Yamaha is adding six new receivers to its lineup, under the Aventage RX-A 60 Series. Each of the new models will include 4K Ultra HD support, as well as options for immersive 3D-style listening and wireless multiroom audio.
All of the HDMI ports on these 2016 models can also support high dynamic range (HDR) pass-through for better colors, deeper blacks, and a sharper overall contrast. Besides the ability to deliver up to a 3840 x 2160p resolution, other 4K Ultra HD features across the lineup include support for up to 60Hz high frame rates, coverage of the BT.2020 wide color gamut, 10/12-bit color, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, and HDCP 2.2 copy protection.
Each of the new Aventage RX-A 60 models also include DSP processors for delivering a variety of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Both of these audio formats promise a more immersive experience, by delivering sound from every angle -- including overhead.
Speaking of audio, Yamaha is adding in more ways to listen, by making each of these Aventage RX-A 60 receivers part of the MusicCast family. That means any of these models can be put into a MusicCast wireless multiroom audio system, which uses both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to deliver sound almost anywhere in the house.
Other features across the new lineup include support for high-resolution audio file (ALAC at 96kHz / 24-bit, WAV, AIFF, FLAC up to 192kHz / 24-bit, DSD to 5.6MHz), the YPAO sound optimization system, a subwoofer EQ, and the Yamaha Compressed Music Enhancer for boosting Bluetooth streams.
The flagship Aventage RX-A3060 is an 11.2-channel receiver, which can deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups with 5.1.4 channels, 7.1.2 channels, or 7.1.4 channels (with an external 2-channel amplifier). Boasting 150 watts per channel, this model also has an ESS SABRE 32-bit DAC, a phono input, and YPAO R.S.C. with 3D, multipoint, an 11.2-channel precision equalizer and 64-bit resolution. This model is expected to ship in July, with an MSRP of $2,199.95.
The next step down is the RX-A2060, a 9.2-channel AVR that can support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X speaker setups of 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 channels. This model promises 140 watts per channel and has dual ESS SABRE DACs and the phono input. It also features the YPAO R.S.C. with 3D, multipoint and angle measurement, as well as a 9.2-channel equalizer. The RX-A2060 is also coming in July, priced at $1,699.95.
The Aventage RX-A1060 7.2-channel receiver allows for a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setup of 5.1.2 channels or you can output 5.1 channels plus have Zone 2 features with auto switching. This model promises 110 watts per channel, with eight HDMI inputs (seven of those have HDCP 2.2), and two HDMI/HDCP 2.2 outputs. The A1060 also has a symmetrical amp layout, two ESS SABRE DACs, and the YPAO R.S.C. with multipoint measurement with a 7.1-channel equalizer. Other features include a phono input and HDMI zone switching that delivers all sources to a second zone. It even offers plenty of other Zone 2 features, such as Zone Volume EQ, Zone Extra Bass, and Zone Enhancer. Look for the RX-A1060 next month, with an MSRP of $1,299.95.
The Aventage RX-A860 is a 7.2-channel model that offers 100 watts per channel. It can do Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in 5.1.2 channels or a 5.1-channel setup with Zone 2 with auto switching. Other features include eight HDMI inputs (three with HDCP 2.2), two HDMI/HDCP 2.2 outputs, a phono input, and YPAO R.S.C. with multipoint measurement. It also has "assignable amplifiers," so the user can choose surround back or front presence channels. The RX-A860 is scheduled to ship sometime in June, priced at $999.95.
Yamaha is launching the new series with the RX-A760, a 7.2-channel receiver that can do Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in 5.1.2 channels or output 5.1 channels plus Zone 2 with auto switching. Promising up to 90 watts per channel, this model has six HDMI inputs (three with HDCP 2.2), a phono input, a subwoofer parametric EQ down to 15.6Hz, and YPAO with Reflected Sound Control (R.S.C.). Also worth mentioning is that this model can stream both Rhapsody and SiriusXM Internet Radio. (Just know that subscriptions and/or fees may apply.) Yamaha is shipping the RX-A760 this month, with an MSRP of $749.95.
The last (and least expensive) model in this new lineup is the RX-A660 7.2-channel receiver. It has four HDMI inputs and one output with HDCP 2.2. It can also do Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in setups of 5.1.2 channels. Other features include 80 watts per channel and the Extra Bass feature. Although it's currently available for pre-order for $649.95, the RX-A660 is expected to ship in June.
"The Aventage RX-A 60 Series AV receivers put the home theater enthusiast in the center of the action as never before. It provides the absolute cutting-edge in advanced audio technologies, truly lifelike musicality and the best wireless multiroom audio solution in the industry," said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha's AV division. "This new line of premium AV receivers provides the ease and accessibility for control of multi-zone audio installations that custom integrators will applaud."
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