Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5000 AV Preamp / MX-A5000 Amplifier Separates Preview

Yamaha has released AVENTAGE separates. We'll let that sink in for a moment. If you're a bit confused about all the fuss, the AVENTAGE line from Yamaha has gotten a lot of people excited about the Yamaha brand again. Separates (Pre-amp and Amplifier in separate boxes) wasn't something that any of us thought we'd see from the AV giant again. It has been a long time since they've put out a separates solution and we'd all thought they'd left it behind. 

Well, we were wrong.

After years of begging and pleading, Yamaha heard the call of the audiophile in us, their dealers, and most importantly their customers.

Check out our formal written review of the Yamaha CX-A5000 and MX-A5000 Separates with Measurements

As you'd expect, the AVENTAGE CX-A5000 AV processor and MX-A5000 multi-channel amp represent the pinnacle of AV technology from Yamaha. It would almost be easier to describe the features the CX-A5000 processor DOESN'T have...but that would be confusing. The CX-A5000 processor features 11.2 channels. This is a full 7.1 system with front and back subwoofers, and front and rear "presence" speakers. Presences speakers are meant to be placed above and to the outside of the main speakers in the front and above and to the outside of the surround back speakers. Unlike other solutions, the CX-A5000 will allow you to use all 11 channels at the same time.

Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5000 Rear Panel

Where you'd normally see speaker terminals on a receiver, the CX-A5000 has XLR balanced connections. Of course, it also has RCA pre-outs for all channels. There is an additional stereo XLR input as well. Many prefer XLR connections as it helps eliminate noise. Baffling, the CX-A5000 does not have an XLR output for the subwoofer channels (where many noise issues turn up). Of course, there are RCA outs for the subs. 

The AVENTAGE CX-A5000 has eight HDMI inputs (one on the front) and two outputs. The two outputs can deliver different content from any input on the processor (not just digital ones). The other video outputs (component, s-video, and composite) can also be assigned to separate zones. The CX-A5000 has pre-outs (RCA) for audio to Zones 2 and 3 though the HDMI output can be assigned to a fourth zone if needed with GUI access. The Yamaha Controller app (available for Android or iOS devices) can control the main home theater as well as the other three zones.

    

Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5000 Front and Internals

There are a full compliment of inputs including a phono input and 7.1 channel pre-ins. The CX-A5000 is networkable via an Ethernet connection and is DLNA 1.5 compliant for streaming local content. It can also stream content from many iOS devices via Apple's AirPlay. The CX-A5000 comes preconfigured to stream Internet radio, Pandora, Rhapsody and SiriusXM Internet Radio. The front of the CX-A5000 processor has full controls under a panel with a USB input for a direct digital connection to your iOS device. The front HDMI input is MHL certified for the best possible video and sound from your compatible mobile device.

Yamaha CX-A5000 Front View 

As you'd expect from Yamaha in this flagship processor, they've put all their best technology under the hood. They've included their newest YPAO room correction and speaker setup technology with R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) that can even detect speaker angles. The CX-A5000 has ultra high performance 192 kHz/32-bit ESS Technology ES9016 SABRE32 Ultra DACs on all channels. Specialized high-end op-amps are utilized in the analog preamp section to ensure the highest fidelity possible.

Yamaha has introduced 10 new DSP modes for a grand total of 33 in the CX-A5000. Now you can enjoy your surround sound experience in a famous jazz cellar in NY,  a Munich Hall in Germany,  or in the bathroom at the Vatican in Italy.

The processor can pass through Ultra High Definition (4K) content as well as upscale all your content, regardless of input type, to 4K.   Oh yes, their precious 5th foot is present on both the CX-A5000 and MX-A5000 products.  Audiophiles rejoice.

Yamaha AVENTAGE MX-A5000 Back

The MX-A5000 amplifier is the companion amp to the CX-A5000 processor.  The MX-A5000 is constructed from the RX-Z11 chassis, containing a double thickness bottom plate and the very same 1/8" vibration control plates to minimize mechanical resonances.

This discrete 11 channel amplifier features a beefy 150 watts per channel from a custom made, massive toroidal transformer. It employs a current feedback, three stage Darlington circuit amplifier design to minimize speaker impedance fluctuations. Two custom built high capacity (27,000μF) block capacitors are utilized for the centralized power supply.  The MX-A5000 can accept XLR or RCA inputs with a type selection switch on each input. If you take a close look at the back of the MX-A5000 amplifier, you'll noticed that the inputs are stacked. On the bottom input, there is a switch that allows you to mirror the top input for bi-amping. 

The MX-A5000 weighs in at a respectable but not back breaking 56 pounds. The aesthetics of the MX-A5000 are nearly impeccable with brushed aluminum front, ribbed sides, and oversized power button. Our only complaint is that they used a very confusing L/R labeling system for the inputs/speaker terminals. We would have preferred if they'd just numbered the inputs/speaker terminals one through eleven.

    

Yamaha AVENTAGE MX-A5000 Side and Internals

Conclusion

The AVENTAGE CX-A5000 processor and MX-A5000 amplifier from Yamaha are sure to turn many heads. Their $3k a piece price tag, while more expensive than other separates solutions, is clearly justified considering that the processor has all the latest features and technology. With 11 channels at 150 watts each, the MX-A5000 can power not only your home theater, but your whole home audio system. The 11.2 channel CX-A5000 can feed more speakers in your home theater than the receivers of your two best friends combined. The Yamaha AVENTAGE separates represent the state of the art in home theater. If you have to have the best - this is it.

For more information, please visit www.yamaha.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.