Yamaha RX-A1030, RX-A2030 and RX-A3030 Aventage Receivers Preview

By Tom Andry — May 31, 2013

Yamaha RX-A3030 Aventage Receiver

Summary

Product Name: RX-A1030, A2030, A3030 Receivers
Manufacturer: Yamaha
Review Date: May 31, 2013 04:20
MSRP: $1199.95 (RX-A1030); $1699.95 (RX-A2030); $2199.95 (RX-A3030)
First Impression: Pretty Cool
The Yamaha RX-A1030, RX-A2030, and RX-A3030 are the newest in the Aventage line of receivers from Yamaha. These are for those that want the ultimate in home theater.

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Specifications

Product Name : RX-A1030

Amplifier Section :

Channel : 7.2
Rated Output Power (1kHz, 2ch driven) : 120 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD)
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) : 110 W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) : 135 / 165 / 210 / 280 W
Surround Sound Processing :
CINEMA DSP : Yes (3D)
DSP Programs : 17
Compressed Music Enhancer : Yes
Dialog Level Adjustment : Yes
Virtual Presence Speaker : Yes
Dialogue Lift : Yes (No presence speakers required)
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP : Yes
Dolby TrueHD : Yes
Dolby Digital Plus : Yes
Dolby Pro Logic IIx : Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio : Yes

Audio Features :

Pure Direct : Yes (With video on mode)
YPAO multi-point measurement : Yes (R.S.C. w/multi-point measurement)
High-resolution Music Enhancer : -
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) : Yes
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting : Yes
A.R.T. Wedge : Yes
Bi-amp capability : Yes
Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms)
192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels : Yes (ESS)

Video Features :

4K Ultra HD Pass-through 6 upscaling : Yes
HDMI 3D passthrough : Yes
HDMI Audio Return Channel : Yes
Component upconversion : Yes
HDMI upscaling : Yes (Analog to HDMI / HDMI to HDMI)
Deep Color/x.v.Color/24Hz Refresh Rate /Auto Lip-Sync : Yes
HDMI Input/Output : 8 (1 front) / 2 (Assignable for zone)
HDMI CEC : Yes (SCENE, device control)
USB Input : iPod® / iPhone® / iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player
Network Port : Yes (AirPlay, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, DLNA® 1.5, vTuner)
Front AV Input : HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, optical, composite
Digital Audio Input/Output: Optical : 4 (1 front) / 1
Digital Audio Input/Output: Coaxial : 36586
Analog Audio Input/Output : 10 (1 front) / 1
Phono Input : Yes
Component Video Input/Output : 41365
S-Video Input/Output : 41365
Composite Video Input/Output : 5 (1 front) / 1
Multi-Channel Input : 8 ch
Preout : 7.2 ch
Headphone Output : 1
Connectivity :
MHL Support : Yes
AirPlay : Yes
DC Out : Yes
Tuner Section :
FM/AM Tuner : Yes
HD Radio Compatibility : Yes

User Interface :

On-screen display : Graphical user interface
SCENE : SCENE PLUS (12 sets)
App Control : Yes (iPhone / iPad, Android™ phone / tablet, Kindle Fire™ )
Web Browser Control : Yes
Remote Control Unit : Yes (Preset)

Zone Control :

Zone HDMI : Yes (HDMI zone switching)
Zone 2 Audio Output : HDMI / PRE OUT
Powered Zone : Zone 2
Zone 3 Audio Output : -
Zone Video Output : HDMI / Component / S-video / Composite
Zone 4 Audio Output : -
Zone B Output : HDMI
RS-232C Interface : Yes
+12V Trigger Output : 2

General :

Standby Power Consumption (IR only) : ≤0.3 W
Auto Power Standby : Yes
ECO mode : Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 17-1/8” x 7-1/8” x 17”

Weight : 33.3 lbs.
Specifications :
Detachable Power Cord : Yes
Front Panel : Aluminum

Product Name : RX-A2030

Amplifier Section

Channel : 9.2
Rated Output Power (1kHz, 2ch driven) : 155 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD)
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) : 140 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) : 165 / 210 / 285 / 405 W
Surround Sound Processing :
CINEMA DSP : Yes (3D)
DSP Programs : 23
Compressed Music Enhancer : Yes (High-resolution)
Dialog Level Adjustment : Yes
Virtual Presence Speaker : Yes
Dialogue Lift : Yes (No presence speakers required)
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP : Yes
Dolby TrueHD : Yes
Dolby Digital Plus : Yes
Dolby Pro Logic IIx : Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio : Yes

Audio Features :

Pure Direct : Yes (With video on mode)
YPAO multi-point measurement : Yes (R.S.C. w/multi-point measurement)
High-resolution Music Enhancer : Yes
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) : Yes
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting : Yes
A.R.T. Wedge : Yes
Bi-amp capability : Yes
Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms)
192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels : Yes (ESS)

Video Features :

4K Ultra HD Pass-through 6 upscaling : Yes
HDMI 3D passthrough : Yes
HDMI Audio Return Channel : Yes
Component upconversion : Yes
HDMI upscaling : Yes (Analog to HDMI / HDMI to HDMI)
Deep Color/x.v.Color/24Hz Refresh Rate /Auto Lip-Sync : Yes
Video adjustment : Yes

Extensive Connection :

HDMI Input/Output : 8 (1 front) / 2 (Assignable for zone 2 / 4)
HDMI CEC : Yes (SCENE, device control)
USB Input : iPod® / iPhone® / iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player
Network Port : Yes (AirPlay, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, DLNA® 1.5, vTuner)
Front AV Input : HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, optical, composite
Digital Audio Input/Output: Optical : 4 (1 front) / 1
Digital Audio Input/Output: Coaxial : 36586
Analog Audio Input/Output : 10 (1 front) / 1
Phono Input : Yes
Component Video Input/Output : 41365
S-Video Input/Output : 41365
Composite Video Input/Output : 5 (1 front) / 1
Multi-Channel Input : 8 ch
Preout : 7.2 ch
Headphone Output : 1

Connectivity :

MHL Support : Yes
AirPlay : Yes
DC Out : Yes

Tuner Section :

FM/AM Tuner : Yes
HD Radio Compatibility : Yes

User Interface :

On-screen display : Graphical user interface
SCENE : SCENE PLUS (12 sets)
App Control : Yes (iPhone / iPad, Android™ phone / tablet, Kindle Fire™ )
Web Browser Control : Yes
Remote Control Unit : Yes (Preset, learning, macro)

Zone Control :

Zone HDMI : Zone 2 (All sources), Zone 4 (HDMI only)
Zone 2 Audio Output : HDMI / PRE OUT
Powered Zone : Zone 2 / 3
Zone 3 Audio Output : PRE OUT
Zone Video Output : HDMI / Component / S-video / Composite
Zone 4 Audio Output : HDMI
Zone B Output : HDMI
RS-232C Interface : Yes
+12V Trigger Output : 2

Remote (IR) Input/Output : 41307
Party Mode : Yes
Zone GUI : Yes

General :

Standby Power Consumption (IR only) : ≤0.3 W
Auto Power Standby : Yes
ECO mode : Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 17-1/8” x 7-1/2” x 18-3/8”
Weight : 37.7 lbs.
Detachable Power Cord : Yes
Front Panel : Aluminum

Product Name : RX-A3030

Amplifier Section

Channel : 9.2
Rated Output Power (1kHz, 2ch driven) : 165 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD)
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) : 150 W (8 ohms, 0.06% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) : 175 / 220 / 295 / 410 W
Surround Sound Processing :
CINEMA DSP : Yes (HD3)
DSP Programs : 23
Compressed Music Enhancer : Yes (High-resolution)
Dialog Level Adjustment : Yes
Virtual Presence Speaker : Yes (Includes virtual rear)
Dialogue Lift : Yes (No presence speakers required)
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP : Yes
Dolby TrueHD : Yes
Dolby Digital Plus : Yes
Dolby Pro Logic IIx : Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio : Yes

Audio Features :

Pure Direct : Yes (With video on mode)
YPAO multi-point measurement : Yes (With angle measurement)
High-resolution Music Enhancer : Yes
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) : Yes
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting : Yes
A.R.T. Wedge : Yes
Bi-amp capability : Yes
Audio Delay : Yes (0-500 ms)
192kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels : Yes (ESS)

Video Features :

4K Ultra HD Pass-through 6 upscaling : Yes
HDMI 3D passthrough : Yes
HDMI Audio Return Channel : Yes
Component upconversion : Yes
HDMI upscaling : Yes (Analog to HDMI / HDMI to HDMI)
Deep Color/x.v.Color/24Hz Refresh Rate /Auto Lip-Sync : Yes
Video adjustment : Yes (With variable parameters)

Extensive Connection :

HDMI Input/Output : 8 (1 front) / 2 (Assignable for zone 2 / 4)
HDMI CEC : Yes (SCENE, device control)
USB Input : iPod® / iPhone® / iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player
Network Port : Yes (AirPlay, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, DLNA® 1.5, vTuner)
Front AV Input : HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, optical, composite
Digital Audio Input/Output: Optical : 4 (1 front) / 1
Digital Audio Input/Output: Coaxial : 36586
Analog Audio Input/Output : 10 (1 front) / 1
Phono Input : Yes
Component Video Input/Output : 41365
S-Video Input/Output : 41365
Composite Video Input/Output : 5 (1 front) / 1
Multi-Channel Input : 8 ch
Preout : 11.2 ch
Headphone Output : 1

Connectivity :

User Interface :

On-screen display : Graphical user interface
SCENE : SCENE PLUS (12 sets)
App Control : Yes (iPhone / iPad, Android™ phone / tablet, Kindle Fire™ )
Web Browser Control : Yes
Remote Control Unit : Yes (Preset, learning, macro, full LED backlight)

Zone Control :

Zone HDMI : Zone 2 (All sources), Zone 4 (HDMI only)
Zone 2 Audio Output : HDMI / PRE OUT
Powered Zone : Zone 2 / 3
Zone 3 Audio Output : PRE OUT
Zone Video Output : HDMI / Component / S-video / Composite
Zone 4 Audio Output : HDMI
Zone B Output : HDMI
RS-232C Interface : Yes
+12V Trigger Output : 2
Remote (IR) Input/Output : 41307
Party Mode : Yes
Zone GUI : Yes

General :

Standby Power Consumption (IR only) : ≤0.3 W
Auto Power Standby : Yes
ECO mode : Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D) : 17-1/8” x 7-1/2” x 18-3/8”
Weight : 40.1 lbs.
Detachable Power Cord : Yes
Front Panel : Aluminum

The Yamaha RX-A1030, RX-A2030, and RX-A3030 are the newest in the Aventage line of receivers from Yamaha. While it seems counterintuitive that spending a lot of money on a receiver can save you money, believe us when we say that is the case. When you are building a home theater, you tend to concentrate on the room at hand. You need enough amps for your speakers, enough inputs for your sources, and all the features you can afford. But when you start to expand your listening and viewing habits, you may find that your budget receiver that works just fine for you home theater, isn't nearly flexible enough for your real needs. Now you're looking at a second receiver or maybe even a third for your bedroom and whole home audio. Maybe you're now going to have to duplicate sources (Blu-ray players, streaming boxes), game systems, and add amplifiers. These expenses could all be avoided if you'd have just thought ahead at that initial receiver purchase.

The Aventage line of receivers from Yamaha is undergoing a revamp and the more expensive models have just come out. Starting at just under $1200 and topping out near $2200, these three receivers represent a ton of technology in similarly sized boxes. So, if you're planning more than just a theater room, get out your pencils and start making lists. Yamaha will be trying to convince you to spend your money with them.

The least expensive in the line is the RX-A730 but this article focuses on the RX-A1030, RX-A2030 and RX-A3030 Aventage receivers. Please assume unless specified differently that any feature listed on this receiver is contained on all the others. The RX-A1030 Aventage receiver will set you back $1199.95. It's a 7.2 channel beast with 120 watts per channel and weighs in at over 33 pounds. It has eight HDMI inputs (one MHL enabled one on the front) and two outputs (one useable for Zone 2 or to mirror the main room when using HDMI sources). All three models employ a center mounted transformer, symmetrical amp layout, and dual heat sinks. This type of attention to build quality is usually reserved to upper echelon products costing more than the $1,199 asking price of the RX-A1030 AV receiver.

There are a slew of inputs and outputs (as you'd expect on a receiver at this price point) so we'll focus on what is important. There are 7.1 channel analogue inputs for integrating legacy gear as well as outputs (7.2) for adding external amplification. Zone 2 can either be powered externally (via HDMI or analogue outputs) or internally by routing the amps. If you are one that rarely uses your Zone 2, the RX-A1030 has two additional pairs of speaker terminals so that you can switch configurations without switching cables. Yamaha's propriety Presence channels are also supported.

The RX-A1030 is fully networked and supports Apple's AirPlay, Pandora, and Rhapsody's music services out of the box. Your iOS, Kindle Fire, or Android device can download an app for control of the receiver. The A1030 sports ESS DACS and FLAC or WAV 192 kHz/24-bit audio playback. Video upconversion is on board all the way up to 4k. Of course 3D and Audio Return Channel (ARC) are also supported. The newest YPAO R.S.C. (Reflected Sound Control) speaker calibration with multi-point measurement by Yamaha is also included.

The RX-A2030 represents a pretty big leap in price up $500 to $1699.95. What you get with this price jump is (among other things) two additional channels of amplification so you can run a full 9.2 channel setup, a bump up to 140 watts per channel, and a 4.5 pound increase in weight (up to 37.7 pounds). The number of HDMI inputs and outputs is the same but the number of zones jumps from two to four (which is huge if you are really worried about having one device controlling multiple zones in the same home).

As you might expect, the number of speaker terminal pairs has increased on the RX-A2030 up to 11. This gives you the flexibility to change configurations and the internal amps to power not only a full 7.2 system but a second two-channel room. There is full zone control via the main receiver with Zone 2/3/4 on/off, Zone GUI, Zone 2/3 video assign and Party Mode all available. The second HDMI output can be routed to Zone 4 (the only way to get output to that zone). Zones 2 and 3 can be powered through the internal amps or by external amps through pre-outs. The subwoofer outputs on the RX-A2030 can be configured as Left + Right, Front + Rear, or Monaural x 2. This means you can configure them as a stereo pair or mono. The RX-A2030 now has HD Radio.

The RX-3030 is another $500 jump in price to $2199.95. This receiver again is 9.2 channels but now has 150 watts per channel. It is also expandable (via external amps) to 11.2 channels for the kind of home theater most of your friends didn't even know existed. At a touch over 40 pounds, is receiver will require a lot of grunting to move, but Yamaha is betting you'll think it is worth it.

Glancing at the back of the RX-A3030, it doesn't look all that different from the RX-A2030. The real change here is the addition to the Zones 2 and 3 pre-outs of "F. Presence" and "B. Presence" labels. This means that you can now add speakers to the front or back of your room (or both). This can also be done through the internal amps and the 11 pairs of speaker terminals will make that a little easier (though with all the options on the RX-A3030, we're betting there really isn't enough real estate for all the speaker connections one might want). The RX-A3030 is the first to list "multi-point/speaker angle measurement" to their YPAO R.S.C, showing that Yamaha has again increased the resolution of their speaker optimization DSP. Yamaha's more advanced DSP engine (aka. CinemaDSP HD3) is makes its way into this receiver.

There are some conflicts on the Yamaha site. In one place, the RX-A3030 is listed as having Burr-Brown DACs while all the others list ESS (in fact, the previous RX-A3020 has ESS as well). MHL is supported just like the other two previous models. While HQV Vida 1900 video chipset was present on last year's models (RX-A2020/A3020), this year both the RX-A2030 and RX-A3030 support Yamaha’s Original Video processing technologies.

We checked with Yamaha and they gave us a correct listing of the DAC break down for each model:

RX-A1030: ESS Hyperstream DAC ES9006
RX-A2030: ESS Sabre Premier DAC ES9006 x 2
RX-A3030: ESS Hyperstream DAC ES9006, ESS Sabre Ultra 32 DAC ES9016

When new products come out, there are often errors on the websites that aren't corrected until someone (like us) points them out. When you do a direct comparison of the RX-A3020 and the RX-A3030 on the Yamaha site, they look essentially identical (even the weight is identical - a clear warning sign of a cut/paste problem). We'll have to see how this changes as their website is brought up to date. One could argue the older RX-A3020 and newer RX-A3030 are nearly identical. However, there are some key improvements: A/V processing improved (ESS DAC’s / Yamaha Video) chipset, the addition of MHL, WAV & FLAC improved from 96k/24bit to 192k/24 bit (2ch) can be important features for more tech savvy customers.

Conclusion

Looking for a full fledged flagship receiver for your home theater? Take a close look at the Yamaha RX-A1030. It's got most everything you could ever want. Want something to do all that plus power or feed multiples rooms in your home? Grab on to the RX-A2030. But if you want more speakers in your main home theater than most people have ever owned, and you want them all to work, the RX-A3030 is for you. Or if you want a discrete 2CH second zone home theater with advanced HDMI features, the RX-A3030 is the receiver you will want to consider.

Sure, these are not receivers for the light of wallet. But if you're looking for not just a home theater receiver but one that will power your whole life, Yamaha's got a solution for you.

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.

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About the author:

As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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