Yamaha RX-A1050, RX-A2050, and RX-A3050 Atmos/DTS:X AV Receivers Preview

Yamaha’s AVENTAGE A/V receivers have been favorites at Audioholics since their introduction; they’re typically packed with features, and they measure well on the test bench in our experience. This year’s series seems to be keeping with the tradition of providing lots of features with Yamaha’s attention to detail. With the 3050 and 2050 providing 5.1.4 channels and beyond and the 1050 providing 5.1.2 channels, these receivers are sure to impress.

According to Yamaha, the AVENTAGE line of high-performance AV receivers is based on the audio design concept of providing a massive, full-bodied sound for movie sound effects and the accurate reproduction of music sources. By expertly harmonizing traditional and advanced technologies, every factor that affects sound quality, from materials and parts to construction, layout, vibration damping (the 5th foot for those that have a foot fetish) and “fine-tuning” the sound, is handled with no other thought than to achieve the best possible audio quality. As a result, every AVENTAGE model is designed with the ability to reproduce subtle details of high-definition sound, so that listeners can enjoy a truly high-class sound studio experience at home.

Support for the Latest Immersive Surround Formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Dolby Atmos
Our other experiences with receivers featuring Dolby Atmos have provided us with an exceptional audio experience, we're hoping that the combination of Dolby Atmos and a Yamaha AV receiver will fill the room with multidimensional sound that we've found with other receivers. 

DTS:X

DTS:X is the next generation object-based, multi-dimensional audio technology from DTS.  Unbound from channels, DTS:X conveys the fluid movement of sound to create an incredibly rich, realistic and immersive soundscape - in front of, behind, beside and above the audience - more accurately than ever before. As with Dolby Atmos, we're hoping the combination of DTS:X and a Yamaha AV receivers will be as satisfying as it has been with other receivers featuring these advancements in sound technology.

DTS:X playback capability will be available via future firmware update.

 

Speaker Layout Patterns Designed for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Playback

Yamaha provides multiple placement patterns for presence speakers that support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a sound field that’s ideal for your setup. Any layout can be appropriately reproduced, including the three-dimensional space of CINEMA DSP as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. 

Furthermore, Yamaha claims that YPAO - Reflected Sound Control - optimizes the listening environment and fundamental high quality audio design takes full advantage of the detailed spatial localization capability of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Sound Tuning Achieved with High Quality Parts for Optimum Performance

Every single part in an AV receiver that affects the sound quality was taken into consideration by Yamaha engineers. Yamaha claims that for AVENTAGE models, extra time is taken to find (or develop) the exact parts needed to achieve the higher performance.

Total Purity Concept for the Finest Sound Quality 

The Total Purity Concept, which Yamaha has been cultivating for many years, encompasses high drive amp technology, high purity pre-amplification, anti-vibration technology and independent pure power supplies. All models have fully discrete power amplifiers that help minimize distortion. They also adopt pure independent power supplies, allowing dedicated power supplies for the analog and digital circuitry to prevent digital noise from affecting analog circuitry. The anti-vibration heat sinks are designed to suppress vibration from transistors and sound pressure. Independent power supplies for the DACs are designed to further eliminate noise on certain models. Down to every detail, these AV receivers are designed with full emphasis on the highest possible sound quality.

DAC

Yamaha is using it’s ESS Technology 192 kHz/32 bit ES9006 DAC which is supposed to produce a 124 dB dynamic range, with low distortion and noise level. High-quality ESS ES9006 DACs power the presence channels.

Amplifier Layout

The interior of the unit has been circuit-routed and built so that the left and right channels are physically and electrically isolated. This appears to be a attempt to maximize channel separation and to improve signal to noise ratio. Yamaha is also using a fifth foot in the center of the unit. It dampens vibrations from the power transformer, power transistors and heat sinks, as well as vibrations that might be caused by the sound from the speakers.

Aluminum Front Panel

All of the AVENTAGE components feature the same clean design, with an aluminum front panel and smooth touch volume/selector knobs. The aluminum front panel is used to effectively shield sensitive circuitry from external noise and electronic radiation generated by dimmer switches, fluorescent lighting, video monitors and so on. 

H-shaped Cross Member Frame

The interior of the receiver is reinforced with cross members in an H shape to provide an extremely rigid and stable frame. This is used to reduce chassis vibration  even during high volume output. 

Bluetooth Compatible for Wireless Music Streaming

The RX-A3050 is equipped with Bluetooth functionality to let you easily enjoy wireless music playback from smartphones and other devices. The Compressed Music Enhancer from Yamaha is now optimized for Bluetooth audio transmissions to ensure that your music will have accurate sound quality during wireless playback. 

Full Support of HDMI 2.0a Spec: 4K Ultra HD Video Upconversion, HDCP 2.2 and High Dynamic Range (HDR)

This unit supports the latest HDMI standards thanks to the transmission of 4K video at 60 frames per second (pass-through and video upscaling). Furthermore, the receiver is fully HDCP 2.2 compliant with the latest copyright protection, a standard for 4K video transmissions. It also supports HDR* video which provides enhanced picture quality by simultaneously enabling greater detail for both the dark and bright parts of an image. 

*A future firmware update will be required to enable HDR.

Yamaha Video Processing 

Yamaha has produced various advanced processing techniques that are applied to this AV receiver’s video upscaling capabilities. These include edge adaptive deinterlacing to smooth out jaggy noise, motion adaptive deinterlacing to detect moving or still images and multi-cadence detection that includes 3-2 pull-down.

Advanced HDMI Zone Switching Allows Flexible AV Switching to Multiple Zones 

While standard HDMI zone switching can only send HD video programs to the main and second zones, advanced HDMI zone switching from Yamaha adds the capability to choose from all audio and video sources for playback in Zone 2. The second HDMI output can be assigned to Zone 4 as well (HDMI inputs only). An on-screen graphical user interface makes it easy to browse and select content to enjoy from the second zone no matter what is being played in the Main Zone.

Network Functions 

This AV receiver provides a variety of network functions that enable you to access more sources and also enhance operation. You can connect the AV receiver to a Mac or PC with WebBrowser Control and have two way control of Internet radio, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify or SiriusXM Internet Radio. The AV Controller App (from iTunes or Google Play) lets you control various functions from your iPod, iPhone, iPad or Android phones / tablets.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Wireless Direct 

Built-in Wi-Fi allows for a wireless connection with your wireless router, greatly simplifying system connections for enjoying networked audio (PC / NAS) and music streaming services. If a Wi-Fi router is not available, the unique Wireless Direct feature not only allows you to stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet via the AV Controller App, AirPlay etc., but also allows for control of the AV receiver as well.

AirPlay Allows Streaming Music to AV receivers 

This AV receiver supports AirPlay, which means they can accept wireless music streaming from iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, as well as from iTunes on a Mac or PC. This makes it easy to enjoy music from your mobile devices or computer at your home theater system. You can view metadata such as song title, artist name as well as album art inside the receiver's on-screen display. 

Stream Millions of Songs with Spotify Connect

With the Spotify app on your smartphone, you have instant access to millions of songs. Now you can stream those songs to your networked Yamaha AV receiver by using Spotify Connect. Just hit play to start streaming music. When you listen to Spotify outside on your smartphone or tablet and come inside, the song immediately streams to your Yamaha AV receiver allowing no interruption to your music playback. You can also personalize playlists and receive phone calls while listening to music on Spotify. 

AV Controller App for Easy, Convenient Operation

This AV receiver lets you use the Yamaha AV Controller App that is downloadable from iTunes, Google Play or the Amazon Appstore to control the power, volume, input selections, DSP modes and much, much more from an iPhone or Android device. You can also use as many as 23 different languages and customize the interface by hiding unused icons and renaming functions. A tablet version is also available. 

DSP Parameter Adjustment for Easy and Detailed Setting 

This AV receiver is equipped with a variety of sound programs that utilize original DSP technologies from Yamaha. These sound programs allow you to easily create sound fields like actual movie theaters or concert halls in your room to enjoy natural stereoscopic sound fields. It is now possible to use the AV Controller App to adjust the DSP parameters in a basic or advanced mode to match the mood of your favorite movie or music album. 

Extensive Audio Codec and Format Support

This AV receiver is compatible with many legacy audio formats such as Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. It is also compatible with high-resolution audio codecs such as DSD / AIFF / FLAC / WAV / Apple Lossless. You will enjoy the excellent sound quality of these various high-resolution audio codecs from the USB input on the front panel or from network connected devices.

USB Digital Connection for iPod and iPhone on the Front Panel

A USB port on the front panel allows convenient connection of an iPod and iPhone, which also charges the iOS device when connected. Because the digital signal from the iPod and iPhone is transmitted directly to the AV receiver, there is no signal-loss or interference. You get to enjoy the best possible sound quality. In addition, you can use the receiver’s remote control unit to operate the iPod and iPhone for basic playback control. 

Compressed Music Enhancer

When music is encoded into a digitally compressed format like MP3, the frequency response suffers. The Compressed Music Enhancer from Yamaha employs sophisticated digital signal processing using exclusive algorithms to restore what was lost, so the music always sounds the way it should.

High-resolution Music Enhancer Further Heightens Musicality from the Original Content 

The Compressed Music Enhancer in 3050 model has the capability to process and restore compressed music (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit) further heightening the musicality of the original content. 

Gapless Playback Compatibility Allows Play without Interruption

Many live and classical albums have no gaps in the music. Gapless playback ensures that there are no pauses between audio files. This provides playback with no interruptions, the way it was meant to be heard. 

YPAO Auto Setup and Room EQ

R.S.C. with 3D, Multipoint and Angle Measurement 

During the automatic room calibration process, YPAO – R.S.C. with 3D, multipoint and angle measurement analyzes the room acoustics and performs speaker angle measurements. After this, YPAO calibrates all of the audio parameters to achieve optimum sound at any of the listening positions in the theater. It employs Reflected Sound Control to correct early reflections for studio-quality surround sound playback. Additionally, it includes DSP Effect Normalization, which varies with each CINEMA DSP program and adjusts the room acoustics according to the reflected sounds of that CINEMA DSP program.

YPAO Volume to Ensure Natural Sounds Even at Low Volume 

Human ears have less sensitivity to high and low frequencies, especially at lower volumes. YPAO Volume applies loudness EQ correction to automatically adjust high and low frequency levels as the volume changes. Using the YPAO measurement results, EQ correction is optimized to your system settings and listening environment. 

Extra Bass Provides Rich Bass Reproduction, Even with Small Speakers

This exclusive low-range enhancement technology delivers richer bass than you would expect from the speaker size while maintaining good localization and sound balance even with compact front speakers. When a subwoofer is used, it improves the volume of the entire low range of the speaker system, not only the front speakers, but also enhancing the bass from the subwoofer. You'll enjoy video and music with sound that has exceptional power and presence. 

Extra-convenient SCENE PLUS

The SCENE PLUS function simplifies operation by providing one touch power-on along with selection of the desired source and the appropriate DSP programs. SCENE PLUS offers a choice of 12 SCENE selections, four of which can be assigned to the second zone in a multi-zone system. SCENE PLUS can be selected from the front panel, remote control, GUI and even from the AV Controller App. 

CINEMA DSP HD3 Expands the Sound Field Vertically for More Thrilling and Realistic Surround Sound

CINEMA DSP HD3 literally takes the surround sound experience to new heights. By using four CINEMA DSP engines with 3D processing and two front presence channels in a 9.2-channel configuration, it gives the sound field an enhanced vertical dimension for more realistic and exciting movie sound. 

Virtual CINEMA FRONT Provides Virtual 7-channel Surround Sound with High Quality and Resolution

The Virtual CINEMA FRONT feature allows for more flexibility to arrange your speakers inside the room. Simply place the surround speakers in the front of the listening area to enjoy a virtual 5-channel surround sound with superior rear virtual sound localization. 

Virtual Presence Speaker and Virtual Surround Back Speaker

With the power of CINEMA DSP 3D, Yamaha claims that the Virtual Presence Speaker function makes full use of center and surround speakers to create audible information from where presence (height) speakers are normally installed. In addition, this model also features a Virtual Surround Back Speaker function. Even without using surround back speakers, you can experience more natural, lifelike sound from behind you without physical speakers being installed in the surround back area of the listening environment. 

AV SETUP GUIDE for Easier Installation 

The AV SETUP GUIDE makes it much easier to perform the set up process with the Yamaha AV receiver. This app assists you with cable connections between the AV receiver and source devices. Additionally, it guides you through various settings such as speaker connections, TV and source device connections and power amplifier assignments. System illustrations and actual AV receiver images help you understand how to make the connections between devices. It is available in multiple languages and is designed for iOS and Android™ tablets.

Subwoofer Trim for Improved Sound Imaging 

The Subwoofer Trim Control enhances the low frequencies by avoiding overlap with the front speaker output. This will result in a cleaner, more focused soundstage while providing a seamless frequency response. When subwoofer frequency overlap occurs in conventional systems, the overall sound is “pushed” toward the subwoofer. Subwoofer Trim Control takes care of this by separating the low subwoofer frequencies cleanly, thus stabilizing the front stage while providing a well-balanced enhanced bass sound.

Intelligent Amp Assign 

Intelligent Amp Assign automatically assigns amplifier channels to certain speakers, depending on what speaker layout is selected. For example, in a 9.1-channel system, when Zone 2 is turned off, all 9.1-channels will be used in the Main Zone. However, when Zone 2 is powered on, the power to the two surround back channels will automatically be redirected to the two speakers in Zone 2 and the Main Zone will receive 7.1-channels of power. Similarly, when CINEMA DSP 3D is on, the two Front Presence speakers will be powered and not the two surround back speakers. When CINEMA DSP 3D is off, this situation is reversed. Thanks to Intelligent Amp Assign, there’s no need to switch the speaker cables on the rear of the AV receiver. 

All three models feature 7.2 preouts so you can add external amplification if you need more power.  In fact, the RX-A3050 allows you to expand your system to a full fledged 7.2.4 speaker layout with external amplification.

Multi-language GUI On-screen Display 

The latest graphical user interface from Yamaha has a high-resolution display with clear, easy-to-use menus and also includes a selectable status bar that shows input source, volume level, DSP mode and audio format. The GUI provides a choice of eight languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese and can be displayed over both normal and 3D pictures.

ECO Mode Lowers Power Consumption by 20% 

When ECO mode is turned on it can reduce power consumption by about 20 percent when compared to power consumption when ECO mode is off (Yamaha measurement).

Model	RX-A1050	RX-A2050	RX-A3050
Channels	7.2	9.2	11.2
Power ( 2CH Driven)	110 x 7	140 x 9	150 watts x 9
Atmos Ready	Yes (5.1.2-ch)	Yes (7.1.2-ch or 5.1.4-ch)	Yes (5.1.4-ch or 7.1.4-ch with external amp)
DTS:X Ready	Yes with FW upgrade	Yes with FW upgrade	Yes with FW upgrade
Powered Zones	Main + Zone 2	Main + Zone 2	Main + Zone 2
Integrated Wireless	Yes	Yes	Yes
HDMI Zone Switching	Yes	Yes	Yes
YPAO	Multipoint w/ RSC	Multipoint w/ RSC	R.S.C., 3D and angle measurement
Preamp Outputs	Yes	Yes	Yes
DAC	Yes (ESS SABRE DAC 9006A)	Yes (ESS SABRE DAC 9006A x 2)	Yes (ESS Technology ES9016S SABRE32  Ultra DAC + ESS Technology ES9006A SABRE™ Premier Audio DAC)

 

Summary

The Yamaha Aventage line again appears to set the bar for features and design. The craftsmanship is top notch in their price categories and there is sure to be an model within the RX-A3050, RX-A2050, and RX-A1050 that will fit into most serious enthusiasts budgets. We look forward to getting one of these in front of our testing equipment for a full review soon.  Perhaps it may be time to say good bye to the orange display of our beloved RX-Z7 to upgrade to the latest in the Aventage line of receivers.

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