Gene - I want you to understand something. What you do here and the hard work you expend keeping us informed on these matters is reaffirming to me and many others. You realize we are a dying breed. Integrity of engineering/construction by these manufacturers is held in check through your efforts. I realize how arduous this testing/reporting can be. I have always attached the maximum weight to every word you say. In a society that feasts on superficiality, you are a lone beacon of light for those of us who still care about deep “quality of product” analysis. Thank you my friend for sharing your brilliant expertise. You are a gem. mdg - Mexia, Texas
I just received a RX-A8A. I ordered it as a refurbished unit from Accessories4less for $2,099. It came with an included three year warranty and a pair of Yamaha EPH-M200 earphones. This thing is heavy. I have to go back to work for now, but I can’t wait to set up up later. It’s a beast. This replaces an Onkyo TX-NR809 that the HDMI board just went on. I could have probably have repaired the board, but I plan to get a 4K TV soon and the old Onkyo just won’t handle HDMI 2.0B. Plus all the new features are very cool. I like the fact that all HDMI connections on this unit are HDMI 2.1, which future proofs the new receiver for a while. Gene, I love Audioholics and that you use real engineering measurements to judge products. I am hoping that you can review and measure a RX-A8A soon. Keep up the great work! Chris
I've just gotten an RX-A4A and it's really very impressive. The amp only claiming 110 watts a channel, with my Monitor Audio bronze speakers is great. More than enough output. I ran it hard for 15 minutes at reference level and it was barely warm, no audible distortion attributable to the amplifier. Great upgrade over my two or three generations old Yamaha that will retire to easy duty upstairs. I do think the surround effects are improved as well watch 2049 this morning.
Recently bought a A8A Yamaha receiver. Can't imagine finding the limits of volume through many driven channels when using it, but I look forward to your review of it in the future..
Thanks Gene, great breakdown of the audio capabilities. Hopefully the full review includes testing of HDMI 2.1 features as I've been really curious to know whether it properly handles VRR, HDR, 120Hz, etc.
Thanks for the detailed review. I bought the A6A based on your assessment. I wish you could do another shorter vid regarding if Yamaha had addressed these issues /bugs in the firmware since this video was made? Thanks
Hi Gene: Hot Rod here again. I am ready to bite on the Yamaha A6A very soon. It is now 1/1/23 Has Yamaha let you know if they have fixed or improved on any of the glitches / bugs that you found with this receiver? Do you think firmware updates will alleviate some of the issuers? Thanks, and have a good New Years
After seeing this I am confident in my decision to buy the Marantz 8015 even though it cost more. Loving the musical presentation and with bi-amp it drives my PSB Stratus Gold I's nicely
Great review Gene, very detailed, but this being a 9.2 channel AV receiver why stop with 7.1 channel tests? Did you do any Dolby Atmos 9.2 channel testing, and what were your impressions?
Hey Gene, appreciate the work! Perhaps on your charts you could hashmark our areas that are, in a reasonable assessment, outside audible to a human or having a real world performance effect? Make it simple to see what matters, and what doesn’t!
I'm also looking forward to Yamaha's latest version of their YPAO and perhaps a comparison with DIRAC & Audissey. The version in the RX-V665 hasn't overly impressed me. 👍
I know this is an old report, but still have a question @Audioholics if the measured performance of the A6 or A8 is better or worse then the Marantz Cinema 50 or 40. And besides measurements, which do you think which sounds better with large 4 Ohm speakers (stereo music and/or surround with movies)
It's nice to see content that's actually scientific and can be proven. So much of the content available is so child like that I just stop watching it. Many videos feel like a public session with a therapist; with the licensed therapist missing. There are also so many "experts" that obviously don't know much about the subject they're talking about... It's quite refreshing to see real, tangible results.
Another great job Gene always enjoy your bench tests and reviews of products. Your thorough and honest reviews and bench tests is one of the reasons I went with my Marantz SR-8012 receiver.
Thanks for the review! Look forward to the final evaluation. Have been planning to buy one, but supply issues still preventing that. Will use solely for blu-ray (Oppo) dedicated home theater use with 7.1.2 system SVS speakers - (MTS/MCS/MBS). . . . edit: First was drawn to the Yamaha to replace my wonderful old 55-pound Onkyo TX-NR3007 (no HDMI 2.1, Dolby Atmos, etc.) because I read that Onkyo was bankrupt. But after hearing Gene comment on the Yamaha issues, I discovered that Onkyo survived and is selling the new TX-RZ50. That now seems a better choice, while also supply constrained. Hopefully Gene will compare.
Happy new year. Thanks for the test report. As a RX-a3060 owner the new replacements seem to be a step back as far as all channels driven are concerned. I would like to know what are they thinking on this as most people who buy a 9ch AV receiver will have the intensions of using it multi channel. From a two channel point of view you don't need 500w a channel to get decent volume from most good speakers. But you do want the two channels to be balanced and this should be the same on a multi channel amp, all telling the same story. This is a good of example of Newer not better.
Gene, I just check the power tests of the RX-A6A and compared it to the RX-A3000 you tested in 2010. It appears that the nanny function has gotten worse as the 7 channels driven 1 kHz Psweep was 65 wpc in 2010 and 52 wpc today at 1% THD+N. It also appears while still low that the THD+N of the power amp section is 10 X higher today than it was 10 years ago when you measured the RX-A3000. Do you have any thoughts on this?
@@Audioholics replacing the 3000 this doesn’t sit well with me. Plus Many features DOA. I’m paying a little more for the revised marantz 8015. Thanks Gene for doing what you do. Been listening since axiom to aperion and now picking up the arendals 1723 thx. Thought hard about the perlistens but maybe next time
I have this receiver on order in Canada since August, I have been told now that they are on back order until the end of March, I decided that I can't wait that long so I have ordered the Anthem 1140 and will come in about 2 weeks, after watching this review I now believe what happened was for the best.
Gene - does it matter what firmware you measure these on? Just asking because i'm up to date and would love to know if they incrementally fix some of the issues you find.
I just bought this now why is this receiver 2 years old already and It seems it popped up on internet like its still new? I hope my research pays off and thanks for all this technical talk here!
Which one is better?!?!?!?!?!? The denon 4700h or the A6A. The difference is 300 bucks. Just ordered 8000f,600m, 504c two r-112sw and 500 sa. Which receiver would you buy if you have to choice
Hey Gene - If you were to us this AVR to go 11 channels - would you offload the L&R channels or the rear surrounds? From your review I get the impression the main amplifier for L&R is pretty damn good meaning you'd need to spend a fair chunk of change to get something as good?
Thanks Gene from another excellent review. Just broke my Audio Azur avr and this Yamaha could be the one. Seems that whole world is waiting new units to appear. Hope that units will ship soon to Finland. Planning to run dsp Genelec(8330A and one 7360A) set thru preouts. Hope that new units have been fixed what comes to HDMI 2.1 issues with 4k/120 and 8k. If you have a chance try to get Genelec dsp models to test those would rhyme nicely with your name 😅 (You don't believe what those Genelecs can do)
I wonder if the SINAD issue was fixed and if you manually disconnected the amps and ran the unit as a pre-amp how the poor SINAD would change. I can go below 70 SINAD and spend over 1g.
I did a home side by side trial of the RX-A6A, Arcam AVR20, NAD M10 v2 with the Powernode driving the rear surrounds. I kept the Yamaha and sent the others back. All three were very good but I thought the Yamaha sounded the best.
What ever happened to the bench tests for the rx-a3080 avr? It's like that generation of avr got completely skipped over. Would love to know how the 3080 compares to both the a6a and the a8a if your still able to bench test the rx-a3080 this far out.
Thank you for your work and being the audioPOLICE. I wonder how the ARCAMS perform and if they are worth twice the money. Thank you again and MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄…..
I have this receiver , in a 5.1.4 the five base channels I am using external amps , the receiver is running the top four channels ,this has a more detailed sound then my old Yamaha RXV-3079. overall I am happy with the A6A . It will be interesting when the up dates for the HDMI come through to see how much better it will be. Thanks for the great Video, Gene
Hi, I am also the owner of the RX A6A, could you tell me if you managed to configure the YAMAHA AV Controller App? It would seem that it is not yet compatible with this RX A6A.
I'm not a fan of surround sound receivers, so I can't comment on this model. I have never heard a brand, including "boutique" brands that I like more than Yamaha. The Yamaha two channel integrated amplifiers that I have heard sound amazing, everyone that listened to them was stunned and wanted one for themselves. We put our ears right next to the speakers with the volume all the way up, and we couldn't tell the amplifier was on unless we looked at the front panel. The sound was the sonic equivalent of flying an F-22 or F-35; the sound was lifelike, dynamic; lively. The sound actually knocked books off my shelves several times without even "pushing" it too hard. The amplifier had laser like precision and was amazingly well controlled.
Do you find that the Yamaha AV Controller App is not yet compatible with the RX A6A? I'm asking you this because I can't configure this App with my RX A6A.
How are all of you liking the RX-A6A? I'm finally upgrading an older yamaha rx-v3900. I don't know if I want to stay with Yamaha or...Onkyo RZ-50, Marantz Cinema 50, or Denon AVR-X4800H. I like to tinker with audio setups, I like that Yamaha gives you PEQ on every channel. I'm wondering how DIRAC sounds, though. I have Polk reserve 700 running full range and 2 subwoofers. (rel ht 1205 mkii) I listen to Music and 5.1 music and live concerts more than movies. I've always enjoyed Yamaha. I have heard the RZ-50 and was really impressed.
Hi Gene, which one would be best, this Yamaha receiver or denon 6700h. Also between the denon 6700 and Marantz 8500, which one would be better. I have 5.1.2 setup, with bookshelves for now, might be upgrading to towers, if I change my house. I appreciate your help. Thanks
Yamaha still has some software problems. It is expected that they will fix it. But for now I recommend Denon, it just works. Marantz has the same software as Denon but a warmer sound.
Nice review, was hoping this receiver would be better than Marantz; looks like its not the case. However ,Yamaha looks is impressive as well their power supply I will not buy Marantz because the have raises their prices an have had the same look for years.
Gene, I was hoping you could give me some advice. When I'm listening to my Rega turntable in Straight Pure Direct on my 2 Front speakers should I have adaptive drc and ypao volume on or off? With adaptive drc off and ypao on it seems to sound best. Better separation of instruments and vocals. I typically listen at -17- -15 db. Speakers are set to small with Extra Bass off. Thanks.
When you turn Pure direct on for any Yamaha receiver it bypasses any ypao settings. hence "pure direct". in "straight" you can still use YPAO settings.
Hey gene I have the rxa6a. I have the chance to upgrade to the Denon 8500ha. Im running 5.2.4 system. Your bench test results got me thinking maybe I should? What do you think?
Gene do you think the A8A has more power output at all channels driven that this A6A? Seems they could have done reserve in their flagship. Also do you do consulting? I'd like to pick your brain for 30 minutes about what I'm trying to accomplish with my setup.
did you test bit transfers on the HDMI? That is becoming more and more important as time goes on, the higher the max bit rate, the better the audio and video bandwidth can be achieved. This is especially important in 4k twitch gaming where the new standard is 40gb/s from display port to to and from GPU and monitors.
Hey Gene, I'd like to bring to your attention something I discovered whilst using an external amp, and also using pure direct...IT IS HORRIBLE!! I don't know why, but using an external amp on my Yammy avr sounds much better NOT using pure direct, so much so that I'm considering taking out my NAD power amp and going back to standard so I can use pure direct
My sound system consists of 6 SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers (2 for the mains, 2 for the side channels, and 2 for the rears), an SVS Ultra Center speaker, 4 SVS Prime Elevation speakers ceiling mounted for Dolby Atmos and 2 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofers. The system is powered by a Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A 11 channel AVR with an AC Infinity AIRCOM T9 keeping it cool, and all are connected to a Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner.
And like another viewer mentioned, as a rx-a3080 owner I'm still not able to confidently adjust that weird parametric eq that yamaha implemented in these avrs. Can you do a nice video teaching us newbies how to properly navigate and operate that eq? If it was like the old school 9 or 12 band eq it would of made more sense for my little mind lol.
I was searching for a video like that too but I run into a video where they say you shouldn't be messing with the EQ unless you're an engineer or you know what you're doing. If you find any video about it please send me the link, thanks.
can the issue with power being throttled be solved with a software update if Yamaha chooses to? or only in a new receiver in 2023 or 2024? ??????? I want a LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!! 3 zone receiver, thinking this ain't it? have to go to Denon or Marantz??
Hey Gene any idea why when i turn off ARC/EARC on my Yamaha A8A hooked up to Sony A90J one HDMI cable, no optical, I still get sound from the Sony internal apps? any help would be appreciated.🙏.
How does this receiver sound compared to the Onkyo TXRZ 50? I'm planning on just using the receiver as a preamp for the main channels as I have my own amplification that I'll be using.
Do you think the A6A is a clear upgrade from the RX-Z9? I will never need An 11 channel receiver so I Don’t think the A8A was worth the jump from the A6A. I also have a CDS 1000 that I’m using for two channel music. I’m not thinking that the internal dacs are gonna be that much different than the cd player. Also the internal amplification I’ll never use. I have a monolith x5 five power amplifier for all the other channels and the McIntosh MC252 for the main channels. My room I will never do Dolby Atmos. I can only do a 5.2 in my room. I also have two front presence speakers as well.
Gene ... Firstly thanks for the report ... Will these problems get fixed with a Firmware update or is it something that a hardware fix will be required ... Have brought the A8A and wasn't that impressed ... Thought my older Yamaha AV amp sounded better ... Thinking of taking back .. Should I hold on to it ... Kind Regards and have a great Christmas
Hi Gene! I can not find any info about the bench test of RX-A3080. I would like to change my old RX-V3067 ,but im afraid a bit, because i have read that from someone else, it is not measured very wel. I would like to very appreciate your advice!
With the updated eq would you still need a mini dsp for dual subs or are there enough frequencies present now to measure and correct manually within the receiver?
Gene - I'm a music guy, i use HDMI out of my computers video card, I prefer "all channel stereo" mode or "Party" mode i believe different brands use different names for it. I like to set all speakers to full range or "Large". I find when using a combination of speakers with opposite strengths, they compliment each other and you can have your cake and eat it too i guess you could say. So what im getting at is i basically run a 6 channels in stereo mode. Will this receiver in real world use 6 channel stereo mode actually drop to the 50 something watt per channel like the test showed or are you saying the test method trips something that wouldn't happen in real world usage? Am i going about achieving my goal of 6 channel stereo, from a pc, all wrong by getting av receivers? If so any suggestions?
Gene really quick question, do sound United products have better analog to digital converters and would it be ok to leave audyssey on for the phono input?
Gene, wouldn't Yamaha know about the digital full scale HDMI distortion being higher before they released this unit? That said, would you be able to hear the .5% distortion in the center and surround channels and for the same price would you get this or a different receiver?
Excellent Review😀, but PLEASE, PLEASE, review & give us a Subjective Review of Yamaha's myriad Soundfield programs, especially for music sources! I still use the venerable DSP-A2070 for the Vienna, Boston, Amsterdam Halls & various Churches, Jazz Clubs, & contemporaneous Venues for my Classical, Choral, Jazz, & Acoustic Recordings. Even my Symphonic Metal & Classic Rock have their due. Reviews with your Experienced Ear would gladden my Heart & perhaps open my wallet. Mahalo😍
I did try the extra bass with small speakers on yamaha, and it does make a good difference; it doesn't distort, but if you have a good powerful sub; it creates too much base, so for me I would rather turn up my sub; and hear more voice and sound effects detail in the surround in ceiling speakers.
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s folks like you that keep these products under evaluation and better designed for us the consumer.
Gene - I want you to understand something. What you do here and the hard work you expend keeping us informed on these matters is reaffirming to me and many others. You realize we are a dying breed. Integrity of engineering/construction by these manufacturers is held in check through your efforts. I realize how arduous this testing/reporting can be. I have always attached the maximum weight to every word you say. In a society that feasts on superficiality, you are a lone beacon of light for those of us who still care about deep “quality of product” analysis. Thank you my friend for sharing your brilliant expertise. You are a gem.
mdg - Mexia, Texas
Thanks for doing this video. I love listening to your explanations in addition to the written review. I hope Yamaha can fix the issues you discovered.
I just received a RX-A8A. I ordered it as a refurbished unit from Accessories4less for $2,099. It came with an included three year warranty and a pair of Yamaha EPH-M200 earphones. This thing is heavy. I have to go back to work for now, but I can’t wait to set up up later. It’s a beast. This replaces an Onkyo TX-NR809 that the HDMI board just went on. I could have probably have repaired the board, but I plan to get a 4K TV soon and the old Onkyo just won’t handle HDMI 2.0B. Plus all the new features are very cool. I like the fact that all HDMI connections on this unit are HDMI 2.1, which future proofs the new receiver for a while.
Gene, I love Audioholics and that you use real engineering measurements to judge products. I am hoping that you can review and measure a RX-A8A soon.
Keep up the great work!
Chris
I've just gotten an RX-A4A and it's really very impressive. The amp only claiming 110 watts a channel, with my Monitor Audio bronze speakers is great. More than enough output. I ran it hard for 15 minutes at reference level and it was barely warm, no audible distortion attributable to the amplifier. Great upgrade over my two or three generations old Yamaha that will retire to easy duty upstairs. I do think the surround effects are improved as well watch 2049 this morning.
I love to see you working with Yamaha to improve their products for our benefit
Recently bought a A8A Yamaha receiver. Can't imagine finding the limits of volume through many driven channels when using it, but I look forward to your review of it in the future..
Thanks Gene, great breakdown of the audio capabilities.
Hopefully the full review includes testing of HDMI 2.1 features as I've been really curious to know whether it properly handles VRR, HDR, 120Hz, etc.
Thanks for the detailed review. I bought the A6A based on your assessment. I wish you could do another shorter vid regarding if Yamaha had addressed these issues /bugs in the firmware since this video was made? Thanks
I’m glad Yamaha worked with you and listened
Very informative video as usual. I hope you can also test and measure the Onkyo TX-RZ50, then compare it with the Yamaha RX-A6A. Thank you!
I think the onkyo is a better buy...
Hi Gene: Hot Rod here again. I am ready to bite on the Yamaha A6A very soon. It is now 1/1/23 Has Yamaha let you know if they have fixed or improved on any of the glitches / bugs that you found with this receiver? Do you think firmware updates will alleviate some of the issuers? Thanks, and have a good New Years
Thank you for a very thorough explanation of your testing!!! This receiver is near the top of my list to replace my legacy Yamaha RX-V571 receiver!
After seeing this I am confident in my decision to buy the Marantz 8015 even though it cost more. Loving the musical presentation and with bi-amp it drives my PSB Stratus Gold I's nicely
Great review Gene, very detailed, but this being a 9.2 channel AV receiver why stop with 7.1 channel tests? Did you do any Dolby Atmos 9.2 channel testing, and what were your impressions?
This is a kick-ass analysis, and some good advice to boot. Thanks for doing this.
Hey Gene, appreciate the work! Perhaps on your charts you could hashmark our areas that are, in a reasonable assessment, outside audible to a human or having a real world performance effect? Make it simple to see what matters, and what doesn’t!
It’s great to see you looking at distortion levels on the pre-outs. 2V doesn’t mean much if the noise floor is high. Cheers.
Another great bench test review. Thank you for doing these Gene!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
I'm also looking forward to Yamaha's latest version of their YPAO and perhaps a comparison with DIRAC & Audissey. The version in the RX-V665 hasn't overly impressed me. 👍
I can’t wait until you or someone explains/teaches how to use the parametric EQ for each speaker. Especially on the low frequency mode.
I know this is an old report, but still have a question @Audioholics if the measured performance of the A6 or A8 is better or worse then the Marantz Cinema 50 or 40. And besides measurements, which do you think which sounds better with large 4 Ohm speakers (stereo music and/or surround with movies)
It's nice to see content that's actually scientific and can be proven. So much of the content available is so child like that I just stop watching it. Many videos feel like a public session with a therapist; with the licensed therapist missing. There are also so many "experts" that obviously don't know much about the subject they're talking about... It's quite refreshing to see real, tangible results.
Yes yes I've been waiting to hear Gene's thoughts on this bad boy Merry Christmas my friend
Another great job Gene always enjoy your bench tests and reviews of products. Your thorough and honest reviews and bench tests is one of the reasons I went with my Marantz SR-8012 receiver.
Thanks for the review! Look forward to the final evaluation. Have been planning to buy one, but supply issues still preventing that. Will use solely for blu-ray (Oppo) dedicated home theater use with 7.1.2 system SVS speakers - (MTS/MCS/MBS). . . . edit: First was drawn to the Yamaha to replace my wonderful old 55-pound Onkyo TX-NR3007 (no HDMI 2.1, Dolby Atmos, etc.) because I read that Onkyo was bankrupt. But after hearing Gene comment on the Yamaha issues, I discovered that Onkyo survived and is selling the new TX-RZ50. That now seems a better choice, while also supply constrained. Hopefully Gene will compare.
Post any updates on any improvements in new firmware/feedback from Yamaha you get too please. Thanks for this review too.
Yes I’m wondering lol, great video Gene big thumbs up 👍
Thanks Gene! Mine is getting delivered today, been on back order since August.
Great work Sir Gene... Most thorough. Keep the Manufacturers on top of their designs.
Happy new year. Thanks for the test report. As a RX-a3060 owner the new replacements seem to be a step back as far as all channels driven are concerned. I would like to know what are they thinking on this as most people who buy a 9ch AV receiver will have the intensions of using it multi channel. From a two channel point of view you don't need 500w a channel to get decent volume from most good speakers. But you do want the two channels to be balanced and this should be the same on a multi channel amp, all telling the same story. This is a good of example of Newer not better.
Gene, I just check the power tests of the RX-A6A and compared it to the RX-A3000 you tested in 2010. It appears that the nanny function has gotten worse as the 7 channels driven 1 kHz Psweep was 65 wpc in 2010 and 52 wpc today at 1% THD+N.
It also appears while still low that the THD+N of the power amp section is 10 X higher today than it was 10 years ago when you measured the RX-A3000.
Do you have any thoughts on this?
Damn I just checked my old measurements and you're right. Yamaha has some work to do.
@@Audioholics replacing the 3000 this doesn’t sit well with me. Plus Many features DOA. I’m paying a little more for the revised marantz 8015. Thanks Gene for doing what you do. Been listening since axiom to aperion and now picking up the arendals 1723 thx. Thought hard about the perlistens but maybe next time
@@gaurd3 The Marantz SR8015 is king. BIG upgrade going to the Arendals from what you had before. Happy holidays.
@@Audioholics Happy Hollidays.
I have this receiver on order in Canada since August, I have been told now that they are on back order until the end of March, I decided that I can't wait that long so I have ordered the Anthem 1140 and will come in about 2 weeks, after watching this review I now believe what happened was for the best.
Did you get the receiver and how did you like it?
very happy with this AVR
Thanks for the awesome for testing and all the awesome info!
Gene - does it matter what firmware you measure these on? Just asking because i'm up to date and would love to know if they incrementally fix some of the issues you find.
I have the latest FW for my testing as of 12/19/21.
São problemas básicos se! Importância alguma logicamente básicos normalmente todas as marcas seja do que forem os têm tal como nós humanos
But the most important question is... How Yamaha sound compares with Denon flagship or the Marantz 8015?
I just bought this now why is this receiver 2 years old already and It seems it popped up on internet like its still new? I hope my research pays off and thanks for all this technical talk here!
Which one is better?!?!?!?!?!?
The denon 4700h or the A6A. The difference is 300 bucks. Just ordered 8000f,600m, 504c two r-112sw and 500 sa. Which receiver would you buy if you have to choice
I wonder how many watts each channel gets at 9 channels driven...??? Great video love it, more please
Hey Gene - If you were to us this AVR to go 11 channels - would you offload the L&R channels or the rear surrounds? From your review I get the impression the main amplifier for L&R is pretty damn good meaning you'd need to spend a fair chunk of change to get something as good?
Well appreciate all the details on this Gene . We have the older Yamaha preamp based on your review .
Thanks Gene from another excellent review. Just broke my Audio Azur avr and this Yamaha could be the one. Seems that whole world is waiting new units to appear. Hope that units will ship soon to Finland. Planning to run dsp Genelec(8330A and one 7360A) set thru preouts. Hope that new units have been fixed what comes to HDMI 2.1 issues with 4k/120 and 8k. If you have a chance try to get Genelec dsp models to test those would rhyme nicely with your name 😅 (You don't believe what those Genelecs can do)
I wonder if the SINAD issue was fixed and if you manually disconnected the amps and ran the unit as a pre-amp how the poor SINAD would change. I can go below 70 SINAD and spend over 1g.
I did a home side by side trial of the RX-A6A, Arcam AVR20, NAD M10 v2 with the Powernode driving the rear surrounds. I kept the Yamaha and sent the others back. All three were very good but I thought the Yamaha sounded the best.
Are you still planning on doing the final review on this receiver?
What ever happened to the bench tests for the rx-a3080 avr? It's like that generation of avr got completely skipped over. Would love to know how the 3080 compares to both the a6a and the a8a if your still able to bench test the rx-a3080 this far out.
I would like to know that too
When does the full review come out?
Yay, the room is looking lovely and tidy, Gene. Well done! :-)
It’s making it easier to focus on the content. Hehe. :-))
Thank you for your work and being the audioPOLICE.
I wonder how the ARCAMS perform and if they are worth twice the money.
Thank you again and MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄…..
Hello, U have this Yamaha and decided to purchase a Emotiva XPA2. Do you suggest I get xlr cable. Or I won’t notice a difference?
Another great post! Thank you, Gene.
Thanks Gene, I have mine on "pre-order "
I have this receiver , in a 5.1.4 the five base channels I am using external amps , the receiver is running the top four channels ,this has a more detailed sound then my old Yamaha RXV-3079. overall I am happy with the A6A . It will be interesting when the up dates for the HDMI come through to see how much better it will be. Thanks for the great Video, Gene
Hi, I am also the owner of the RX A6A, could you tell me if you managed to configure the YAMAHA AV Controller App? It would seem that it is not yet compatible with this RX A6A.
@@lucarizzi1411 Hi, I have not tried the App yet good luck.
Thanks for making this very informative assessment video.
I'm not a fan of surround sound receivers, so I can't comment on this model. I have never heard a brand, including "boutique" brands that I like more than Yamaha. The Yamaha two channel integrated amplifiers that I have heard sound amazing, everyone that listened to them was stunned and wanted one for themselves. We put our ears right next to the speakers with the volume all the way up, and we couldn't tell the amplifier was on unless we looked at the front panel. The sound was the sonic equivalent of flying an F-22 or F-35; the sound was lifelike, dynamic; lively. The sound actually knocked books off my shelves several times without even "pushing" it too hard. The amplifier had laser like precision and was amazingly well controlled.
What yamaha amplifier model are you referring to?
More important question, how does it sound?
@gene which one is better, the Yamaha RX-A6A or the Anthem MRX740? they are priced similar in my country. Thanks.
Great job Gene!
Do you find that the Yamaha AV Controller App is not yet compatible with the RX A6A? I'm asking you this because I can't configure this App with my RX A6A.
Highly considering getting this real soon... are the HDMI 2.1 4K120 issues resolved?
How are all of you liking the RX-A6A? I'm finally upgrading an older yamaha rx-v3900. I don't know if I want to stay with Yamaha or...Onkyo RZ-50, Marantz Cinema 50, or Denon AVR-X4800H. I like to tinker with audio setups, I like that Yamaha gives you PEQ on every channel. I'm wondering how DIRAC sounds, though. I have Polk reserve 700 running full range and 2 subwoofers. (rel ht 1205 mkii) I listen to Music and 5.1 music and live concerts more than movies. I've always enjoyed Yamaha. I have heard the RZ-50 and was really impressed.
Hello, I'm still very much enjoying my yamaha rx-v3800 but wondering about the this A6A receiver.
How did you get on?
@@okcyurwin I ended up purchasing a Anthem AVM70
Hi Gene, which one would be best, this Yamaha receiver or denon 6700h. Also between the denon 6700 and Marantz 8500, which one would be better. I have 5.1.2 setup, with bookshelves for now, might be upgrading to towers, if I change my house. I appreciate your help. Thanks
Yamaha still has some software problems.
It is expected that they will fix it.
But for now I recommend Denon, it just works.
Marantz has the same software as Denon but a warmer sound.
Nice review, was hoping this receiver would be better than Marantz; looks like its not the case. However ,Yamaha looks is impressive as well their power supply I will not buy Marantz because the have raises their prices an have had the same look for years.
Gene,
I was hoping you could give me some advice. When I'm listening to my Rega turntable in Straight Pure Direct on my 2 Front speakers should I have adaptive drc and ypao volume on or off? With adaptive drc off and ypao on it seems to sound best. Better separation of instruments and vocals. I typically listen at -17- -15 db. Speakers are set to small with Extra Bass off. Thanks.
When you turn Pure direct on for any Yamaha receiver it bypasses any ypao settings. hence "pure direct". in "straight" you can still use YPAO settings.
Sweet episode bro!
Hey gene I have the rxa6a.
I have the chance to upgrade to the Denon 8500ha. Im running 5.2.4 system. Your bench test results got me thinking maybe I should?
What do you think?
I have the RX-a3060, is the RXA-8A worth the upgrade? Preamp voltage was lower on Rx-a3060. Thoughts?
Gene do you think the A8A has more power output at all channels driven that this A6A? Seems they could have done reserve in their flagship.
Also do you do consulting? I'd like to pick your brain for 30 minutes about what I'm trying to accomplish with my setup.
14:13 Cool! Thank you for the Subwoofer measurements! 😎👍 Greetz from 🇨🇭
Hi, this RX-A6A is good for drive a 5.0 Arendal 1723 S THX speakers (towers, center, surround)? 4ohms speakers is a problem?
did you test bit transfers on the HDMI? That is becoming more and more important as time goes on, the higher the max bit rate, the better the audio and video bandwidth can be achieved. This is especially important in 4k twitch gaming where the new standard is 40gb/s from display port to to and from GPU and monitors.
Cheers and happy Christmas 🎄
Hi Gene, do you know if pure direct will disable the power nannie (eco mode etc.) if previously enable or provide different power output?
Do you ever actually use these AVRs to watch a film or listen to music or do you just run them over your test gear?
Gene = Legend
Hey Gene, I'd like to bring to your attention something I discovered whilst using an external amp, and also using pure direct...IT IS HORRIBLE!! I don't know why, but using an external amp on my Yammy avr sounds much better NOT using pure direct, so much so that I'm considering taking out my NAD power amp and going back to standard so I can use pure direct
My sound system consists of 6 SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers (2 for the mains, 2 for the side channels, and 2 for the rears), an SVS Ultra Center speaker, 4 SVS Prime Elevation speakers ceiling mounted for Dolby Atmos and 2 SVS SB-3000 Subwoofers. The system is powered by a Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A 11 channel AVR with an AC Infinity AIRCOM T9 keeping it cool, and all are connected to a Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner.
And like another viewer mentioned, as a rx-a3080 owner I'm still not able to confidently adjust that weird parametric eq that yamaha implemented in these avrs. Can you do a nice video teaching us newbies how to properly navigate and operate that eq? If it was like the old school 9 or 12 band eq it would of made more sense for my little mind lol.
I was searching for a video like that too but I run into a video where they say you shouldn't be messing with the EQ unless you're an engineer or you know what you're doing. If you find any video about it please send me the link, thanks.
can the issue with power being throttled be solved with a software update if Yamaha chooses to? or only in a new receiver in 2023 or 2024? ??????? I want a LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!! 3 zone receiver, thinking this ain't it? have to go to Denon or Marantz??
Any idea when the CXA5300 is coming out
Hey Gene any idea why when i turn off ARC/EARC on my Yamaha A8A hooked up to Sony A90J one HDMI cable, no optical, I still get sound from the Sony internal apps? any help would be appreciated.🙏.
How does this receiver sound compared to the Onkyo TXRZ 50? I'm planning on just using the receiver as a preamp for the main channels as I have my own amplification that I'll be using.
Do you think the A6A is a clear upgrade from the RX-Z9? I will never need An 11 channel receiver so I Don’t think the A8A was worth the jump from the A6A. I also have a CDS 1000 that I’m using for two channel music. I’m not thinking that the internal dacs are gonna be that much different than the cd player. Also the internal amplification I’ll never use. I have a monolith x5 five power amplifier for all the other channels and the McIntosh MC252 for the main channels. My room I will never do Dolby Atmos. I can only do a 5.2 in my room. I also have two front presence speakers as well.
Gene ... Firstly thanks for the report ... Will these problems get fixed with a Firmware update or is it something that a hardware fix will be required ... Have brought the A8A and wasn't that impressed ... Thought my older Yamaha AV amp sounded better ... Thinking of taking back .. Should I hold on to it ... Kind Regards and have a great Christmas
The RX-A8A may not have the higher distortion on those channels since it uses the pro DACs on all channels. Not sure until I test it though.
Thank you so much for the Reply Gene , Kind Regards again
Hi Gene!
I can not find any info about the bench test of RX-A3080.
I would like to change my old RX-V3067 ,but im afraid a bit, because i have read that from someone else, it is not measured very wel. I would like to very appreciate your advice!
Good review. Thanks Gene.
With the updated eq would you still need a mini dsp for dual subs or are there enough frequencies present now to measure and correct manually within the receiver?
I would definitely try manual and no mdsp first. I've had great success w manual PEQ with latest Aventage products.
I wonder how this would compare to the Arcam AVR20 or the NAD T778?
Would this RX-A6A receiver pair well with B&W CDM1NT’s? My current yamaha rx-v673 doesn’t sound very well with these speakers.
Which is the better performing AVR when using all external amplification, the yamaha A6A or the denon 4700 ?
Gene - I'm a music guy, i use HDMI out of my computers video card, I prefer "all channel stereo" mode or "Party" mode i believe different brands use different names for it. I like to set all speakers to full range or "Large". I find when using a combination of speakers with opposite strengths, they compliment each other and you can have your cake and eat it too i guess you could say. So what im getting at is i basically run a 6 channels in stereo mode. Will this receiver in real world use 6 channel stereo mode actually drop to the 50 something watt per channel like the test showed or are you saying the test method trips something that wouldn't happen in real world usage? Am i going about achieving my goal of 6 channel stereo, from a pc, all wrong by getting av receivers? If so any suggestions?
Gene really quick question, do sound United products have better analog to digital converters and would it be ok to leave audyssey on for the phono input?
Gene, wouldn't Yamaha know about the digital full scale HDMI distortion being higher before they released this unit? That said, would you be able to hear the .5% distortion in the center and surround channels and for the same price would you get this or a different receiver?
Excellent Review😀, but PLEASE, PLEASE, review & give us a Subjective Review of Yamaha's myriad Soundfield programs, especially for music sources! I still use the venerable DSP-A2070 for the Vienna, Boston, Amsterdam Halls & various Churches, Jazz Clubs, & contemporaneous Venues for my Classical, Choral, Jazz, & Acoustic Recordings. Even my Symphonic Metal & Classic Rock have their due. Reviews with your Experienced Ear would gladden my Heart & perhaps open my wallet. Mahalo😍
So why not make a Pre-Pro version of this receiver and junk the amps?
I did try the extra bass with small speakers on yamaha, and it does make a good difference; it doesn't distort, but if you have a good powerful sub; it creates too much base, so for me I would rather turn up my sub; and hear more voice and sound effects detail in the surround in ceiling speakers.
I learn so much from you Gene 🧬 ! Thanks!
how does it generally compare to Yamaha A4A
Thanks Gene! I have a RX-A4A.
Does it slam when u push the limit? I'm about to buy it too. I have the Polk R 200s and a sub. I hope it sounds good.