Yamaha is about to make Dolby Atmos and DTS:X a lot more affordable part of the company's lineup. Yamaha just announced several new receivers that will support both audio formats, under the RX-V 81 Series.
The new collection will include the 7.2-channel RX-V781, the RX-V681, and the RX-V581. Each of these three models can deliver the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to any home theater. That means with the right content and speaker setup, you'll be able to experience sound from just about any angle, including above. Even better, these new models come packing a starting price of $549.95.
Last year, the company's least expensive Atmos-capable model was the RX-A850 7.2-channel receiver. This option was released with an MSRP of $899.95, but without DTS:X. If you wanted a Yamaha receiver with both formats, you'd have to pay over $1,000. In other words, this announcement is pretty huge.
Also, it's looking like all three of these models will come with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X out of the box. No firmware updates are needed. The company will also release the 5.1-channel RX-V481, without those extra audio perks.
All four models are part of the MusicCast family, which means you can use the MusicCast app to access streaming music, web radio, and networked audio files and play them back through these receivers -- as well as other MusicCast audio components connected to your network.
Of course, each one is just as impressive on the video side, offering HDCP 2.2 support, so you can stream 4K content and even hook up a 4K Blu-ray player (whenever you get one). All four RX-V 81 receiver models can also do 4K Ultra HD at 60p 4:4:4, as well as high dynamic range (HDR) and BT.2020.
Other features across the new lineup include Bluetooth with Compressed Music Enhancer and Bluetooth-out wireless streaming options, Yamaha's own YPAO automatic system calibration, and more. Also, the RX-V681 and RX-V781 include a phono input, if you're looking to get your vinyl collection into the rotation.
"The RX-V 81 Series offers our consumers unparalleled flexibility in feature sets, the most immersive high performance HD audio and video technologies, and the freedom of wireless multiroom audio connectivity options," said Bob Goedken, general manager of Yamaha's AV division. "Industry-leading innovation and must-have features are key to the RX-V Series' best-selling success for years. Our latest 3D surround and 4K format enhancements, combined with MusicCast this year, will keep these AV receivers at the front of innovation."
Yamaha will start shipping the RX-V481 in April, with an MSRP of $449.95. The RX-V581 and RX-V681 will follow in May, priced at $549.95 and $649.95, respectively. And finally, the RX-V781 is expected sometime in June, with an MSRP of $849.95
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