We're starting to see a lot of companies release new receivers, which are designed to be the cornerstone of your home theater -- your 4K-enabled home theater. Yamaha is giving us four new component choices, under the 2015 RX-V Series.
The new collection will include the 7.2-channel RX-V779, RX-V679 and RX-V579, as well as the 5.1-channel RX-V479. All four of the new RX-V models include full 4K Ultra HD connectivity with HDMI 2.0, as well as support for HDCP 2.2.
Each one also packs in tons of wireless audio options, thanks to WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay. All four models also have built-in access to Spotify Connect and Pandora streaming, as well as web radio via vTuner. The RX-V779 and RX-V679 even throw in access to SiriusXM Internet Radio and Rhapsody (subscriptions and fees are definitely required for those, though).
The RX-V779 and RX-V679 will support 4K Ultra HD at 60p 4:4:4, with the RX-V579 and RX-V479 boasting 60p 4:2:0. The RX-V679 and RX-V779 also add in a video upscaling processor that will boost content from analog and HDMI inputs to 4K quality. The RX-479 and RX-V579 also come with the YPAO automatic calibration system, while the RX-V679 has YPAO - Reflected Sound Control and the RX-V779 offers YPAO - R.S.C. with multipoint measurement so you can calibrate the sound for every seat in the room. Also worth noting is the RX-V779 has HDMI Zone B features for multizone use.
Each receiver will support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio HD Audio, but not any of the newer object-based audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Other features across the lineup include Yamaha's Virtual Cinema Front technology, Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer to give music a boost during Bluetooth streaming, and support for the Yamaha AV Controller App for iOS and Android devices.
"The RX-V 79 Series gives consumers what they value most in home entertainment -- flexibility, wide device connectivity and the best possible audio and video quality," said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha's AV division. "This approach has been key to the RX-V Series' best-selling status in the industry over the years, and our enhancements this year in each of these areas will keep these AV receivers at the front of the pack."
Yamaha will start selling the RX-V 79 Series this month. The RX-V779 has an MSRP of $849.95, with the RX-V679 coming in at $649.95. The RX-V579 and RX-V479 are priced at $549.95 and $449.95, respectively.
UPDATE (5/20): Please note that we are not implying that Yamaha will not support immersive audio formats in any of their receivers this year, only that immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are missing from the RX-V receiver line-up. In 2014, Dolby Atmos support was included in Yamaha's higher end "Aventage" line and we expect that will continue in 2015 and beyond, perhaps with the addition of newer immersive audio options as well.
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