The Benchmark for AV Receivers
AVENTAGE AV receivers are the reference standard to which all others are compared. Passionate engineering and meticulous attention to detail produce the Yamaha hallmark of True Sound. You can feel the quality in the design and fabrication – from every electrical path, component and piece of material. Each element was scrutinized with intense detail to produce the finest, first-class performance. The AVENTAGE AV receiver is a work of visual and acoustic art.
BREATHTAKING SOUND
SURROUND:AI™
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology built into the DSP analyzes the scene of the entertainment content and then creates the optimal surround effect to reproduce it with the ultimate impact. This AI instantaneously analyzes scenes by focusing on distinct sound elements such as dialogue, background music, ambient sounds and sound effects, and automatically optimizes the surround effect in real time. Imagine having a Yamaha sound engineer listening right next to you, tuning the best sound live and specifically for you. AI technology creates a compelling sense of realism with expressive power beyond conventional sound field effects, giving you the most profound entertainment experience possible. Qualcomm® QCS407 with 64-bit high precision processing delivers precise surround sound.
CINEMA DSP HD3 for Movie, Music and Games
This Yamaha flagship 3D sound field playback technology was created by combining actual measured sound field data with cutting edge digital signal processing technology. The revamped CINEMA DSP HD3 features new signal processing algorithms and maximizes theater sound effects, accurately reproducing a new dimension of realism for a sound field with a rich sense of presence and no feeling of boundaries. By using front, center and surround speakers to create a rear virtual speaker, CINEMA DSP HD3 playback of up to 11.1 channels is possible* even with a 7.1-channel speaker configuration.
*Requires connection to a front presence speaker.
Dolby Atmos® and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Feel every dimension in Dolby Atmos. Enjoy a 5.1 surround speaker system and two additional overhead speakers or two Dolby Atmos elevation speakers, delivering dramatic overhead effects for truly enveloping audio.
For those without in-ceiling or upward firing speakers in their system, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization technology can simulate the Atmos experience. Configure up to five speakers to replicate the effect of two in-ceiling speakers, or utilize all seven channels to simulate the powerful effect of four overhead speakers.
DTS:X®
DTS:X immersive audio formatting places sound where it would naturally occur in space, creating life-like, multi-dimensional audio. The included spatial remapping engine of DTS Neural:X™ offers improved immersion and heightened realism in all your favorite movies.
AURO-3D*
The magic of AURO-3D® technology lies in the ability to transform any space and any content. AURO-3D will deliver a purely transformative, breath-taking immersive audio experience, every time. The unique, vertical stereo field of AURO-3D allows sound to move around you, similar to how it does in your everyday life, ensuring a powerful soundscape that transports us into the world of our chosen content. Escape into the story and get lost in the music. Experience every moment and emotion the way nature intended.
Hear more, feel more with AURO-3D.
* AURO-3D available via a future update
Compressed Music Enhancer
When music is encoded into a digitally compressed format like MP3, the frequency response suffers. The Yamaha Compressed Music Enhancer employs sophisticated digital signal processing using exclusive algorithms to restore what was lost, so the music always sounds the way it should.
HIGH QUALITY PARTS
High Slew Rate Amplifier
The slew rate measures how quickly an amplifier can respond to a rapid change of input level, which contributes to delivering a precise signal transmission and is especially effective with high resolution audio signals. This newly designed circuit achieves both a high slew rate and stable signal transmission, allowing it to handle each audio signal with precision and accuracy.
High-Quality Digital Components
The Qualcomm® QCS407 is designed to provide truly superior audio performance, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive home audio, as well as a dedicated high-performance audio DSP.
It features ESS’s state of the art 32-bit SABRE PRO Premier DAC ES9026PRO. ESS’s patented 32-bit Hyper Stream, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) compensation function works to minimize noise levels. In combination with the Yamaha original D.O.P.G. (DAC On Pure Ground) concept, which eliminates the potential difference between audio circuit stages to reduce ground noise, it dramatically enhances silence and resolution over the entire audio range for rich and expressive reproduction of even the most delicate sounds.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Anti-Resonance Technology Wedge
The newly designed Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge is a fifth foot in the front-and-center of the chassis unit base. Together with double bottom structure, it dampens much more vibrations from the power transformer, power transistors and heat sinks, as well as vibrations that might be caused by the sound from the speakers — providing dynamic sound and focused, accurate reproduction. The fifth foot on the A8A has special brass parts inside which continue to provide further detailed and richer sound reproduction.
Newly Designed Mechanical Structure
The highly logical and symmetrical internal layout of parts and totally renewed circuit boards are designed to keep the signal paths on each board as short as possible. The new H-cross frame improves rigidity of the receiver body and sound stability, allowing for clearer, sharper and more transparent reproduction. Also the newly redesigned mechanical structure contributes to avoiding the transition of vibration from the transformer to the amplifier circuit. Sound noises are reduced to improve clarity.
Yamaha's flagship receiver is an A/V all-star
One A/V question I often hear is, "What's the best performance I can get without buying separate components for processing and amplification?" The answer is to go with a flagship-level home theater receiver like Yamaha's AVENTAGE RX-A8A.
The RX-A8A offers advanced decoding and processing, robust amplification, and exceptional room calibration. It's also simple to operate, thanks to Yamaha's superb control app for your phone or tablet.
An "H-shaped" cross frame design adds additional stability to the chassis while reducing vibrations.
High-quality sound, in one room or three
The RX-A8A has outputs for 13 speakers, and can power up to 11 at the same time.
Use all 11 channels in a 7.2.4 or 9.2.2 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X™ system. Or, go with a more conventional surround sound setup, and repurpose the extra channels for sound in up to two additional zones.
With 150 watts of power per channel, the RX-A8A can drive stand-mount, floor-standing, or custom-integrated speakers with authority.
Advanced video processing for movies and more
Yamaha made sure the RX-A8A is compatible with the latest video technology. All seven of its HDMI inputs support 4K/60Hz content — perfect for high-quality sources like a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player or an Apple TV.
Enjoy music from a variety of sources
You get plenty of options for playing music, too. Stream tunes from your phone or tablet through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Apple AirPlay 2. Or, use the built-in phono input to connect your turntable. You can even play high-resolution tracks from a USB thumb drive or networked computer.
As a bonus, the RX-A8A also supports wireless multi-room music playback when paired with additional MusicCast components.
Product highlights:
Power and processing:
- 11-channel amplifier
- 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.06% THD, with 2 channels driven
- high slew rate design for clear, consistent performance across a wide frequency range
- Dolby® and DTS® surround sound decoding
- Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ processing for use with in-ceiling or "height" speakers for enveloping overhead sound effects
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization creates three-dimensional effects without height speakers
- Cinema DSP HD3 adds richness and depth to music and movie soundtracks
- Surround:AI™ technology analyzes your content and creates optimal surround effects in real time
- H-shaped cross frame adds additional stability to the chassis while reducing vibrations
- YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) automatic speaker calibration
- included microphone helps fine-tune your system to best match your room's acoustics
- R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) with multipoint measurement helps deliver smooth, well-balanced surround sound across different seating positions
Digital and streaming music options:
- built-in dual-band Wi-Fi for listening to music from a networked PC, free internet radio, and music services
- MusicCast wirelessly connects compatible Yamaha components together for seamless whole-home audio
- includes support for Pandora®, SiriusXM, and Spotify® (subscription required for some services)
- free MusicCast app offers easy Wi-Fi control, settings adjustments, and music selection and playback
- works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control devices
- Apple AirPlay 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music®
- built-in Bluetooth for wireless music listening with smartphones, tablets, and compatible computers
Multi-room audio:
- three-room/three-source output
- amp assign function lets you use select speaker outputs in different configurations like bi-amping the front speakers, or for use in Zone 2 or 3
- using powered 2nd-room output allows 9.2-channel sound in main room
- cannot select different USB/Bluetooth/network sources for each zone
- Zone 2 and 3 stereo preamp outputs for use with optional external amplifiers
HDMI features:
- HDMI 2.1 audio/video switching: 7 in, 3 out
- all HDMI connections support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video content
- HDCP 2.3 technology ensures compatibility with Ultra HD sources and TVs
- HDR-compatible for extended picture contrast and brightness with compatible TVs and HDR-encoded content
- supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision®
- gaming-optimized video processing technologies for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- eARC receives uncompressed surround sound signals including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X via the HDMI connection with your compatible TV
Other connections:
- analog video inputs: 2 composite, 1 component
- digital audio inputs: 3 Toslink optical, 2 coaxial
- 5 analog stereo RCA audio inputs
- MM (moving magnet) phono input for connecting a turntable
- stereo balanced XLR connections: 1 input, 1 output
- front-panel USB port for audio playback from USB flash drives
- 11.2-channel RCA preamp outputs
- includes 2 line-level mono subwoofer outputs
- outputs for 13 speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, Front Presence L/R, Rear Presence L/R, Extra SP. L/R)
- receiver can power a maximum of 11 channels at once
- full-sized front-panel headphone jack
Dimensions and other info:
- free MusicCast app lets you use your Apple® or Android™ device as a Wi-Fi remote
- handheld remote control included
- 17-3/16"W x 7-9/16"H x 19-7/16"D (10-3/4"H with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas raised)
- weight: 48.2 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years (5 years with Yamaha account creation and model registration)
What's in the box:
- 11.2ch AV receiver
- 6.5 AC power cord
- Remote control (RAV578)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- YPAO microphone
- Mic base/stand
- 2 WLAN/Bluetooth antennas (pre-installed)
- FM wire antenna
- AM loop antenna
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Information
- Product Registration
- Firmware Update note
- Spotify brochure
- "Worldwide Representatives Offices" sheet
- Safety brochure
- Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A8A owner's manual
MOVIES AND GAMES LIKE NEVER BEFORE
HDR and HDR10+*
HDR (high dynamic range) video provides incredible contrast, smooth tone and rich, bright colors—giving you full, high-definition enjoyment with an exceptionally realistic and natural picture quality.
HDR10+ greatly improves dynamic range (the ratio of light to dark) of video content on a scene-by-scene (or even frame-by-frame) basis. Also, using frame-by-frame metadata, it improves the scene characteristics between bright and dark so that important detail can remain. This enables displays to reproduce images more realistically, adhering to the creator's intent.
* HDR10+ is available via a future update
4K120AB*, 8K60AB* and 4K60
This receiver supports end-to-end 8K/4K resolutions and higher refresh rate solutions with a single upgraded cable for seamless integration within the HDMI eco-system. 8K delivers a super-immersive viewing experience with 2x the horizontal and vertical resolution of 4K, and 4 times as many pixels; and combined with 60Hz refresh rate enables smooth and sharp viewing of content with high-speed action. 4K120 enables ultra-fast motion UHD images to be crisp and razor sharp; allowing sports, action movies, high-performance gaming and VR to benefit significantly. It also supports Dolby Vision™ and Hybrid Log-Gamma.
* 4K120AB and 8K60AB are available via a future update
Enhanced Media and Gaming (ALLM, VRR, QMS, QFT)*
Enhanced media and gaming features ensure an added level of smooth and seamless motion and transitions for gaming, movies and video. They include: Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity; Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which reduces or eliminates lag, stutter and frame tearing for more fluid and detailed gameplay; Quick Media Switching (QMS) for movies and video, which eliminates the delay that can result in blank frames before content is displayed; and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduces latency for smoother, no-lag gaming and real-time interactive virtual reality.
* These features are available via a future update
DESIGNED FOR YOUR SPACE
YPAO™ - R.S.C. (with 3D, Multipoint Measurement and 64-bit High Precision EQ)
YPAO-R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) analyzes the room acoustics with the included YPAO microphone to tune your system for the best sound in your unique room. It employs R.S.C. to correct early reflections for studio-quality surround sound. YPAO 3D provides automatic sound parameter optimization that maximizes the 3D sound field effectiveness of SURROUND:AI as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. 64-bit high precision EQ calculation achieves the most natural room acoustics possible.
MusicCast Surround
Combine this AV receiver with the MusicCast 50 or two MusicCast 20 wireless streaming speakers and enjoy MusicCast Surround, creating a 5.1-channel home theater with wireless surround sound. What’s more, you get stunningly realistic sound with a clean, clutter-free setup. Easily turn your living room into a home theater where you can fully enjoy movies and music.
Compelling Design
Yamaha AV receivers are crafted with meticulous design and craftsmanship to produce a work of visual and acoustic art.
The immaculate chassis construction further solidifies the alignment of stability in performance. It offers a beautiful form that deepens the AVENTAGE uniqueness and continues to further enhance key acoustic authority.
Inspired by tradition and incorporating fresh new design principles, the new look of AVENTAGE exhibits engineering at its most innovative and awe-inspiring best.
Scene Buttons Easily Get You To Your Favorite Content
There are four SCENE buttons. You can preset them for different inputs, as well as a sound field program, Music Enhancer, HDMI output and more. The inputs can be set to specific sources, such as an FM or Internet radio station, a station on a streaming service, a USB device or a song on a PC or NAS (network). Once you have set the buttons, simply press one on the main unit or the remote control to power on the receiver and hear your desired music. The buttons can be re-set at any time.
SIMPLE TO SET UP, SIMPLE TO USE
Simple and Easy with the MusicCast App
Use your smartphone or tablet together with the MusicCast app to operate the AV receiver and change settings quickly and easily. The app offers the same functions as a remote control for all your MusicCast-compatible devices as well as full multi-room audio controls.
Voice Control (Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri)
Easily works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri (via Airplay 2), so your AV receiver is always at your command and your whole home can come alive.
*A third party device is required to initiate voice commands
AV Setup Guide App for Initial Setup
No worries, no confusion. Use this special app to receive expert set up assistance for your AV receiver and source devices. It even guides you through various other settings such as speaker connections, TV and source device connections and power amplifier assignments.
STREAMING, APPS AND MORE
Multi-room Audio - MusicCast
Imagine sharing all the music you love throughout the home – no matter the format. From your favorite vinyl to AirPlay 2, Bluetooth® to music streaming services and even sound from your TV, MusicCast has it covered.
Additionally, all MusicCast products are designed with sound quality at the front of mind. High-res formats including Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz, WAV, FLAC and AIFF up to 384 kHz are supported.
AirPlay 2
Hey Siri. Play music in the kitchen and living room.
AirPlay 2 adds the ability to stream Apple Music and other streaming services to multiple MusicCast devices throughout your home. Easily control it from your iPhone or iPad, link it with a HomePod, or simply utilize voice control and ask Siri fto assist.
Stream it All
Explore a world of music with music streaming services built-in. Synchronizing your playlists and tracks from your smart phone or computer to the AV receiver, music streaming services make it easy to either listen to your favorites or discover new music.
eARC
Unlock the full potential of your 4K content. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (also known as eARC) is the next generation of ARC – available in the industry-leading AV receivers from Yamaha.
eARC delivers full-resolution, multi-channel audio formats such as Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD® through your existing HDMI connection, giving you the most realistic surround sound experience for immersing yourself in your favorite movies and moments.
Playback in Multiple Zones/Advanced HDMI Zone Switching
You can transmit the video or audio content (not only the HDMI input, but also other audio sources, such as digital or analog audio, network content and FM radio) to a TV or home theater system in another room (Zone 2/4). This lets you enjoy viewing and listening to the same main room content (where the AV receiver is installed), or even different content. An on-screen graphical user interface makes it easy to browse and select content from the second zone no matter what is being played in the main zone.
11-Channel Pre Out
You can add an external power amplifier (pre-main amplifier) to this AV receiver to improve and enhance the sound of your speakers. For example, using a power amplifier to drive the important front channel in home theater gives you the added flexibility of building a system with an emphasis on sound quality.
XLR Input Terminal
This receiver is equipped with XLR balanced audio input terminals that have an outstanding reputation in the world of professional audio and are highly sensitive to noise. In combination with balanced output terminals on a Blu-ray player or CD player, this connectivity enables high-quality signal transmission with reduced degradation of sound quality due to external noise.
| HDMI Audio Return Channel | Yes | Yes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI Pass-through | 4K120AB*, 8K60AB* and 4K60 (*via future update) | 4K120AB*, 8K60B* and 4K60 (*via future update) | |
| HDMI Upscaling | Yes, up to 8K (via firmware update) | Yes up to 4K | |
| HDMI Up-conversion | Yes (Analog to HDMI) | N/A | |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | |
| HDR 10+ | Yes (via firmware update) | Yes (via future update) | |
| VRR/ALLM/QMS/QFT | Yes (via firmware update) | Yes (via future update) | |
| Video Adjustment | Yes | N/A | |
| Connectivity | MusicCast Surround | Yes | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (2.4 / 5 GHz) | Yes (2.4 / 5 GHz) | |
| AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes | |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC / AAC) | Yes (SBC / AAC) | |
| Phono Input | Yes | Yes | |
| XLR Terminal | Yes | N/A | |
| Component Video Input/Output | 1 / 0 | N/A | |
| Extensive Connections | HDMI Input/Output | 7 / 3 (HDMI 2.1 / HDCP 2.3) | 7 / 1 |
| HDMI CEC | Yes | Yes | |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes | |
| Network Port | Yes | Yes | |
| Front AV Input | USB | USB | |
| Digital Audio Input / Output: Optical | 3 / 0 | 1 / 0 | |
| Digital Audio Input / Output: Coaxial | 2 / 0 | 1 / 0 | |
| Analog Audio Input / Output | 6 / 0 | 4 / 0 | |
| Composite Video Input / Output | 2 / 0 | N/A | |
| Preout | 11.2-ch | 2.2-ch | |
| Headphone Output | 1 | 1 | |
| Tuner Section | FM / AM Tuner | Yes | Yes |
| User Interface | On-Screen Display | Graphical User Interface | Graphical User Interface |
| SCENE | SCENE PLUS (8 sets) | Yes (8 sets) | |
| App Control | Yes (iPhone / iPad / Android phone / tablet) | Yes (iPhone / iPad / Android phone / tablet) | |
| Web Browser Control | Yes | Yes | |
| Remote Control Unit | Yes | Yes | |
| Zone Control | Zone 2 Audio Output | Preout / HDMI | Preout |
| Zone 3 Audio Output | Preout | N/A | |
| Zone 4 Audio Output | HDMI | N/A | |
| Powered Zone | Zone 2 / 3 | Zone 2 | |
| Zone Video Output | HDMI | N/A | |
| Zone B Output | HDMI | N/A | |
| Zone GUI | Yes | N/A | |
| RS-232C Interface | N/A | N/A | |
| +12V Trigger Output | 2 | 1 | |
| Remote (IR) Input/Output | 1 / 1 | 1 / 1 | |
| Party Mode | Yes | Yes | |
| General | Standby Power Consumption (IR only) | <0.4 W | 0.1 W |
| Auto Power Standby | Yes | Yes | |
| ECO Mode | Yes | Yes | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17-1/8" x 7-1/2" x 18-3/4" (with antenna up:17-1/8" x 10-5/8" x 18-3/4") | 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-5/8" (with antenna up:17-1/8" x 9-5/8" x 14-5/8") | |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs. | 22.5 lbs. | |