5.2- or 7.2-channels
Yamaha just announced two budget-priced 8K A/V receivers, the 5.2-channel RX-V4A and the 7.2-channel RX-V6A. Both support HDMI 2.1 and HDR10+ with 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz pass-thu. Of course, you need a 4K or 8K for that to matter. Although, it’s a safe way to future-proof your investment.
With entry level prices at $439 or $599 each, both arrive for less than the recently announced Denon AVR-S960H 8K receiver at $649. The RX-V4A offers savings for those only needing a 5.2 home theater speaker system. The RX-V6A is closely matched to the Denon in terms of features and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
What’s unique about the Yamaha’s 2020 RX-V receivers is they don’t look like typical receivers at all. The front panel looks little like receivers of the past. There’s just a big volume knob in the middle, a high-resolution LCD display and a jog dial with touch-sensitive buttons. On the back side, things definitely look receiver-like. The RX-V6A has 7 HDMI inputs, while the RX-V4A has four HDMI inputs. All inputs support Dolby Vision on both models. Both receivers have dual sub pre-outs to support two subwoofers. Only the RX-V6A has phono inputs.
Both models provide HDMI 2.1 compatibility for faster, smoother and uninterrupted entertainment and gameplay with auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rates (VRR), quick frame transport (QFT) and quick media switching (QMS). This is especially helpful for compatibility not only with Ultra HD TVs and emerging 8K setups, but also in preparation for the latest gaming platforms arriving this fall. In fact, to support the use of powered HDMI cables for longer wiring needs, Yamaha has boosted the power supply from HDMI outputs to 300mA.
Both A/V receivers offer the entire suite of MusicCast capabilities and app control, including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, built-in music streaming services, multi-room audio and voice control via Alexa, Google and Siri-enabled devices. In addition, both offer MusicCast Surround, allowing optional wireless MusicCast speakers to be paired and used as surrounds in a 5.1-ch. setup without the need for speaker wire to the AV receiver.
Features in Common
- 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 and eARC
- Supports enhanced media and gaming: ALLM, VRR, QFT, QMS
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa, Siri (via AirPlay 2) and Google Assistant
- MusicCast multi-room app control with optional wireless surrounds
- YPAO automatic room calibration
Differences
| RX-V6A | RX-V4A | |
| MSRP | $599.95 | $439.95 |
| Channels | 7.2 | 5.2 |
| Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) | 100 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD) | 80 W (6 ohms, 0.06% THD) |
| HDMI Inputs | 7-in/1-out | 4-in/1-out |
| Zone 2 | Yes | No |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | No |
| Height Virtualization | Yes | No |
| Phono Input | Yes | No |
| YPAO multi-point | Yes | No |
Price & Availability
