Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • HDMI 2.1
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
    • 8K 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-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 89 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.


    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-A2A Image cannot be found 2020 7.2 100 W 8K
    RX-A880 Image cannot be found 2018 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A870 Image cannot be found 2017 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A860 Image cannot be found 2016 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A850 Image cannot be found 2015 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A840 Image cannot be found 2014 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A830 Image cannot be found 2013 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A820 Image cannot be found 2012 7.2 100 W 4K
    RX-A810 Image cannot be found 2011 7.2 100 W 1080p
    RX-A800 Image cannot be found 2010 7.2 95 W 1080p

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A2A vs RX-A880 vs RX-A870 vs RX-A860 vs RX-A850 vs RX-A840.

    Pros and Cons

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

    PROs

    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   HDMI Version
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   VRR
    •   QFT
    •   8K Passthrough
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Composite Video Inputs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora

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

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 100 W
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   2 Zones
    •   Bluetooth 4․2

    Yamaha 2020 Lineup

    In 2020 Yamaha released 3 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Yamaha 2020 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Immersive AudioZones Price
    RX-A2A Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.12.2 YPAO sound optimization with Multipoint MeasurementDolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    2
    RX-V6A Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.12.2 YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C.)Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    2
    RX-V4A Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.1 YPAO sound optimization1

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A2A vs RX-V6A vs RX-V4A.

    Predecessor

    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 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
    Bigger Power Supply 360 W vs 270 W
    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 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 Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
    Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
    Less RCA Line Inputs 3 vs 4 (1 front)
    Less RCA Pre-Outs 2.2 vs 7.2
    Less Composite Video Inputs vs 1
    Less Component Video Inputs vs 1
    Front A/V Inputs USB vs USB, mini-jack Audio
    Zone B Video Output vs HDMI
    RS-232C Interface vs
    SiriusXM vs
    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 RX-A880.

    Audio Section

    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.

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output100 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-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.
      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A

      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.
      DECODING
      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

      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.

      Video Section

      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.
      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A

      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.
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDMI Version2.1
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.3
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 60p 4:4:4

      Multi-zone Playback

      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.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered ZonesZone 2
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Preout
      Zone B Video Output
      Zone GUI
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output1
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
      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.
      • 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: 1 optical input 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

      Front A/V Inputs

      • USB
      Image cannot be found
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs7
      USB InputUSB memory, Portable Audio Player
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs3
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs2.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A Evaluation

      We evaluate Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A and give score of 89 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
      89

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      88

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 88 for Amplifier features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      86

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 86 for Audio Features features.

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

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      99

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 99 for Video Features features.

      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   QFT
      •   8K Passthrough

      Connectivity

      EXCELLENT
      86

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 86 for Connectivity features.

      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   7 8K Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 4․2

      Zones

      GOOD
      79

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 79 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      90

      We give Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A a score of 90 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   No Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal


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

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