Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A A/V Receiver with MusicCast and HDMI 2.1

Yamaha Electronics has announced RX-A2A A/V Receiver, the first Aventage home cinema amplifier in the 2020-2021 range. Over the next few months, the higher-end products like A4A, A6A, and A8A will also arrive, while the RX-V series RX-V4A and RX-V6A models are already available. The design of the new Yamaha Aventage follows the canons set with the other 2020 amplifiers. We find a front side characterized by a glossy black livery and dominated by the knob that adjusts the volume. The second smaller knob for selecting the source is located near the right side.

All other physical buttons have been eliminated and replaced with touch keys, a solution that has allowed for greater cleanliness of the lines. The latter are very similar to those of lower-end products but with some differences. The tendency to use a more angular style and tricks to break the continuity stands out, such as the horizontal groove that intersects the volume knob exactly in the center.

The lower side also has a peculiarity: RX-A2A A/V Receiver, like all Aventage Yamaha AV Receivers, is equipped with anti-resonance technology (ART) which takes the form of a fifth support foot; this element is positioned in the center to dampen the vibrations generated by the transformer, transistors and heat sinks.

Supported audio formats include Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer (via firmware update), a feature that recreates a virtual expansion of the sound vertically without the need to add specific acoustic diffusers.

There is no lack of compatibility with the MusicCast multi-room ecosystem: the Yamaha Receivers A/V can operate in synergy with other compatible products to spread music in all environments. Also supported is the MusicCast Surround function, introduced in 2018 to offer greater versatility. MusicCast Surround allows you to connect MusicCast 20, MusicCast 50, or MusicCast SUB 100 speakers wirelessly. The speakers are configured as rear satellites in a multi-channel installation.

The Yamaha amplifier RX-A2A has equipped with a PCM5102A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) capable of supporting sample rates up to 384 kHz / 32-bit. Music tracks can be played, even in high resolution, in MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC (96 kHz / 24-bit), FLAC (384 kHz / 24-bit), WAV, and AIFF (384 kHz / 32-bit) formats in addition to DSD up to 11.2 MHz.

Users can also take advantage of streaming from services like Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a front USB port. New Yamaha home theater also supports Alexa or Google Assistant voice assistants, usable by connecting compatible external speakers. In this way, it is possible to give voice commands to the Yamaha AV receivers (availability in the various languages ​​is to be verified).

One of the most relevant innovations of the Yamaha Aventage 2020 range consists of the presence of HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs with support for the full 48 Gbps band and HDCP 2.3. Support for HFR, ALLM, VRR, QFT, and QMS will come via an update, just like on the RX-V range.

The A/V Receiver can upscale up to Ultra HD resolution and supports HDR in HDR10, HDR10+ (via future firmware), Dolby Vision, and HLG formats. Rounding out the list of functions is the YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer) automatic calibration with RSC (Reflected Sound Control, also takes into account the reflection of sounds) Multi-Point measurement.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A price and availability

Availability has been scheduled for January 2021, but it can be pre-ordered through Bhphotovideo.com at the price of $799.95. Yamaha also offers a 5-year warranty on the product.

Last week, Yamaha expanded its portfolio of inexpensive entry-level 61 Key keyboard instruments with the launch of the EZ-300 portable keyboard model, which aims to introduce players to making music with Lighted Keys, priced at $249.99 only.