Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040

    Highlights

    • 9.2 Channels
    • 9.1 Channel Processing
    • 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 86 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2014 Lineup
    4. Predecessor
    5. Successor
    6. Audio Section
    7. Video Section
    8. Multi-zone Playback
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Evaluation
    11. Specifications  

    Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

    Evolution of the series
    Model Year Chann. Power Dolby Atmos DTS:X HDR10 HDR10+ Dolby Vision Pass. Price
    RX-A6A Image cannot be found
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    		2021 9.2 150 W 8K
    RX-A2080 Image cannot be found
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    		2018 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2070 Image cannot be found
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    		2017 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2060 Image cannot be found
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    		2016 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2050 Image cannot be found
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    		2015 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2040 Image cannot be found 2014 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2030 Image cannot be found
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    		2013 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2020 Image cannot be found
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    		2012 9.2 140 W 4K
    RX-A2010 Image cannot be found
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    		2011 9.2 140 W 1080p
    RX-A2000 Image cannot be found
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    		2010 7.2 130 W 1080p

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A6A vs RX-A2080 vs RX-A2070 vs RX-A2060 vs RX-A2050 vs RX-A2040.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 140 W
    •   9.1 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   8 HDMI Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   Multi-Channel Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   4 Zones
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora
    •   No Tidal

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   3 HDMI Outputs

    Yamaha 2014 Lineup

    In 2014 Yamaha released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Yamaha 2014 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Immersive AudioZones Price
    RX-A3040 Image cannot be found
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    		9.2150 W11.111.2 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with 3D, Multipoint and Angle measurement)Dolby Atmos4
    RX-A2040 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.17.2 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)Dolby Atmos4
    RX-A1040 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2110 W7.17.2 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)2
    RX-A840 Image cannot be found
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    		7.2100 W7.17.2 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)2
    RX-A740 Image cannot be found
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    		7.290 W7.1 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C.)2

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A3040 vs RX-A2040 vs RX-A1040 vs RX-A840 vs RX-A740.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 to its predecessor RX-A2030 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 vs Yamaha RX-A2030
    Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.4 vs
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC vs MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC vs WAV, FLAC
    Gapless Playback vs
    YPAO Volume vs
    Wi-Fi with Wireless Direct vs via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately)
    Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 110 dB vs 100 dB
    Higher S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 95 dB vs 81 dB
    Better Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE) 75 dB/60 dB vs 60 dB/45 dB
    Better Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (PHONO) 75 dB/60 dB vs 60 dB/55 dB
    DOWNGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 vs Yamaha RX-A2030
    Analog to Analog Video conversion vs (Component**, S-Video, Composite) to (Component, S-Video, Composite)
    Less Optical Inputs 3 vs 4 (1 front)
    Less S-Video Inputs vs 4
    Less S-Video Outputs vs 2
    Less Component Video Inputs 3 vs 4
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, composite vs HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, optical, composite
    Lower FM S/N Ratio Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/ 70 dB vs Mono/Stereo: 72 dB/ 70 dB
    Higher FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6% vs Mono/Stereo: 0.3%/0.5%

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 vs RX-A2030.

    Successor

    In 2015 Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 was replaced by Yamaha RX-A2050. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Yamaha RX-A2050 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040
    Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
    DTS:X up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 via firmware update vs
    DTS Neural:X via firmware update vs
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC
    HDR10 vs
    Bluetooth vs via optional YBA-11 adapter (sold separately)
    Works with Amazon Alexa on MusicCast (Voice control using your Alexa device like Echo, Dot, Tap and Show) vs
    MusicCast vs
    Zone 2 Outs HDMI, Component, Composite, RCA Preout vs HDMI, Component, Composite, Line Out
    Zone 3 Outs Component, Composite, RCA Preout vs Component, Composite, Line out
    DOWNGRADES Yamaha RX-A2050 vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040
    MHL Input vs
    USB DC Out Port vs (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
    Less Optical Outputs vs 1
    Less RCA Line Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 9 (1 front)
    Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
    Multi-Channel Input vs 7.1
    Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
    Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 2 / 2
    Napster vs
    Higher THD (Phono) 0.04% (Phono to PRE OUT) vs 0.02% (Phono to AV OUT)
    Lower FM S/N Ratio Mono/Stereo: 65 dB/64 dB vs Mono/Stereo: 71 dB/ 70 dB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 vs RX-A2050.

    Audio Section

    9 channel Amplifier

    Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels9.2
      Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability

      Speaker Configurations

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040
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      Dolby Atmos

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.4
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIx
      Dolby Digital EX
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:6
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      Sound Processing

      • Adaptive DRC: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 features Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) which automatically adjusts the dynamic range of the sound according to the volume level. This ensures that you hear clear dialog and vocals, and all sound effects at comfortable levels. There is no need to adjust the volume level as you listen; everything from whispers to big explosions will be heard clearly and comfortably at the same volume setting. It also tones down loud TV commercials, and is ideal for low-volume, late-night listening, when you do not want to disturb others.

      Room Calibration

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 comes with YPAO (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      • YPAO: The Yamaha Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) function detects speaker connections, measures the distances from them to your listening position(s), and then automatically optimizes the speaker settings, such as volume balance and acoustic parameters, to suit your room.

      Video Section

      HDMI

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 for MAIN and 1 for Sub/Zone2/ZONE4.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 can upscale up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040
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      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)

      Multi-zone Playback

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 4 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
      • Audio Line Output: If you have a dedicated integrated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via line outs by sending fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.
      • Composite Video Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 2. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.
      • Component Video Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 has analog Component Video output for Zone 2, so you can send a different video signal to the TV. Component video connection provides the higher image quality than the composite and S-Video connections.

      Zone 3

      • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • Composite Video Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 has analog Composite Video output for Zone 3. This means that it can send a different video signal to the TV.
      • Component Video Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 has analog Component Video output for Zone 3, so you can send a different video signal to the TV. Component video connection provides the higher image quality than the composite and S-Video connections.

      Zone 4

      • HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 offers HDMI output for Zone 4. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

      Zone B

      • HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 offers HDMI output for Zone B. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones4
      Powered ZonesZone 2 / 3
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Component, Composite, Line Out
      Zone 3 OutsComponent, Composite, Line out
      Zone 4 OutsHDMI
      Zone B Video Output HDMI
      Zone GUI
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output (2)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 2
      Party Mode

      Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
      • 7.1 Multichannel Input: In case you have a high quality Blu-Ray or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs you may connect it to a 7.1 multichannel analog inputs of the a/v receiver and use high quality DACs of the player instead of the ones in the a/v receiver.
      • Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 has 7.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest.
      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 9 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 3 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 3 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone2/ZONE4)
        8K Inputs: 0
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Inputs: 5   Outputs: 2
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 supports up to 1080p resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Inputs: 3   Outputs: 1

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI (MHL support), USB, analog audio, composite
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for Sub/Zone2/ZONE4)
      8K Inputs
      USB InputiPod® / iPhone® / iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player
      USB DC Out Port (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
      Optical Inputs3
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs3
      RCA Line Inputs9 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input 7.1
      RCA Pre-Outs7.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs2
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs3
      Component Video Outputs1

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 Evaluation

      We evaluate Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 and give score of 86 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      86

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      95

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 95 for Amplifier features.

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   High Power Output - 140 W

      Audio Features

      GOOD
      79

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 79 for Audio Features features.

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      GOOD
      73

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 73 for Video Features features.

      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      EXCELLENT
      90

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 90 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   Multi-Channel Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet

      Zones

      EXCELLENT
      97

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 97 for Zones features.

      •   4 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      89

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2040 a score of 89 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   No Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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