Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A (USA version)

•   Overview
•   Pros and Cons
•   Predecessor
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Multi-zone Playback
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A was introduced in 2020. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 88 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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A.

Here we are comparing Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A to its predecessor RX-A880 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A880
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
HDR10+		vs
QMS		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4	vs	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
More 8K Inputs	7	vs
Lower THD	0.04% (AUDIO 3 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)	vs	0.06% (AV 2 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
Higher Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	2.4 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)	vs	2.3 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)
Higher Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	2.0 V	vs	1.6 V
Higher FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/68 dB	vs	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/67 dB

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A880
Less Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	YPAO sound optimization with Multipoint Measurement	vs	YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component**, Composite
Less HDMI Outputs	1	vs	2
Less RCA Line Inputs	3	vs	4 (1 front)
Less Optical Outputs		vs
Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs	1	vs	2
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	1
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	1
Less RCA Pre-Outs	2.2	vs	7.2
Front A/V Inputs	USB	vs	USB, mini-jack Audio
Zone B Video Output		vs	HDMI
RS-232C Interface		vs
Smaller Power Supply	360 W	vs	400 W
Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	105 W (0.9% THD)	vs	110 W (0.9% THD)
Lower Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	125 W (0.9% THD)	vs	130 W (0.9% THD)
Lower Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	150 W (10% THD)	vs	160 W (10% THD)
Lower Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)	45 mV (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)	vs	60 mV (1 kHz, 0.1% THD)
Lower S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	95 dB	vs	96 dB

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A vs Yamaha Aventage RX-A880.

7 channel Amplifier

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

Speaker Configurations

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 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-A2A 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.

Dolby Atmos

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 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.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Dolby Atmos height virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

• DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Sound Processing

• Adaptive DRC: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 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-A2A comes with YPAO 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.

HDMI 2.1

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A features 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 1 output.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A can upscale up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 from HDMI sources.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience.
• 3D Ready: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

• HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
• HDR10+: HDR10+ is an HDR video technology that adds dynamic metadata to HDR10 source files. The dynamic metadata are used to adjust brightness levels on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. HDR10+ supports maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness and 10-bit or more (up to 16-bit) color bit depth. It uses Samsung's dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-40.
• Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
• Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.

Gaming Features

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Auto Low Latency Mode enables the ideal latency setting to automatically be set allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. When the receiver detects a gaming signal it will enter ALLM. The signal will also be sent to the TV causing it to automatically switch to a low-latency, low-lag mode for gaming. Some functions will not be available on the receiver and TV during ALLM.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR enables a gaming source such as a console or computer to deliver video frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate. It allows the TV to adapt to certain frame rate which reduces or eliminates lag, judder and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay.
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT): QFT reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming, and real-time interactive virtual reality. It transports each frame at a higher rate to decrease display latency, which is the amount of time between a frame being ready for transport in the GPU and that frame being completely displayed.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 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 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A has 2.2 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: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input 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: 7   Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 7

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A.

BASICS
Brand	Yamaha
Series	Aventage
Model	RX-A2A
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA
Release Year	2020

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Front Wide Channel Support
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO
Surround:AI™
DAC	Burr-Brown PCM5102A
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
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
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz/32 Bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
DTS Dialog Control
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog Normalization
Dialogue Lift
Compressed Music Enhancer
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Setting
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Straight Decoding Mode
Pure Direct Mode
CINEMA DSP
DSP Programs	17
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP
Virtual Speakers	including surround back
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	YPAO sound optimization with Multipoint Measurement
YPAO Volume

VIDEO
HDMI Version	2.1
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.3
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
BT.2020 color space
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
MHL Input
FireConnect
FlareConnect
MusicCast
Chromecast Built-In
DTS Play-Fi
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google assistant
Apple Siri
Works with SONOS
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	(iPhone® / iPad® / Android™ phone / tablet)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs	7
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs	7
USB Input	USB memory, Portable Audio Player
USB DC Out Port
RCA Line Input	3
RCA Line Output
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
Composite Video Input
Composite Video Output
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	2.2
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")

ZONES
Zones	2
Powered Zones	Zone 2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Preout
Zone B Video Output
Zone GUI
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	1
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1
Party Mode

MISC
On-Screen Display	Graphical User Interface
SCENE	SCENE (8 sets)
Web Browser Control
PreAmp Mode
Detachable Power Cord
dockport

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio

CONSTRUCTION
A.R.T. Wedge
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	360 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power Standby
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 171 mm x 372 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 245 mm x 372 mm) 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-5/8" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 9-5/8" x 14-5/8")
Weight	10.2 kg (22.5 lbs)
Warranty	3 Years

SPECS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2	100 W (0.06% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2	105 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	125 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	150 W (10% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	150 W (0.9% THD)
THD	0.04% (AUDIO 3 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
THD (Phono)	0.02% (Phono to PRE OUT, Pure Direct, 1 kHz, 1 V)
Damping Factor	100 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	2.4 V (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)	45 mV (1 kHz, 0.5% THD)
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1.0 V/470 Ω
Maximum Preout Level and Impedance	2.0 V
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	95 dB
Phono RIAA Deviation	0±0.5 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+0/-3 dB (AUDIO 3 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Residual Noise (IHF-A Network)	150 µV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)	70 dB/50 dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (PHONO)	60 dB/55 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 3 µV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/68 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted