Yamaha Receivers A/V RX-V4A and RX-V6A with HDMI 2.1 and MusicCast

Yamaha Electronics has revamped the home theater receivers range with two models of the RX-V series. The new Yamaha receivers A/V are called RX-V4A and RX-V6A. The first change is a complete overhaul of the design. The lines used in recent years for the previous series have left room for very different solutions. The front is dominated by a glossy black surface with the volume knob in the center. Immediately on the right, there is an LCD screen which is in turn flanked by a knob for selecting the operating mode. There are no other buttons: interaction is via touch controls.

The two Yamaha receivers A/V amplifiers support major audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The RX-V6A also adds Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, a function that recreates a virtual expansion of sound vertically without the need to add specific speakers. The latter feature will come via a future (already announced) firmware update.

Compatibility with the MusicCast system allows for the integration of the newborn into multi-room systems. Both Yamaha receivers A/V models support high-resolution files in ALAC up to 96 kHz/24-bit, WAV, and AIFF up to 192 kHz/32-bit, FLAC up to 192 kHz/24-bit and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. You can also listen to songs in MP3, WMA, or MPEG-4 AAC. Multimedia functions also include Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a front USB port. RX-V4A and RX-V6A can take advantage of the network connection for music streaming from services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Tidal, Deezer, and Qobuz.

The new Yamaha receivers A/V range also allows you to take advantage of the MusicCast Surround function, first introduced in 2018. This feature consists of the ability to connect to some products of the MusicCast range to make a multi-channel configuration wirelessly. Specifically, MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers can be connected as wireless rear channels. The same procedure can be applied to the MusicCast SUB 100 subwoofer. The rich equipment also includes the ability to connect to external speakers equipped with Alexa or Google Assistant voice assistants. In this way, it is possible to give voice commands to the amplifiers (various language availability ​​is to be verified).

In terms of connectivity, Yamaha has also integrated HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs with full bandwidth support of 48 Gbps and HDCP 2.3. To be precise, we find 4 inputs and 1 output on RX-V4A and 3 inputs and 1 output on RX-V6A. We emphasize that support for HFR, ALLM, VRR, QFT, and QMS will come via an update. Yamaha has also increased the power supply of the HDMI outputs to 300 mA to ensure operation with longer powered cables.

The video section inside can upscale up to Ultra HD resolution. HDR is supported in HDR10, HDR10+ (via a future firmware), Dolby Vision, and HLG formats. The automatic calibration is entrusted to the YPAO (Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer) system which acquires the RSC (Reflected Sound Control, also takes into account the reflection of sounds) Multi-Point measurement on the RX-V6A. The MusicCast and AV Setup Guide apps, developed to guide the user through all the phases that make up the system configuration, complete the equipment.

Price and availability

Yamaha RX-V4A has been priced at $439.95 and it can be pre-ordered through the Bhphotovideo.com website. 

Yamaha RX-V6A, on the other hand, costs $599.95 and it is also available to pre-order via the Bhphotovideo.com website.  

Yamaha Electronics recently has also expanded the range of Bluetooth Soundbars: SR-C20A and SR-B20A two Yamaha sound bars for the entry-level segment.