While we’re still waiting to hear what Yamaha intends to do about the infamous HDMI bug that affects its first generation of HDMI 2.1-capable AV receivers (along with those of almost all rivals), the brand has just unveiled a new range of premium AVR models that deliver by far the most fulsome HDMI 2.1 support we’ve seen to date. And Yamaha is happy to reassure cutting-edge gamers that this time round, there’s not a bug in sight.
The top three new Aventage receivers each carry a remarkable seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, and three HDMI 2.1 outputs. This compares with just one of each on the RX-V models Yamaha launched last autumn. And thanks to a delay in manufacturing, the new Aventage models have been able to make sure that their HDMI silicon can pass 4K at 120Hz from even the Xbox Series X - something the many AVRs affected by the last year’s HDMI bug remain unable to do. (Unless you manage to get hold of one of the recently announced external HDMI converter boxes recently announced for Denon and Marantz’s bug-affected models.)
Yamaha's flagship RX-A8A carries a remarkable 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs. All free of the 4K at 120Hz bug ... [+]
Photo: YamahaIn fact, Yamaha’s new RX-A4A, RX-A6A and flagship RX-A8A AVRs are promised to support ALL the features associated with the HDMI 2.1 ‘standard’. So as well as 4K at 120Hz from all current known sources, the AVRs can receive and pass through other key next-gen gaming features such as variable refresh rates, automatic low latency mode signalling (so that screens can automatically switch between their game and AV modes), 8K video at up to 60Hz, Quick Media Switching to address the issue of black screens when switching between source types, and Quick Frame Transport to further reduce screen response times.
The only rider to this is that the Aventage AVRs won’t support all of the HDMI 2.1 features at launch. Some will require a firmware update later in the year.
At this point it’s about time we remembered that the new Yamaha Aventage AVRs are not purely gaming devices. They’re also high-end audio products. And they have plenty to shout about from that perspective too.
All three of the premium Aventage models (along with a new entry-level A2A model that offers three HDMI 2.1 inputs) support DTS-X and Dolby Atmos object-based audio, with the A6A and A8A additionally handling the rare-but-excellent Auro 3D sound format.
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The flagship RX-A8A provides up to 11.2 channels of 150W sound, the A6A supports up to 9.2 channels of 150W sound, the A4A drops the power to 110W across 7.2 channels, while the A2A delivers 7.2 channels of 100W sound.
Even the much more affordable RX-A4A still provides seven bug-free HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Photo: YamahaThe A8A, A6A and A4A provide Yamaha’s proprietary YPAO automatic calibration technology, complete with multi-point measurement, Precision EQ, and a new Low Frequency mode. The A2A still gets the multi-point measurement feature, but loses the other two calibration elements.
As befits a premium AVR range, Yamaha has gone the extra mile with the new Aventages’ internal specifications. For instance, there’s a Qualcomm QCS407 chipset onboard the top three models which, among other things, doubles to 64-bits the amount of processing available for powering Yamaha’s well-regarded Surround:AI system.
Currently the only AI-based processor in the AVR world, Surround:AI is designed to analyse the DSP parameters and optimize each sound element - background music, sound effects, dialogue and so on - in real time so that the AVR can always deliver the most effective playback results.
There’s also a new symmetrical amplifier layout designed to optimize signal paths and therefore improve clarity; SABRE DACs from ESS Technology to improve signal to noise ratio and deliver up to 120dB of dynamic range; and a so-called high slew rate amplifier that Yamaha reckons performs twice as well as its predecessor.
The A2A is out already for US$799.95/£899, while the A8A, A6A and A4A are all expected in the summer for US$2,999.95/£3,299, US$2,199.95/£2,299 and US$1,299.95/£1,299.
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Related Reading
Xbox Series X HDMI Bug Fix Announced For Denon And Marantz Receivers
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Dolby Vision Gaming Officially Arrives on Xbox Series X And S
The Link LonkMay 24, 2021 at 05:28AM
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Yamaha Launches New Xbox Series X And PS5-Friendly AV Receivers Free Of The HDMI ‘Bug’ - Forbes
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