Yamaha is expanding Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based surround decoding to all models in its step-up Aventage audio/video receiver series, which ranges from a suggested $649 to $2,199.
In another change, all models in the six-SKU series also get high-dynamic-range (HDR) HDMI 2.0a inputs and outputs out of the box, whereas last year’s series came with HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs that were upgradable to HDMI 2.0a.
The previous Aventage lineup, which also consisted of six SKUs, started Atmos as $999, with DTS:X added at the $1,299, $1,699 and $2,199 price points.
As with the previous Aventage line, 9.2-channel amplification and 9.2-channel Atmos/DTS:X processing starts at $1,699, supporting surround-speaker configurations of 5.1.4 and 7.2.2. Also like before, the flagship $2,199 model features 9.2-channel amplification but adds 11.2-channel processing, allowing for the addition of a two-channel amp to drive speaker configurations up to 7.2.4.
In March, Yamaha announced that it brought Atmos and DTS:X for the first time to its RX-V series of low- to midprice audio/video receivers, starting the technologies at a suggested $549. That series is priced from $299 to $849.
In other changes, all Aventage models are equipped out of the box with Yamaha’s proprietary MusicCastwireless multiroom audio technology, whereas last year’s models received the technology as a firmware upgrade late in 2015.
In addition, Aventage drops the $549 price point, and the $649 and $749 price points replace the $699 and $799 price points.
All Aventage models, like before, are networked models equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and high-resolution audio. A phono input starts at $749, compared with a $999 in the previous lineup. Combined with MusicCast, the phono input enables wireless music streaming from a turntable to other Yamaha MusicCast-equipped products, which include amplified tabletop speakers, soundbars and other AVRs.
Also like before, all models support the following high-resolution audio formats: 96kHz/24-bit ALAC (Apple Lossless); WAV, AIFF and FLAC up to 192kHz/24 bits; and 2.6MHz and 5.6MHz DSD.
All HDMI ins/outs in the new series feature HDMI 2.0a, with all HDMI outputs and select inputs featuring HDCP 2.2 copy protection. The HDMI ins/outs support Ultra HD 3,840 by 2160p video passthrough, up to 60Hz frame rates, BT.2020 wide color gamut, 10- and 12-bit color, and 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.
All models also feature proprietary YPAO technology to automatically adjust sound for speaker placements and to tune and calibrate sound to a specific room’s acoustic environment. All also feature subwoofer equalization.
Here’s what the individual model offer:
The base-level $649 RX-A660, due in June, features 7.2-channel surround, four HDMI inputs and one output (all with HDCP 2.2), ability to drive 5.1.2 Atmos/DTS:X speaker configurations, 7×80-watt output, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Pandora and Internet radio.
The $749 RX-A760, due in May, steps up to 7×90-watt amplification and ability to drive 5.1 channels simultaneous with zone 2 stereo. It also steps up to six HDMI inputs (three with HDCP 2.2) and one HDMI/HDCP 2.2 output, phono input, Rhapsody and SiriusXM Internet radio; YPAO with Reflected Sound Control (RSC), and intelligent assignable amps.
The $999 RX-A860, due in June, steps up to 7×100-watt amplification, eight HDMI inputs (three with HDCP 2.2), dual HDMI/HDCP 2.2 outputs, YPAO R.S.C. with multipoint measurement, and a vanity-door front panel. Also included are intelligent assignable amplifiers with the user’s choice of surround back or front presence channels.
At $1,299 and due in June, the RX-A1060 steps up to 7×110-watt amplification, eight HDMI inputs (seven with HDCP 2.2) to accompany the dual HDMI/HDCP 2.2 outputs, and HDMI zone switching. The latter enables all sources to be output via HDMI to a second zone with zone 2 featuring EQ and Extra Bass processing. The A/V receiver also adds symmetrical amp layout, advanced dual ESS Sabre DACs, YPAO R.S.C. with multipoint measurement, and 7.1-channel equalizer.
At $1,699 and due in July, the RX-A2060 steps up to 9.2-channel amplification and 9.2-channels Atmos/DTS:X decoding to enable Atmos and DTS:X speaker setups of 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channels. The AVR also steps up to 9×140-watt amplifier, 9.2-channel equalizer, and YPAO R.S.C. with 3D, multipoint and angle measurement.
The flagship $2,199 RX-A3060, also due in July, features 11-channel processing, enabling the addition of a two-channel amplifier to drive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups up to 7.1.4 channels. Other step-ups include 9×150-watt amplification, an ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC and 11.2-channel EQ.
