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Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A – The new entry-level class

The new entry-level models from Yamaha in the AV segment, namely the two new network AV receivers Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha, should be able to offer a completely new design, modern features up to support for content in 8K and a fine sound RX-V6A.


It has been simmering in the rumor mill for a long time that Yamaha Corporation is working on a completely new line of AV receivers, although this is in principle not really surprising, after all, above all, modern network AV receivers have been in constant succession for years observe in new generations almost every year. But what attracted attention is that Yamaha is working on a completely new design. These rumors turned out to be fact, namely around a very first, under the strictest conditions of secrecy, presentation at the CES 2020 earlier this year. Since the secrecy did not quite work out, there has been certainty since then: something completely new is coming from Yamaha.

Now the time has come: Yamaha unveils the new generation of network AV receivers, with the two solutions that the Japanese company regards as new solutions for beginners within the Yamaha RX series, the models Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX- V6A. As already known in advance, the most noticeable innovation is a completely redesigned design, but from a technical point of view, the two solutions Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A surprise with a multitude of interesting equipment features, such as support for content in 8K and thus the latest generation of HDMI, flexible algorithms for individual room adjustment, high-quality amplifier modules and, last but not least, impressive flexibility thanks to the variety of connections and versatility in streaming, especially all around Yamaha MusicCast.

It is the biggest technological step that has been made so far in the area of ​​network AV receivers, so the promise made by Yamaha on the occasion of the market launch of the new generation. Care was taken to ensure that the entry-level models Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A already offer state-of-the-art functions for films, gaming and music, and that in outstanding quality.

The two new entry-level models should already be compatible with the latest HDMI features such as 8K / 60 Hz and 4K / 120 Hz as well as HDR10 + and Dolby Vision. Both models have at least three high-resolution 8K HDMI inputs, with a total of four HDMI inputs on the Yamaha RX-V4A and seven HDMI inputs on the Yamaha RX-V6A, in order to be able to integrate a wide variety of sources. Both models are designed to be future-proof, as functions such as QMS for uninterrupted switching between different HDMI source devices and similar innovations can be implemented via firmware updates. Yamaha also explicitly highlights one particular detail relating to the HDMI interfaces. The current delivery capability of the HDMI outputs has been increased to 300 mA in order to improve the use of active HDMI cables. The topic of gaming is also very important to Yamaha, especially with the Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A models, although the two AV receivers are ideal for current not only because of the already mentioned support of 8K / 60 Hz and 4K / 120 Hz and sees future game consoles prepared. For example, ALLM is supposed to ensure automatic switching to low-latency mode with connected screens in order to guarantee maximum performance. A variable frame rate VRR with QFT (Quick Frame Transport) ensures a smooth and smooth display even when the graphics processor (GPU) is busy.

When it comes to sound, both new network AV receivers should be able to boast, although the Yamaha RX-V6A was naturally granted a few more outstanding features. Both solutions are equipped with technologies that are supposed to deliver Yamaha True Sound for films, games and music. Modern DSPs serve as the basis for this, with the Yamaha RX-V6A even being equipped with three powerful DSPs for particularly accurate signal processing.

Said DSPs are of course used in particular for the signal processing of surround content, with Yamaha Cinema DSP 3D being used here. The larger of the two new entry-level models can play up to Dolby Atmos, whereby in addition to a classic 5.1.2-channel setup, a height simulation is offered that can also display height information in a normal 5.1-channel setup. Yamaha Cinema DSP 3D can also conjure up “virtual spaces” from stereo, be it a small jazz club, a stadium or a cathedral.

It is particularly important with all AV receivers that their playback can be optimally adapted to the individual room, as well as the loudspeaker systems used. Yamaha YPAO, the so-called Yamaha Parametric Room Optimizer System, which allows automatic calibration, has been able to do this for years. The Yamaha RX-V6A model even features the Yamaha YPAO R.S.C multipoint calibration system, which the Japanese have only used in the models of the Yamaha AVANTAGE Series, and which guarantees particularly accurate optimization based on several listening positions.

Signal processing is also carried out on the Yamaha RX-V6A with up to 24 bit and 384 kHz, which should ensure impeccable sound quality not only for home cinema, but also for streaming. The Yamaha Compressed Music Enhancer is available for content that has been lossy compressed, such as from DVD or MP3 files from various streaming services, to give it a little more fullness and detail.

The power amplifiers of the new Yamaha RX series are designed as analog high-slew-rate amplifiers, which, with their particularly fast rise times, are intended to ensure exceptionally detailed reproduction of even complex audio signals, the manufacturer is convinced. The Yamaha RX-V4A delivers an output power of 80 watts, whereby this was measured with two channels in operation. The Yamaha RX-V6A delivers 100 watts per channel under the same conditions.

We have already mentioned the topic of streaming several times, and in this regard the two new network AV receivers score especially with the latest generation of Yamaha MusicCast. This means that not only is a large number of content available, both from your own and from various streaming services, the two AV receivers Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A can also be operated intuitively with the help of the corresponding app for Apple iOS and Google Android control and also integrate it into a multiroom audio streaming system. It is also possible to set up a surround system “without cables”, because the surround channels can be easily implemented with Yamaha MusicCast Surround using wireless speakers such as the Yamaha MusicCast 20 and Yamaha MusicCast 50 models. A subwoofer can also be integrated in this way, namely the Yamaha MusicCast SUB 100.

Incidentally, Yamaha MusicCast is also the interface to voice control, be it Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Of course, a suitable device that accepts the voice commands is required for this.

Apart from Yamaha MusicCast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect are also directly supported and of course the Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A systems also have Bluetooth, so that smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices can be used as sources directly without a network infrastructure.

If you love radio, the two new systems, Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A, not only have access to Internet radio via Airable radio, but there is also an FM and DAB + tuner available.

Finally, of course, one has to deal with the completely new design concept that Yamaha is now heralding with the two systems Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A. This has already caused heated discussions in advance since the first images leaked.

The fact is that the new design line differs completely from the previous one, the new models Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A have a very simple front, with a massive rotary encoder in the center, which in turn is a display as well as some buttons and another, smaller rotary encoder on the right side. The main switch, a USB port, the input for the measurement microphone and a headphone connection are available on the left front side, a little to the rear.

The “angular” design of previous AV systems from Yamaha is history; rather, the front has rounded sides, resulting in a very harmonious overall picture. The solutions appear less “technically sober” and more like lifestyle systems, to put it a little exaggerated. The integration into the living environment is probably made easier because the network AV receivers appear more subtle and reserved. So when the first “excitement” has subsided, even the loudest critics will gradually get used to the new design. In our humble opinion, this design concept could convince new customers more than the simple technical touch …

The new network AV receivers of the Yamaha RX series are already available these days, because at least the Yamaha RX-V4A model should be available in specialist shops as early as mid-September 2020. For this, Yamaha Music Europe GmbH gives a recommended retail price of € 506,00. For the new Yamaha RX-V6A you have to be patient until Mid-October 2020, then this should also be available in specialist shops. The recommended retail price is given as € 701,00.

Getting to the point

Now the time has come, Yamaha unveils the new generation of network AV receivers, with the two solutions that the Japanese company sees as new solutions for entry-level users, the Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A. As already known in advance, the most noticeable innovation is a completely redesigned design, but from a technical point of view, the two solutions Yamaha RX-V4A and Yamaha RX-V6A surprise with a variety of interesting equipment features, such as support for content in 8K and thus the latest generation of HDMI, flexible algorithms for individual room adjustment, high-quality amplifier modules and, last but not least, impressive flexibility thanks to the variety of connections and versatility in streaming, especially all around Yamaha MusicCast.

Manufacturer:Yamaha Music Europe GmbH
Distribution:Yamaha Music Europe GmbH
Price:Yamaha RX-V4A € 506,-
Yamaha RX-V6A € 701,-
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Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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