YAMAHA RX-A6A AVENTAGE 9.2-Channel AV Receiver with MusicCast is a testament to the challenges faced by manufacturers striving to keep up with ever-evolving technology trends. It’s a constant race to stay ahead, as just when a company introduces its latest cutting-edge home entertainment device, a new feature emerges, threatening its relevance. AV receivers, in particular, face the daunting task of accommodating the ever-changing demands of video, sound, streaming, and gaming technologies, not to mention the intricate and ever-expanding HDMI 2.1 protocols that underpin their interface.
Yamaha’s introduction of the current Aventage range, including the RX-A6A positioned just below the flagship model, was noteworthy for its pioneering support of HDMI 2.1. This receiver boasts an impressive bandwidth of up to 40Gbps across all inputs and outputs. However, its initial specifications came with asterisks, indicating that certain technologies would be added through future software updates.
For those who invested in the RX-A6A upon its 2021 release, the road to unlocking its full capabilities has required patience. Firmware updates have gradually enabled features such as uncompressed 4K@120Hz and 8K@60Hz signal passthrough, as well as HDR10+ support across its seven inputs and three outputs. Retroactively, Yamaha has also added gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). However, there is still uncertainty regarding the addition of QMS (Quick Media Switching) and QFT (Quick Frame Transport), as no specific timeline has been provided.
Price Comparison
Priced at £2299 / $2200 / AU$3699, (Amazon Price) the Yamaha RX-A6A surpasses its predecessor, the RX-A3080 from 2019, and firmly positions itself in the same league as the Denon AVC-X6700H. The Denon receiver, an impressive recipient of the What Hi-Fi? Award, launched at £2299 / $2499 / AU$6190 and offers two additional channels of amplification compared to the RX-A6A. However, it’s worth noting that only one of its eight inputs and two of its three outputs are HDMI 2.1-certified, while all ports already support 2.1 gaming features such as VRR, ALLM, QMS, and QFT.
Yamaha proudly considers the RX-A6A to be the AVR with the best value in its current lineup, as it boasts a nearly identical set of features to the flagship RX-A8A (£3299 / $3000 / AU$6299) at a considerably lower cost. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that many retailers offer discounts of approximately 12-14 percent, making it an even more attractive option. The differences between the two models are mainly subtle and internal: the A6A lacks the same level of separation between the transformer and power stages, extra-large custom block capacitors, and structural damping found in the A8A. Additionally, while the A8A incorporates dual 32-bit/384kHz ESS Hyperstream ES9026PRO DACs, the A6A relies on one of these DACs to handle the main channels, with an ES9007S DAC dedicated to the ambient channels.
Customization and Connectivity- Feature
Yamaha is renowned for its comprehensive approach to offering customization options for its products, and the RX-A6A is no exception. Its extensive full-screen menu provides an abundance of settings and parameters that can be adjusted to cater to individual preferences. From fine-tuning each HDMI port’s Jitter PLL Mode to adjusting the DAC’s roll-off curve, users have the freedom to explore and experiment with various configurations. Practical explanations accompany each parameter, ensuring users can make informed choices.
To further enhance the user experience, Yamaha includes the YPAO automated room optimization process. Utilizing a microphone and stand resembling a three-pointed boomerang, this feature allows for self-installation, although manual verification of YPAO’s measurements is recommended.
The RX-A6A also offers convenient access to system settings through an external device connected to the same network. Using the AVR’s IP or the Yamaha MusicCast app, users can control various functions and features. The app supports streaming of high-resolution and lossless music formats, including Apple Lossless (ALAC) up to 96 kHz, WAV, FLAC, and AIFF up to 192kHz. It also integrates playback from popular music streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer.
In terms of casting options, the receiver is equipped with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 4.2 (SBC / AAC) capabilities. Additionally, it offers compatibility with voice control systems such as Google Assistant and Alexa. For traditional radio enthusiasts, the RX-A6A features a DAB+ and FM/AM tuner.
The audio connectivity options of the RX-A6A are particularly generous. It includes three optical, two coaxial, and five analog inputs, which notably include XLR sockets. Furthermore, there is a dedicated phono input for vinyl enthusiasts.
⦁ HDMI inputs 7
⦁ HDMI outputs 3 (including eARC)
⦁ HDMI 2.1 Yes inc VRR, ALLM
⦁ Processing 11.2 channels
⦁ Amplification 9 channels
⦁ Power 150W (per channel) with two channels driven
⦁ HDR formats HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
⦁ Audio formats Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, Auro 3D
⦁ Streaming Ethernet, wi-fi, Bluetooth (SBC / AAC), Airplay 2, Yamaha MusicCast, Spotify Connect
Audio Performance
When experiencing movies like A Quiet Place in Dolby Atmos, the Yamaha RX-A6A impresses with its clean, crisp, and dynamic performance. Every subtle sound and sudden impact is accurately rendered, showcasing the AVR’s capability in delivering precise and impactful audio. Even in weighty and intense moments, the RX-A6A maintains a balanced presentation, preventing the sound from becoming overly diffused. This quality is similar to Yamaha’s more affordable A2A model but with added authority.
In the Atmos-enabled movie Dune, the RX-A6A continues to shine. The hard and reflective surfaces of the room are faithfully reproduced, demonstrating excellent directionality as the characters move around the space. Each shift in location is distinctly felt, immersing the listener in the film’s environment.
The RX-A6A excels in reproducing high frequencies, contributing to its expansive and detailed soundstage. From the textured sound of rainfall to the swirling whispers of the Bene Gesserit, the AVR delivers an immersive audio experience. However, some listeners may find the top end slightly pronounced. While we believe it adds excitement and sparkle to the sound, it may require slight adjustment of the overall volume compared to the Denon AVR-X6700H. Therefore, careful consideration should be given when selecting a speaker package to pair with the Yamaha receiver.
In comparison, the Denon AVR-X6700H offers a slightly deeper and more fluid sound character, with a touch of warmth and less analytical precision. When listening to music, such as streaming Eddie Vedder’s Hard Sun, the Denon delivers a sense of epicness with thunderous drums and a closer proximity to Vedder’s raw vocals. On the other hand, the RX-A6A exhibits a quicker and more rhythmic performance, with nimble and sharp transients that accentuate the delicacy and timing of each picked guitar string.
Overall, the Yamaha RX-A6A provides an immersive audio experience with its clean, dynamic performance, while the Denon AVR-X6700H offers a slightly different sound character that may appeal to those seeking a warmer and more organic sound signature.
