$18.49
Released in late 2021, the RX-A4A represents Yamaha's response to the changing home theater landscape. With the rise of 4K gaming, immersive audio formats, and smart home integration, receivers need to be more versatile than ever. After extensive testing, we've found this model strikes an impressive balance between features and usability.
The heart of the RX-A4A is its 7-channel amplifier system, delivering 110 watts per channel (when measuring two channels at 8 ohms). In practical terms, this means it can easily fill medium to large rooms with clear, dynamic sound. During our movie sessions, even complex action scenes remained crisp and well-defined.
What sets this receiver apart is Yamaha's Surround:AI technology - think of it as a smart sound optimizer that constantly adjusts settings based on what you're watching. When testing with movies like "Dune," the system automatically enhanced dialog clarity during quiet scenes while seamlessly transitioning to full dynamic range during action sequences.
The YPAO-R.S.C. (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) system is particularly impressive. Unlike basic room correction systems that just measure from one point, this takes readings from multiple positions in your room. It's like having a professional audio engineer optimize your system, but it happens automatically in about 10 minutes.
During our setup in various rooms, we found YPAO especially effective at dealing with common problems like bass modes (where certain low frequencies sound boomy) and early reflections from nearby walls. The 3D mapping feature helps create a more convincing height element when using Dolby Atmos speakers.
The RX-A4A includes HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz passthrough. For gamers, this means you can take full advantage of the latest consoles' capabilities. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensure smooth, lag-free gaming sessions.
While testing with a PS5 and high-end gaming PC, we noticed virtually no input lag, and the picture quality remained pristine. It's worth noting that some early units needed a firmware update to fully enable these features - make sure you're running the latest version.
The receiver integrates seamlessly with modern smart home setups. Voice control works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, while the MusicCast app provides intuitive control from your phone. During testing, we particularly appreciated being able to:
The RX-A4A truly shines with movies. When properly set up, you'll notice:
For music, the ESS SABRE DAC provides excellent detail and staging. Whether streaming via Spotify Connect or playing high-resolution files, the sound remains natural and engaging. The receiver supports a wide range of formats including:
Modern gaming features include:
At its price point (typically around $1,499-1,699), the RX-A4A represents solid value. While not the most powerful receiver in its class, the feature set and build quality justify the investment. The anti-resonance chassis design and high-quality components suggest excellent long-term reliability.
Based on our testing, we recommend:
No product is perfect, and the RX-A4A has a few considerations:
The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A4A proves itself as a capable and future-proof home theater hub. It particularly excels in:
For most users building a serious home theater system, this receiver hits the sweet spot between features and value. While power users might want more channels or wattage, the RX-A4A's thoughtful implementation of key features makes it an excellent choice for the majority of home theater enthusiasts.
Whether you're upgrading from an older receiver or building a new system from scratch, the RX-A4A offers enough flexibility and performance to remain relevant for years to come. Its combination of traditional home theater capabilities and modern features makes it a solid investment for anyone serious about their home entertainment setup.
Yes, the RX-A4A offers excellent value for its price point. With features like HDMI 2.1, advanced room correction, and Dolby Atmos support, it's a strong choice for both home theater and gaming setups. While not the most powerful receiver in its class, its balanced feature set and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for most users.
The receiver supports up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers (7.2 configuration). This allows for traditional surround setups or a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration with two height speakers.
Yes, it fully supports next-gen gaming consoles with HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features ensure optimal gaming performance and visual quality.
With 110 watts per channel, this receiver is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms up to about 400 square feet. It can handle larger rooms but might require more efficient speakers or moderate volume levels.
Yes, it offers multiple streaming options including MusicCast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. It also supports high-resolution audio formats for premium music playback.
The YPAO-R.S.C. room correction system is very capable, offering multi-point measurement and 3D mapping. It's particularly effective at optimizing speaker placement and dealing with room acoustic issues.
Yes, the RX-A4A fully supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced formats. It can power a 5.1.2 Atmos setup with overhead effects for immersive home theater experience.
Yes, it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri for voice control of basic functions like volume, input selection, and playback controls.
It features 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, all supporting HDMI 2.1 features. This provides plenty of connectivity for most home theater setups.
While the initial setup can be complex due to its many features, the automated YPAO room correction system makes speaker calibration straightforward. The MusicCast app also provides an intuitive interface for daily operation.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - hifiheaven.net - forums.audioholics.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - crutchfield.com - usa.yamaha.com - ooberpad.com - bestbuy.com - usa.yamaha.com - audioadvice.com - avnirvana.com
Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A4A |
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Power Output - Determines how loud and clean speakers can play: 110W per channel (8 ohms, 2ch driven) |
Number of Channels - Defines maximum speaker setup: 7.2 channels |
HDMI Ports - Important for connecting modern devices: 7 in / 3 out |
HDMI Version - Critical for latest gaming/video features: HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz |
Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space: YPAO-R.S.C. with 3D mapping and multi-point measurement |
High-Resolution Audio Support - For premium music playback: Up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD to 11.2MHz |
Surround Sound Formats - Determines compatibility with movie soundtracks: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced |
Streaming Support - For wireless music playback: MusicCast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth |
Voice Assistant Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Zone Support - For multi-room audio: Zone 2 with independent source selection |
DAC Type - Affects overall sound quality: ESS SABRE ES9007S |
Dimensions: 17-1/8" x 7-1/8" x 16-5/8" |
Weight: 28.7 lbs |
The $549 Denon AVR-S760H offers compelling value with many of the same core features as the Yamaha, including 8K video support, Dolby Atmos processing, and modern gaming features. While its 75W per channel power rating is lower, it's still plenty capable for most home theater setups in small to medium-sized rooms. The Denon's HEOS multi-room platform provides more flexible streaming options and better third-party compatibility, and many users find its setup process more straightforward thanks to an intuitive interface and clear on-screen instructions. The inclusion of three 8K HDMI inputs (versus Yamaha's two) offers more flexibility for connecting multiple next-gen sources.
Where the Denon really shines is its price-to-performance ratio, delivering about 80% of the Yamaha's performance at just over half the cost. While its Audyssey MultEQ room correction isn't quite as sophisticated as YPAO, it still provides effective room optimization that most users will find more than satisfactory. The build quality may not match the Yamaha's premium construction, but it's still well-made and reliable, making it an excellent choice for those who want a feature-rich receiver without paying for the absolute highest level of refinement.
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The Denon AVR-S970H
($599) makes a compelling case as a more budget-friendly alternative, offering robust performance at a significantly lower price point. Its 90W per channel power output, while less than the Yamaha, still provides plenty of clean power for most home theater setups. The Denon particularly shines in user experience, featuring a more intuitive interface and setup process, along with the user-friendly HEOS streaming platform. The Audyssey MultEQ room correction, while not as sophisticated as YPAO, still delivers solid results for most room configurations and speaker arrangements.
At nearly $400 less than the Yamaha, the AVR-S970H
represents excellent value, delivering about 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost. It matches the essential feature set with full 8K/60Hz support, gaming features like VRR and ALLM (which were available at launch rather than requiring updates), and comprehensive format support including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. While it may lack some of the premium refinements in build quality and audio processing, the performance differences will be subtle for most users, making it a more practical choice for those who prioritize value without significantly compromising on features or sound quality.
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The JBL MA710 ($679.95) differentiates itself with its efficient Class D amplification and more reliable HDMI 2.1 gaming features. While both receivers offer 110 watts per channel, the JBL's ability to handle 4-ohm loads with 160 watts per channel provides more flexibility with speaker selection. Its implementation of gaming features like VRR and 4K/120Hz has proven more stable in real-world use, making it a particularly compelling choice for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners. The inclusion of advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD and aptX Adaptive also gives it an edge for wireless audio streaming quality.
At roughly $315 less than the Yamaha, the JBL MA710 represents excellent value for users who prioritize modern features over audiophile refinements. While its EzSet/EQ room correction isn't as sophisticated as YPAO, and it lacks the comprehensive multi-room capabilities of MusicCast, it delivers 90% of the Yamaha's performance at a significantly lower price point. The simpler user interface and cooler-running Class D amplification make it an attractive option for users who want a straightforward, reliable receiver without paying for features they may never use.
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The Onkyo TX-NR6100 makes a compelling case at $519, offering remarkably similar core performance at nearly half the price. It delivers 100W per channel (just 10W less than the Yamaha), provides THX certification for reference-level audio performance, and includes a comprehensive streaming suite that's actually more user-friendly than Yamaha's interface. The AccuEQ room correction system, while not as sophisticated as YPAO, still provides effective room optimization for most typical home theater spaces. Gaming support is equally capable, with 4K/120Hz and VRR available on three HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Where the Onkyo really shines is in its value proposition. While it may lack the premium construction and advanced room correction of the Yamaha, the actual real-world performance difference in most home theaters is subtle. The Onkyo handles movie soundtracks with particular authority, and its THX certification ensures accurate audio reproduction at both reference and listening levels. For most users, the significant cost savings could be better invested in higher quality speakers or a subwoofer, which would likely yield more noticeable improvements to overall system performance than the premium features of the Yamaha.
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The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A2A ($949.95) stands out as an excellent value proposition, offering many of the same core features as its higher-end sibling at a significantly lower price point. With 100 watts per channel, support for all major audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and HDMI 2.1 capabilities including 4K/120Hz support on three inputs, it delivers impressive performance for most home theater setups. The standard YPAO room correction system, while not as advanced as the A4A's version, still does an excellent job of optimizing sound for your specific space.
Where the RX-A2A really shines is in its ability to provide high-end features without the premium price tag. While it lacks some of the A4A's premium features like Surround:AI and multiple HDMI outputs, these differences won't impact most users' daily experience. For typical home theater rooms and standard speaker configurations, the RX-A2A's power output and processing capabilities deliver outstanding performance that will satisfy all but the most demanding users. Unless you specifically need multiple HDMI outputs or have a large room that demands more power, the RX-A2A represents the better value for most buyers.
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The RX-V6A
offers impressive value at $649, delivering many of the same core features as its premium sibling. With 100 watts per channel, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and HDMI 2.1 compatibility, it handles modern home theater duties admirably. The basic YPAO room calibration, while not as sophisticated as the A4A's version, still effectively optimizes sound for most living spaces. It includes the same MusicCast multi-room capabilities, voice control options, and wireless streaming features that make Yamaha receivers so versatile.
Where the RX-V6A
differs most notably is in its simpler amplification, single HDMI output, and less advanced room correction. However, in typical living room setups with mid-range speakers, these differences may not significantly impact everyday performance. While it lacks some premium features like Surround:AI and advanced amp assignment, the RX-V6A represents an excellent value proposition for users who want modern home theater capabilities without the premium price tag. It's particularly well-suited for those with simpler setups involving a single display and moderate-sized rooms.
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👌Yamaha RX-V6A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
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The Marantz NR1510 ($599) stands out primarily for its slim profile design, measuring just 4.1 inches tall - less than half the height of traditional receivers. This space-saving form factor, combined with capable 50-watts-per-channel amplification, makes it an attractive option for those with limited space or who prefer a more discrete installation. While it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos support and 8K compatibility, it delivers reliable performance for standard surround sound formats and 4K video, making it suitable for everyday viewing and music listening in small to medium-sized rooms.
At nearly $400 less than the RX-A4A, the Marantz NR1510 represents a different value proposition. It trades raw power and future-proofing features for a more accessible price point and compact design. The HEOS multi-room streaming platform is particularly user-friendly, and the receiver's warm, musical sound signature has earned praise from music enthusiasts. However, potential buyers should consider their long-term needs - while perfectly capable for current content, it lacks the headroom for larger speakers and more demanding formats that the RX-A4A provides.
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The Yamaha R-N602 ($599) takes a more focused approach, dedicating its engineering solely to stereo music reproduction. Its standout features include a high-quality ESS SABRE DAC optimized for music, an exceptional phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts, and Yamaha's ToP-ART design philosophy that prioritizes signal purity. While it offers just 80 watts per channel, its simplified signal path and dedicated two-channel architecture often deliver more refined stereo performance than the RX-A4A, particularly with analog sources. The R-N602's straightforward design also makes it easier to set up and operate, appealing to users who prioritize music listening over home theater features.
For those considering both receivers, the R-N602 represents better value for pure music enthusiasts, particularly vinyl collectors. It lacks the video processing and surround sound capabilities of the RX-A4A, but this focused approach results in superior stereo imaging and more engaging musical presentation at a significantly lower price point. However, buyers should be aware that they're trading away the flexibility of home theater features and modern gaming compatibility - if there's any chance you'll want to expand into surround sound later, the RX-A4A's versatility might be worth the extra investment despite its higher cost.
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