With its enhanced directional steering, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 offers six independent channels of sound with an extra rear center speaker that has its own separate effects.

In addition Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo 6 provide 5.1-channel surround processing from any stereo source, including two-channel CDs, tapes, VHS and LPs, and delivers full-bandwidth stereo surround channels.

Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART technology includes high-current discrete amplification, Linear Dampening Factor for the left and right channels, and low impedance drive with discrete circuitry to all channels. Also offered are Zone 2 audio out capabilities with I/R port, extended I/R codes and pre-outs for all channels. Zone 2 has the ability to drive a set of stereo speakers in another room using an external power amplifier.

Rated at 20Hz-20 kHz discrete power, the receiver is able to deliver DSP processing enabled by the YSS-938, a 32-bit Floating-Point LSI that yields 24 DSP programs with 44 possible variations. Cinema DSP features include six-channel analog inputs for external decoders to accommodate the latest six-channel high-resolution audio formats like DVD-Audio, SACD (or other future formats); four optical and one coaxial input terminal; one optical output terminal; front-panel A/V inputs; S-video optical inputs; and a phono input.

Moreover, 96 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters are used for all six channels.

Next in the series is the RX-V640 discrete 20Hz-20kHz receiver, which replaces the RX-V630 and is priced at $499. This new model has all of the features of the RX-V740 except for the on-screen display, the LCD remote control, phono input connection and an aluminum front panel.

The RX-V540, priced at $399, replaces the RX-V530 and is a 6.1-channel home theater receiver that is rated at discrete 20Hz-20kHz channels. This receiver also features the YSS-938 32-bit Floating-Point LSI yielding 24 DSP programs with 44 possible variations, Dolby ProLogic II, Dolby Digital-EX, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS neo:6, and Cinema DSP processing.

Other features include video up-conversion from composite to s-video; six-channel analog inputs for external decoders to accommodate future formats; three optical and one coaxial input terminal, one optical output terminal; a front panel A/V input; A/B speaker switching; and a preset remote control.

The most affordable receiver in the new series is the RX-V440, which replaces the RX-V420 and is priced at $299. This unit has all of the features of the RX-V530, but only has one optical and one coaxial digital input terminal, one optical digital output terminal, but does not feature video up-conversion and S-video connections.