Yamaha is "still investigating" the faulty HDMI 2.1 chip in its current receivers but that has not stopped the company from announcing three new AV receivers with HDMI 2.1 capabilities.
Will these work?
Yamaha Japan has unveiled the Aventage RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A receivers. All three are specified as HDMI 2.1 capable with support for 8K60 and 4K120 passthrough as well as HDMI VRR, QMS, QFT and ALLM.
- "Yamaha Corporation has taken a development period of about 3 years to renew the housing and circuit configuration in addition to the new exterior design, and by introducing the latest parts, it pursues the essence of audio = sound without compromise," the company said.
The big question of course is whether HDMI 2.1 will actually work? Like Sound United's latest Denon and Marantz receivers, Yamaha's first-generation of HDMI 2.1 receivers (RX-A2A, V6A, V4A) from 2020 are also affected by the faulty HDMI 2.1 chip.
Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A receivers
In its Japanese press release Yamaha went to great lengths to detail the HDMI 2.1 features in the new receivers but it did note that HDMI 2.1 "will be supported by updating the firmware" – not exactly reassuring considering the situation.
The Yamaha RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A are high-end receivers with 11, 9, and 7 channel amplifier configurations, respectively. They will also support the Auro 3D audio format in addition to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and much more. Further details can be found below (translated from Japanese).
The company said that its new generation of AV receivers with HDMI 2.1 will be available in Japan in late July / early August. Yamaha has yet to announce availability details for the US and Europe.
Yamaha HDMI 2.1 receivers - specifications
 Yamaha RX-A8A
RX-A8A
Equipped with the latest "SURROUND: AI" and "YPAO" that inherit the architecture and materials of Yamaha separate AV amplifiers and adopt Qualcomm ® 64bit SoC. The pinnacle of integrated AVENTAGE with a built-in 11ch power amplifier that pursues the complete form of an AV receiver in a home theater, such as a deep immersive feeling in the image and a sound that never fades.
RX-A6A
Including the excellent functionality inherited from the high-end model, the latest "SURROUND: AI" is installed, "AURO-3D ® " * 1 is supported, and the introduction of a high-quality ESS DAC gives the sound and presence that are the essence of the AV receiver. A high-grade model of AVENTAGE with a built-in 9ch power amplifier created without compromise.
RX-A4A
Based on the AVENTAGE standard high-quality sound design, it is equipped with the latest "SURROUND: AI" and "YPAO" and Yamaha's original cinema DSP HD³.
AVENTAGE with a built-in 7ch power amplifier that allows you to fully enjoy a variety of the latest AV entertainment.
Functional features
1. Realism-Deep spatial depiction unique to Yamaha-
- Unique surround function "SURROUND: AI" that has achieved further evolution through 64-bit arithmetic processing
- A new "AURO-3D ® " * 1 has been added, and a decoder that also supports "Dolby Atmos ® " & "DTS: X ™" is installed.
- One "RX-A8A" can configure a system of up to 11.2ch
- Supports cross-playback of Cinema DSP HD³ and "Dolby Atmos ® " & "DTS: X ™"
- High-precision "YPAO" with 64-bit high-precision EQ that further enhances the viewing environment improvement effect.
- New option mode specialized for low frequency range
2. High sound quality-Tone and dynamic expression that enhances the immersive feeling in the image-
- Anti-resonance technology and newly designed construction that pursues overwhelming vibration damping performance and rigidity
- AVENTAGE standard high-quality sound design with a completely redesigned circuit configuration.
- Achieves a high slew rate that is approximately twice that of the conventional model
- Equipped with two ESS D / A converters "ES9026PRO" (RX-A8A)
3. Advanced features-Maximize the appeal of all video content-
- Equipped with HDMI terminal compatible with the
latest standards * 2 8K50AB / 60AB, 10G / 4L, including VRR, QMS, QFT, ALLM
4. Design-Beauty that appeals to sensibilities, redefining the value of AV receivers-
- High-quality new design with aluminum volume knob and black mirror finish.
- Uses an LC display that also supports Japanese display
5. Network function-Providing cutting-edge fun and new emotions-
- Full network functions such as high resolution playback that also supports WAV / AIFF 384kHz / 32bit & DSD 11.2MHz direct, "Amazon Music HD", "Deezer HiFi" support, etc.
- Supports original wireless network function "MusicCast ® " and voice assistant function "Amazon Alexa" |
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