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Yamaha RX-950: Odd Loudness Control

gdmoore28

gdmoore28

Super Member
A few months ago, after building his new media room, my long time neurologist gave me his old power components, one of which is a mint Yamaha RX-950 stereo receiver. For those unfamiliar with this receiver (as was I), here's the info (preceded by pictures, because we all want pictures):
yamaha-rx-950_550.jpg

clients%2Fvoawny%2Fphoto_sets%2F13688%2FJune_20B_056.JPG

Specifications:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/340448/Yamaha-Rx-950.html?page=14#manual
Loudness compensation instructions:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/340448/Yamaha-Rx-950.html?page=9#manual
Review from Hi Fi Review:
http://www.hifi-review.com/153689-yamaha-rx-950.html

Outside of a little distortion caused by a dirty input selector (which clears up immediately when the switch is moved), the receiver is perfect in every way as far as function. All the bulbs work, for cryin' out loud.

My question refers to the "continuously-variable loudness control." This manually-chosen loudness compensation is totally independent of the volume control position. No matter how high the volume control is turned, the amount of loudness compensation remains the same. Fine and dandy. I'd rather have it volume-dependent, but that's neither here nor there.

The real oddity here - and the point of my post - is that even though the volume control has no effect on the level of loudness compensation, the loudness compensation level has a big effect on the volume control. As the loudness compensation level is increased, the volume level decreases.

For example, when adjusting the controls as the instruction manual directs, I will set the volume control to approximately 1/4th of its travel, then adjust the loudness control. As I do so, the receiver's volume progressively lowers. By the time I've selected half of the available loudness comp., I have to raise the volume control to twice its original setting, going from 1/4th of its travel to 1/2.

So, is this normal for this kind of "continuously-variable loudness compensation?" Doesn't this design rather defeat the purpose of loudness compensation altogether?

By the way, I can totally live with this design, and the bass/treble boost is actually quite enjoyable, as it never seems unnatural and never becomes intrusive. Using the Yamaha on my Altecs is (besides curiosity fulfilling) a temporary arrangement while I build new interconnects for my Dynaco tube system, in which no tone controls are used at all.

Thank you for your endurance with my wordy posts!

GeeDeeEmm
 

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The manual for the older Yamaha receivers say something about using the loudness control for the volume after the volume level was set.

I never liked Yamaha's loudness controls.

Rob
 
The idea was that you set your level for normal listening (9:00?) and then leave it there. When you want background levels, use the loudness knob to reduce volume. Idea was that the compensation would be appropriate for any level you decided on. You can always turn up the big volume knob.
 
I use the loudness control on my Yamaha amp slightly different than the recommended way. I set the volume to my desired level first (maybe a tiny bit higher) then only if needed, I will back down the loudness to where it sounds tonally balanced. I little goes a long way. After that small volume tweaks still have the same tonal balance.
 
Thanks for the replies, folks. At least now I know that the "problem" is not a problem.

One more question: I mentioned that the input selector causes some noise and has to be rotated back and forth to clear the distortion. I notice that the input selection is also controllable from the remote control. This would lead me to believe that the input switch, volume knob, and other functions selectable from the remote are controlled by electronic switching rather than by the dial or control itself, correct?

If that is the case, what should be the procedure for cleaning with DeOxit, and which parts should I be cleaning?

GeeDeeEmm
 
denverfred said:
The idea was that you set your level for normal listening (9:00?) and then leave it there. When you want background levels, use the loudness knob to reduce volume. Idea was that the compensation would be appropriate for any level you decided on. You can always turn up the big volume knob.
Click to expand...

This is the correct way to use a variable loudness control. Whether one likes them or not they are a tremendous improvement over the loudness switch. A loudness switch does not take into account how loud you're listening. They are generally tied to a 50% loudness tap on the volume control.

Consequently, an efficient speaker like a Klipsch which may be call the cops loud at 9 O'clock while an AR-3 may be just waking up. Does anyone really think they should get the same amount of compensation at any volume.
 
I use the loudness a little differently based on a suggestion from someone on AK. Loudness flat, turn volume to the highest level that you would ever want, i.e. rock-on dude level, then turn the loudness to reduce the sound level to what you desire at that time. If you want more or less sound level later just adjust loudness.
 
Aspen said:
I use the loudness a little differently based on a suggestion from someone on AK. Loudness flat, turn volume to the highest level that you would ever want, i.e. rock-on dude level, then turn the loudness to reduce the sound level to what you desire at that time. If you want more or less sound level later just adjust loudness.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what the manual says is the correct way to use the loudness control. I learned this long ago with an ARC SP-3. It also has a variable loudness control.
 
gdmoore28 said:
Thanks for the replies, folks. At least now I know that the "problem" is not a problem.

One more question: I mentioned that the input selector causes some noise and has to be rotated back and forth to clear the distortion. I notice that the input selection is also controllable from the remote control. This would lead me to believe that the input switch, volume knob, and other functions selectable from the remote are controlled by electronic switching rather than by the dial or control itself, correct?

If that is the case, what should be the procedure for cleaning with DeOxit, and which parts should I be cleaning?

GeeDeeEmm
Click to expand...


I don't know how it is on this one, but on a preamp from a different brand they are motorized controls. When I push the remote volume up/down or select a different source/input, the knobs on the unit actually rotate with the remote commands. If the Yamaha knobs/switches don't move then, yes, they are "electronically" controlled. In the case of source selection however, there could still be contact-type relays doing the switching under electronic control. It might be possible to clean if if that's the case. Popping the hood or checking the schematic could reveal the case. Or, someone that knows for sure may be along to advise definitively.
 
The volume control on the Yamaha HT receiver in my bedroom doesn't move when the remote is used.
 
Remember: the loudness control is NOT a volume control; it IS an equalizer--does not affect volume, does effect frequency. Speakers all get the same info.
 
JoeESP9 said:
The volume control on the Yamaha HT receiver in my bedroom doesn't move when the remote is used.
Click to expand...

Then it's probably a newer design with a rotary encoder rather than a motorized pot.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
Same as my RX1100u receivers, motorized volume knob rotates with remote volume use.
I do use the loudness when I'm listening background, It attenuates mid freq to accentuate lows and highs.
I have a little crackle at around zero and 50% or high noon, as I seldom go there.
With the receiver off I run both loudness and volume back and forth full range 20 times, def helps.
 
whoareyou99:

I sold Yamaha for over 20 years beginning when they first introduced the variable soundness control. It was just as confusing to me at first. I read the manual.
 
denverfred said:
whoareyou99:

I sold Yamaha for over 20 years beginning when they first introduced the variable soundness control. It was just as confusing to me at first. I read the manual.
Click to expand...

So then you agree the variable loudness control is intended to be used for volume control in normal operation, and that the "volume control" is only used to set the high limit, so to speak?
 
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