In this difficult task of finding the perfect configuration for your home cinema, there is a requirement that goes through finding the perfect AV receiver. With the advent of new consoles and high-resolution televisions, the demands have grown considerably, so now many try to find the model that covers all possible needs.
More 4K/120 receivers
The key feature of Yamaha's new 8K receivers is their inclusion of HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of handling 4K content at 120Hz . This allows us to take full advantage of the new consoles without any limitations, enabling us to seamlessly transmit the image at maximum resolution and frame rate to our Smart TV via the receiver, which then sends the audio to the connected speakers.
As if that weren't enough, the standard is also capable of handling 8K resolution signals at 60 Hz , so you'd have a receiver for a long time (if you ever upgrade to that resolution). There are three models in this range:
- RX-A8A: The most complete model of the family. It has 11 channels of 150W with zones 2, 3 and 4.
- RX-A6A: "Medium" range with 9 channels of 150W with zones 2, 3 and 4.
- RX-A4A: The initial model with 7 channels of 110W.
All models feature seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three HDMI 2.1 outputs with eARC. They accept 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz signals , although these will unfortunately not be available until a system update is released. This update will also enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT) , and Quick Media Switching (QMS). For audio, they support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, and Surround:AI. Smart features are also included, with compatibility for Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2), and Google Assistant, as well as automation capabilities for home automation systems, allowing remote control of the receiver.
What price will they have?
These new models will arrive in stores in the coming months with prices of $ 3.000 , $2.200 , and $1.300 for the RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A, respectively. The problem will be knowing exactly when the system update will be available, since without it, these receivers won't be able to handle content from an Xbox Series X and a PS5. Therefore, to play at the highest resolution and refresh rate, we would have to connect the console directly to the television and use an HDMI cable via eARC to send the Smart TV's audio to the receiver, so we can enjoy the surround sound of our speaker system.
Let's hope that Yamaha offers news about it soon, since if it hits the market without the function, it would make no sense to buy any of these models at the moment. Remember that during the past year, many models on the market (among which were those of Yamaha) were affected by a problem with the HDMI that did not allow handling signals in 4K at 120 Hz, so it remains to be seen how it has been solved the matter with this new generation.