the heat from the unit. So ventilation is important. The heat is normal if its with in your user manuals specification.

      Delete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi,
    I am really confused which one to buy for my room.
    I have audition bose cinemate series 2 but reading the reviews overall the internet I am confused alot.

    1. Does bose 2.1 cinemate really suck as compared to Sony or yamaha yht298?
    2. My budget is around 40k. Please suggest me.
    Should I go with Bose or with yamaha.
    I am looking for best home theater surround sound for my room (11ft by 13ft).
    Please suggest which brand would be best and which model -
    Yamaha,bose,polk,harmon kardon or sony?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Summit,

      If you have room space for wiring and installing speakers of 5. then go for the yamaha or sony according to your taste. Because the sound bars are actually virtual surround sound it cant give you a realistic surround sound. So best you can go for surround AV receivers.

      Delete
    2. Hi sumit,polk&harman range starts frm 60k..i would suggest u to go with yht299 yamaha

      Delete
  15. I am planing to buy yamaha 298 but i am afraid from my living room size and doors entries. i have large 350 square feet room with 6 entries of doors.should i purchase this htib or look anything else? plz plz plz plz reply, nobody is answering my question on any forum. :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Sukesh,

      This model will not suit for your room size. As you mentioned 350 Sq.ft is larger hall. So you need to look for 7.1 or a 9.1 AV receivers. And doors, The basic theory of Audio is about its waves when the waves are escaping form your room, you cant hear the full performance of your receiver. So the option is increase the AV receiver size. Make your hall as much closed to get the full performance.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for your detailed reply. I have settled internal wiring and pipeline for hanging speakers in this room. so only 5.1 system is possible in this room due to speaker points. Can you please suggest me more powerfull 5.1 htib ?.

      Delete
  16. does belkin bluetooth receiver works with yht 298 for music streaming through i phone 5

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Sahil,

      If its a USB model it should work with this.

      Delete
  17. Hi all..
    I need a small advice.. im using onkyo hts 3400 purchased 8months back but since im music lover im not satisfied with the system. Planning to go for yamaha yht 298. Please advice. Also is YAPO better than Audessy.?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi all,
    First of all i will interduce myself. I am not so techi in sound and I want to purchase good system only for listening to music. I dont understand digital or dolby or HD, so request u to please reply in lay man language.

    My preference would be heavy column speaker like DJ (sort of, big woofer and mid range and tweeter) with audio receiver (USB, RCA, AUX input) over 5.1 virtual surround system. As I am deep bass lover, and I would like to use it for home use and very rarely on roof for small get together.

    My max budget is 40k (all) and I could not find anything as per my preference. In case anyone can suggest something good, would be of great help.

    In case I use my USB mp3 player sound output (RCA) to yamaha 196, will it solve my home purpose (if not roof). Will all 5 channel will work with this setup.

    thanks in advance.

    Mani
    India, Delhi.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi mani u better to go pioneer rs33

    ReplyDelete
  20. can yamaha yht 299 speakers upgradable, in future if we want tower model speakers can we use those in this yht 299

    ReplyDelete
  21. hi friends,
    i have lg lm7600 42 inch and now i've planned to buy yht299. in that is the speakers future upgradable. In yht hdmi with "3d return" can any one know about this and where i can buy yamaha yht 299 hope you guys help me through.

    ReplyDelete
  22. difference between yht 299 vs yht 298

    ReplyDelete
  23. All,

    I am planning to buy a Yamaha YT299. I read venkatesh in one of the posts bought it from Pune. I am based out of pune.

    Can some one help me with the shop details or the Yamaha Dealers in Pune ?

    ReplyDelete
  24. @ Mani Bhatia: Hi Mani. I recently purchased Yamaha yht 299 and the system is simply superb. Great quality of sound and deep bass.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello Guys,

    Bought a yht-298 and am very pleased with the sound,

    But I'm having a problem, I'm in the clear on tv AV5, and setup of the receiver I set the input video standard as this,

    By switching to the TV's USB, it automatically switches to Audio2 (Where do I configure this change?)

    Upon returning to TV AV mode, the receiver automatically switches to AV5, ok, that was what I wanted, but only the audio is coming out, the image does not come out, to leave the image I have to go to another mode (ex: AV4) and then tighten AV5, then everything works.

    Has anyone had this problem?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi,

    Our view space is 14 feet. Is Yamaha YHT 299 is appropriate for that room size? Do we need to purchase extra cable for the rear speakers apart from what comes with the device?

    Regards

    Srinath

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi,
    I have renovated my place for Home Theater and Size is 20 X 12, I have already purchased a 3D projector and now i need a Home theater system and my budget is 45 to 50 K.
    Please suggest me a good home theater system,
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  28. Searching for Yamaha YHT 298 But not available anyWhere Online. Any clues where i can buy it. local shops like reliance and croma do not stock it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai,

      Check the yamaha exclusive showrooms in your city. Check www.yamaha.com

      Delete
    2. Yamaha YHT 298 is discontinued Model. Go with YHT 299

      Delete
  29. i am planning for YHT 196 and my hall size is 16 / 12 ... pls suggest is this unit fine for my hall size and also i am planning to put my speaker on wall mounting and the executive was suggesting to put at 6 ft height or else the performance will not be that great ... well my reason for going for this series was purely budget and i preferred it over sony .... i would appreciate if bharath can respond ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Rajiv,

      It's always good to calibrate your receiver for performance. So set the speakers in the wall or a stand at your ear level when you sitting. And the hall size is large for this speaker actually you need to set the speaker db rate to high.

      Delete
  30. Hi Bharath Raja,

    First and foremost, I would like to say thanks to you for creating this blog and thanks to others whoever messaged. Actually, this is a good initiative for users like me who knows nothing about Sound System except expecting deeper BASS sound effects. I am an audio savvy guy whose life always associates with music since from my babyhood. Now, I am in the evolution pace of my music world where I would like to buy a 5.1 Home Theater System with Surround Sound Effects. The System should have deepest BASS sound effects with clear and quality Treble sound for my Audio/Video (80/20) entertainment world. It must consist and compatible with the following features and technologies. They are:
    1). Standalone A/V Receiver
    2). Subwoofer (should shake surroundings)
    3). Tower/Mount and Other regular speakers
    4). Compatible with LED TV, HD DTH, Blu-ray/DVD Player, PC, Laptop, Tables, Mobile Phones etc.
    5). Accessibility through HDMI and other conventional cables
    6). Upgradable in future

    Coming to the most important part that is what I can able to afford, the price should be b/w 30K and 40K. On top of that, it must have elegant look, strong, powerful and effective in performance. I am happy to set up an entertainment room for my blast music system in future.

    Please do let me know if you required any other information.

    Thanks in advance!
    Gopi A

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai,

      Since your main source of entertainment is music. I would suggest you to have audition on all brands available

      Delete
  31. hii... i am planning to buy epson projector....
    in this thread all are discussing about yamaha yht experiences with their t.v’s...
    does yamaha yht 299 suports to connect to a projector and how? i want to connect dth,ps3,macbook,dvd plyr to the receiver and get single output through projector.... is it possible? do i need anyother component b/w projector and receiver?anyone help me out of this as am gng to buy projctr in 2 days...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check that your projector having HDMI input then connect the receiver HDMI video output to the projector then everything will be fine

      Delete
  32. Hello Bharat ,
    I'm planning to a home theatre...can you give the difference b/w harman kardon(AVR 70) & yamaha(YHT 298)...which one is the best one , if the room size is 12x24...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai Ajay,

      Sorry I don't have a experience with Harman kardon.

      Delete
  33. I installed 1 week back YHT 299
    And experiencing the sound & everything perfect.
    But want know, if I have to play video outof USB(MP4) what I need to do?
    1. Currently I connected HDMI out to my SAMSUNG 43 inch Plasma
    2. USB is loaded with some MP4s (Any other formats will play?)
    3. But if I play, the video is not coming in TV,,,,,it only displays the content as Music

    What could be the reason

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This will support only audio through USB. Video will not be supported

      Delete
  34. Hi , I'm going to buy this receiver and i have a question, i have a small room (4 x 3 mt.)
    and i want to know if the speakers who come included are enough to fullfil the room or i need to buy another speakers more powerfuls?
    sorry for my english.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hai,

      The speakers are more than enough. You can go ahead.

      Delete
  35. I have Samsung 40' LED TV & (Planned to buy) Yamaha 299
    Option1: DishTV SetTopBox (Out) - TV (HDMI in)
    Tv Optical cable (Out) - AV Receiver (in)
    Option2: DishTV SetTopBox (Out) - AV Receiver (One of HDMI - in)
    AV Receiver (HDMI - Out) - TV HDMI (in)

    Please suggest which option is Best for Video ( I am sure that Yamaha will deliver best Audio )

    ReplyDelete
  36. HI I am Rohan here please suggest me with which option i can go for

    I am Movie loving with music too.

    Onkyo 3400
    Onkyo 3500
    Yamaha 299
    Yamaha 298
    Pioneer HTP RS 33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rohan,
      I have demoed all the models which you have mentioned above and found Onkyo 3500 & Yamaha 299 are good in every aspects. if you like music more than movies then go for Yamaha 299, otherwise i will suggest you to go for Onkyo 3500

      Delete
  37. HI Please suggest me a good hometheatre with sound clarity and bass effect.
    I have shortlisted the blelow and room size is 12"x 20" feet but the speakers will be placed in square model in one the corner.
    Yamaha 299
    Onkyo 4505
    Pioneer htp rs 33

    Please suggest any one among these. my interest is watching mostly tamil and hindi movies and music and hardly holywood movies.

    Please suggest, thanks

    ReplyDelete

  38. Hi Bharat,
    Your review on YHT 299 is very useful.
    Based on ur review on YHT 299, how do you find Pioneer HTP RS32/33/42.
    My budget is around 40K. But based on your review, is it worth to buy Pioneer 32/33 or rather go for Yamaha 299.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't go for pioneer, leave them for making car speakers and stereo. I will suggest you to go for Yamaha

      Delete
  39. I have the Yamaha 298 system it works ok but sometimes the system dosnt turn on I checked all the wires and it still dosnt turn on last time I had to call a technician to solve it who pressed a few buttons and it started working again I think it has the same problem now do u have any idea about presenting it

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. hi bharat first of all thnx for such a wonderful and useful info .

    and i need ur help as m not a techy person but with the help of peoples like u had built a home theatre room by installing panasonic pt-8000u 3d projector , tata sky hd , sony blue ray player and for final step m so confused what to select for HT system and following are the different systems which i have shortlisted so pls help me to chose out of these models >>
    onkyo HT-S5500 ,
    harmon kardon - cinestyle9 & BDS-700 ,
    pioneer-HTP822ES ,
    Yamaha YHT299

    and my budget is max to max 60k and one more problem is that here in haryana near by my location there are no demo systems are available in showrooms so this is one more reason of my confusion i request you to pls help me out of this confusion.
    Thanx and Regards
    Bharat Mehta

    ReplyDelete
  42. hi,
    i have plan to buy a good home theater for my small room (10*10)..my budget is max 25...please suggest ..

    ReplyDelete
  43. pls what the defiance between yamaha yht 298 and yht 299

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Sir,
    I want to buy a home theater around 30k. Right now I am using Sony HI Fi system GZR 88D. I am concern the Music quality rather than movie effect. I am interested to buy Sony BVD E 3200, YHT 196, Poineer 072 or other. Can u suggest me what option will be the best for perfect music listener. Plz advice.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Can anyone tell whether the speakers are upgradable in YHT 299. Can we use tower speakers with YHT 299?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Bharath,

    i like to buy yamaha yht 5.1 system, but i am in a confusion to choose the best one among YHT 298 or YHT 299. can you suggest me on this.

    Regards,
    Dheeraj

    ReplyDelete
  48. Please guide me about proper setting up of yamaha yht 196 ..height at whch speakers should be kept...wire joint ..any precaution to get best sound output ..

    ReplyDelete
  49. When i play my yamaha yht 196 at very loud volume its sound crackles or becomes very unpleasant and i feel dissapointed...there is a joint in wire of rear speaker and joint has been covered well by cellotape...rear speakers ate kept at hieght of 2.5feet on both side of sofa ....front speaker are at hieght of 1.5feet in my t v cabinet ...and centre speaker is kept at centre of these 2 front speakers at 4 feet ..subwoofer is kept on floor facing rear speakers...kindly help why at top volume not sounding good...when all speakers were kept on t v cabinet some days ago all five speakers at one level side by side and facing sofa then there was no problem even at top volume...i m in a fix...in hindi we say..mere music system ki awaaz top volime pe fatt kyu rahi hai..im.not liking it..kindly help.

    ReplyDelete
  50. i want to nuy yht 2910 is it bettter tha 299.or in future can i make it blue tooth eanble with bluetooth transmitter

    ReplyDelete
  51. I want to buy a home theatre system.by budget is max 45 k.
    suggest any model.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi All,

    I have just purchased Yamaha YHT299.. I can see a option of USB.. Will this receiver capable of playing large sized .MKV files (i.e.Like 8GB).. Anyone tried that option?

    Regards,

    Sowmiya

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Sowmya,

    It is not possible to play such formats in YHT-299 Amplifier directly. You will be able to play only mp3 or mp4 files over USB.

    Regards,
    Dheeraj G

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi ....can anyone tell me which is better in between yamaha yht 299 vs pioneer 323 for a medium size room...plz

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi ....can anyone tell me which is better in between yamaha yht 299 vs pioneer 323 for a medium size room...plz

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi ....can anyone tell me which is better in between yamaha yht 299 vs pioneer 323 for a medium size room...plz

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi
    I have a small room of 12x12 feet that comes to 144 sq.ft.
    I am planning to go for Yamaha YHT 196, planning to connect it to my 32 inch Samsung and will be in an always on condition whenever i will be watching tv.
    So my query was running the system for 6 hours continuous will have any serious heating issues.
    Second is is the power consumption too much.
    And third is, as it uses a Passive Sub so is the bass response too bad.

    ReplyDelete