Yamaha is the first company in 2021 to introduce its A/V receiver lineup. Three new models are set to arrive this summer within Yamaha’s flagship AVENTAGE series, along with a carry-over AVENTAGE receiver from late 2020. All will support 8K pass-thru and HDMI 2.1, which turned out to be problematic last year.
Before we move ahead let’s recap last year’s A/V receiver debacle. All 2020 A/V receivers that claimed to support HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz pass-thru) had issues due to a chipset bug they all shared. The problem not only affected Yamaha, but Denon and Marantz too. Just last month Denon/Marantz released an adapter that fixed their situation, but Yamaha has only said, “We will address the reported HDMI 2.1 issue via these planned future updates.” However, it doesn’t seem like a software update alone can fix the problem. Nonetheless, 2021 A/V receivers have arrived, but there’s still a catch.
Yamaha is still saying, HDMI 2.1 pass-thru won’t work to full specification right out of the box on their brand new models. Noting it will become “available via future update”.
HDMI 2.1 compatibility provides faster, smoother and uninterrupted entertainment and gameplay with auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rates (VRR), quick frame transport (QFT) and quick media switching (QMS).
New Lineup
The new AVENTAGE lineup includes the RX-A8A (11.2-channel, $2999), RX-A6A (9.2-channel, $2199) and RX-A4A (7.2-channel, $1299), which accompanies the RX-A2A (7.2-channel, $799) from late 2020. The top three AVENTAGE receivers offer seven inputs and three outputs, all of which support HDMI 2.1 (4K120/8K60). The lowest price RX-A2A model has only one HDMI out. What’s also interesting is the top two models have XLR balanced pre-outs for the main channels.
New Look
The 2021 AVENTAGE A/V receivers continue the minimalist look of last year’s RX-V Series entry-level receivers (RX-V4A and RX-V6A). The new AVENTAGE models increase the number of channels, improve both amplification and build quality, and feature the new Qualcomm QCS407 chipset.
Advances to the AVENTAGE lineup in 2021 are said to be the most significant to date, with a clean and powerful new look, inside and out. It begins with a simplified, modern design that features a bold, center volume knob, a brand new, high-resolution LCD display, a rotary jog dial and touch-sensitive buttons.
Yamaha boasts flagship-quality parts at the base, with each new model providing stability against vibrations via the signature AVENTAGE “fifth foot”. This Anti-Resonance Technology wedge has been further analyzed and developed for even more efficient dispersion of chassis vibration in the three new models, placing the fifth foot near the front center of each unit’s base to bring the sound image closer to the listener.
New Chipset
The RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A support immersive 3D audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabled by the Qualcomm® QCS407 smart audio platform. QCS407 provides powerful quad-core audio processing, offering both superior sound quality and cinematic listening experiences. This Qualcomm smart audio platform is designed to decode and play back a rich variety of audio content.
Better Sound
All inputs on the new AVENTAGE models support Dolby Vision. In addition to DTS-X and Dolby Atmos, the three models also offer Dolby Atmos with Height Virtualization, simulating the overhead sound experience for an immersive, 360-degree sound field in a number of speaker configurations. The top two models will offer Auro-3D, which offers even more transformative capabilities and immersive audio experiences by creating virtual, three-dimensional virtual soundscapes that move around the listener.
In addition, the top three models feature Surround:AI, a proprietary Yamaha technology and the only artificial intelligence found in an AV receiver. This technology analyzes the DSP parameters and optimizes each sound element, such as dialogue, background music and sound effects, in real time. The three new AVENTAGE models double the previous platform at 64-bits, thanks to the Qualcomm QCS407 chip.
In order to deliver maximum performance of surround sound realism, each receiver comes equipped with Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) R.S.C. multi-point measurement, precision EQ and a new low frequency mode. This included technology detects speaker connections, measures the distances from them to multiple listening positions in a room and automatically optimizes speaker settings, such as volume balance and acoustic parameters.
New Internal Design
The advances to the appearance and processing platform are echoed in the upgrades to the internal circuit design, mechanical structure and audio parts. This includes:
- Symmetrical amplifier layout for optimized signal paths, improving sound clarity while reducing signal noise and cross-channel interference. The transformer is further mechanically isolated from the amplifier stages with a separate mounting bracket for greater vibration reduction, which contributes additional rigidity to the internal H frame structure.
- Tonal balance through high-quality parts, including Premier Audio DACs from SABRE for extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio and up to 120 dB dynamic range for pro-quality audio.
- A high slew rate amplifier, which more than doubles the performance of the previous generation. This newly designed circuit achieves both a high slew rate and stable signal transmission, allowing it to respond to rapid changes of input levels with precision and accuracy.
Ease of Control
All new AVENTAGE models offer the entire suite of MusicCast capabilities and app control, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, built-in music streaming services, multi-room audio and voice control via Alexa, Google and Siri-enabled devices. Built-in streaming services include Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Napster, Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, plus thousands of internet radio stations.
Full two-way control is available via software integration drivers that seamlessly connect the new AVENTAGE models, and dozens of other Yamaha home audio products, with the nation’s leading home automation and smart home control systems.
RX-A8A
- 11.2-ch., 150-watt AV receiver with Zone 2, 3 and 4
- HDMI 2.1* with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7-in/3-out)
- 8K/60Hz* & 4K/120Hz* (7-in/3-out)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Surround:AI, Auro 3D*
- YPAO R.S.C. automatic room calibration with multi-point measurement, precision EQ and low frequency mode
- Simply to use and control, with AV Setup Guide app, MusicCast app and web setup
- Integration-friendly, with full two-way control with home automation and smart home control systems
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- $2,999.95 MSRP, available summer 2021
RX-A6A
- 9.2-ch., 150-watt AV receiver with Zone 2, 3 and 4
- HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7-in/3-out)
- 8K/60Hz* & 4K/120Hz* (7-in/3-out)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Surround:AI, Auro 3D*
- YPAO R.S.C. automatic room calibration with multi-point measurement, precision EQ and low frequency mode
- Simply to use and control, with AV Setup Guide app, MusicCast app and web setup
- Integration-friendly, with full two-way control with home automation and smart home control systems
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- $2,199.95 MSRP, available summer 2021
RX-A4A
- 7.2-ch., 110-watt AV receiver with Zone 2
- HDMI 2.1* with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7-in/3-out)
- 8K/60Hz* & 4K/120Hz* (7-in/3-out)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Surround:AI
- YPAO R.S.C. automatic room calibration with multi-point measurement, precision EQ and low frequency mode
- Simply to use and control, with AV Setup Guide app, MusicCast app and web setup
- Integration-friendly, with full two-way control with home automation and smart home control systems
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- $1,299.95 MSRP, available summer 2021
RX-A2A
- 7.2-ch., 100-watt AV receiver with Zone 2
- HDMI 2.1* with HDCP 2.3 and eARC (7-in/1-out)
- 8K/60Hz* & 4K/120Hz* (7-in/1-out)
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (with future update)
- YPAO automatic room calibration with R.S.C. and multipoint
- Wi-Fi®, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
- MusicCast multi-room audio app control
- Pandora®, Spotify, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster and more
- Voice Control with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri®
- $799 MSRP
Where to buy:
- RX-A8A (2021 model) – $2,999 at Crutchfield | Amazon
- RX-A6A (2021 model) – $2,499 at Crutchfield | Amazon
- RX-A4A (2021 model) – $1,299 at Crutchfield | Amazon
- RX-A2A (2020 model) – $799 at Crutchfield | Amazon
*Features available via future update
Qualcomm QCS407 is a product of Qualcomm Technologies Inc., and/or its subsidiaries.
John Zachary
October 13, 2021 at 6:00 pm
These products are not being sold.
Brian Mitchell
October 13, 2021 at 6:31 pm
The global chip shortage may be impacting availability. Also, we’re seeing price increases when A/V receivers do become available. Currently, Best Buy appears to have some models in-stock.
The post has been updated with links to check availability.