Yamaha RX-A8A, RX-A6A, RX-A4A: AV receivers have seven “latest” HDMI inputs

Yamaha wants to bring three new AV receivers of the Aventage series onto the market in Germany in July. The new flagship in home cinema is the RX-A8A for 3,599 euros. But the smaller models RX-A6A and RX-A4A also come with seven inputs for the “latest HDMI format”. HDMI 2.1 is deliberately not yet advertised.

So far, Yamaha has not been allowed to advertise HDMI 2.1, as has Denon recently, because the relevant certification has not yet been completed. Denon recently stated that the HDMI organization has only recently given a defined test course for so-called repeaters, i.e. AV receivers. The previous AV receivers were therefore not explicitly advertised by any company with HDMI 2.1, but only with new functions from the latest HDMI standard. Yamaha uses the term “HDMI 2.1” and instead speaks in the press release of the “latest HDMI format” and the “latest HDMI technologies”.

Sound United with the brands Denon and Marantz knows that HDMI 2.1 can still cause problems, where the SPK618 adapter is now being used. Yamaha cannot save itself a little swipe in the direction of Sound United, but does not name any names. The latest version of the HDMI chips is used, so that full compatibility with the latest HDMI standard is guaranteed, according to the announcement.

Firmware update brings HDMI 2.1 functions

Specifically, there are seven HDMI inputs of the latest generation it is the case with the RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A. The flagship is € 3,599, the smaller models cost € 2,599 and € 1,599. The three HDMI outputs each, one of which is explicitly labeled with eARC and one for a second zone, at least in terms of hardware, correspond to the latest standard.

In terms of software, a firmware update is still planned for all three new products after the market launch in July, which will enable certain functions from the HDMI 2.1 standard for the AV receivers. Yamaha describes the firmware update for the RX-A8A with video resolutions of up to 4K/120 Hz and 8K/60 Hz and support for HDR 10+. Features such as ALLM, VRR, QMS or QFT are also part of it. Auro 3D is also to be delivered at a later date via update. The same updates are planned for the RX-A6A and the RX-A4A, whereby the smallest model has to do without Auro 3D.

11.2 and 150 Watts per channel in the flagship

In terms of equipment, the flagship is designed as an 11.2 AV receiver and delivers 150 watts per channel. The 21 kg colossus measures 19.2 cm in height and is equipped with a centrally placed volume control as well as a new, high-resolution LCD display with jog wheel and touch-sensitive buttons. The mains transformer is positioned centrally on the inside and is flanked on the left and right by the output stage blocks. This symmetrical layout was adopted from the stereo flagship A-S3200 and should ensure the shortest signal paths, the best symmetry and channel separation as well as interference-free power supply even when the power is fully developed, explains Yamaha.

Yamaha also emphasizes the circuitry of the analogue preamplifier during construction, names WIMA film capacitors and high voltage reserves. The conductor tracks of the power supply and the output stages are now twice as thick as in the previous model RX-A3080 and the internal cables for power and ground connections are just as thick with 1.63 mm as in the 11-channel output stage flagship MX- A5200. As with the reference preamplifier CX-A5200, all channels are transferred to the analog world via two ES9026PRO chips. Yamaha handles the numerous audio formats via a Qualcomm QSC407. The product page that has already been activated provides further details.

9.2 and 7.2 in the smaller models

This Qualcomm chip is also used in the RX-A6A and RX-A4A. The RX-A6A is designed as a 9.2 AV receiver with 150 watts per channel and the RX-A4A as a 7.2 AV receiver with 135 watts per channel. Yamaha is also promoting the two smaller models with a high-quality D/A section, which is handled once via the ES9026 Pro and the smaller version via the ESS SABER 9007 Premier Audio DAC.

Improved 3D measurement

All three innovations use the YPAO 3D calibration system developed by Yamaha, which has been revised for the new Aventage generation. YPAO 3D offers a multipoint measurement, which also takes into account the height and angle of the individual loudspeakers and should therefore enable even more meticulous room adaptation. For accurate bass reproduction even in problematic rooms, the developers have also developed a new low-frequency mode that also includes the important decay phases in the measurement in the frequency range between 15.6 and 200 Hz and is intended to effectively reduce room modes.