Yamaha Aventage RX-A820

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 was introduced in 2012. 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 passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 4K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 78 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.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

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

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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Yamaha Aventage RX-A820.

In 2012 Yamaha released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A3020 vs RX-A2020 vs RX-A1020 vs RX-A820 vs RX-A720.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has replaced RX-A810. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A820	vs	Yamaha RX-A810
Dialog Level Adjustment		vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)	vs	YPAO sound optimization (Multipoint measurement)
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K	vs	up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K	vs	up to 1080p *
Wi-Fi	via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately)	vs
AirPlay	AirPlay	vs
USB DC Out Port	(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)	vs
Zone B Video Output	(HDMI)	vs

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A820	vs	Yamaha RX-A810
Analog to Analog Video conversion		vs	(Component**, Composite) to (Component, Composite)
Bluetooth		vs	via optional YBA-10 adapter (sold separately)
dockport		vs	1 (for optional YDS-12, YID-W10 or YBA-10 adapter)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 vs RX-A810.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Configurations: Available configurations are:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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-A820 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

• 4K/30Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 can upscale up to 4K 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-A820 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-A820 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
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 4K
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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 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.

Zone B

• HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 offers HDMI output for Zone B. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

Audio

• Analog Pre-Outs: Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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 5 line inputs and 2 line outputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 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
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-A820 supports up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB, analog audio, composite

In 2013 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 was replaced by Yamaha RX-A830. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Yamaha RX-A830	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz	vs	up to 96 kHz
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080p	vs	1080i
Bluetooth	via optional YBA-11 adapter (sold separately)	vs
MHL Input		vs
Spotify		vs

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha RX-A830	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Less RCA Line Outputs	1	vs	2

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 vs RX-A830.

GENERAL
Brand	Yamaha
Series	Aventage
Model	RX-A820
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA and Canada
Release Year	2012
Predecessor	Yamaha RX-A810
Successor	Yamaha RX-A830

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	100 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

AUDIO FEATURES
Surround:AI™
DAC	Burr-Brown
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 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	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
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	WAV, FLAC
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift	no presence speakers required
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	with video on mode
CINEMA DSP	3D
DSP Programs	17
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSP
Virtual Speakers

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
YPAO Volume
PEQ for SUB	Down to 31 Hz

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
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 4K
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	1080i
Video Parameter Adjustments
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi	via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
MusicCast
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	(iPhone/iPad, Android™ phone/tablet, Kindle Fire™)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2
8K Inputs
USB Input	iPod®/iPhone®/iPad®, USB memory, portable audio player (MP3, WMA, AAC up to 48 kHz / 16-bit, FLAC/WAV up to 96 kHz / 24-bit)
USB DC Out Port	(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs	2
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	7.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	5 (1 front)
Composite Video Outputs	2
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	2
Component Video Outputs	1
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB, analog audio, composite
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
dockport

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

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Graphical user interface
SCENE	(four sets)
Web Control
PreAmp Mode
Remote Controller	[] (Preset)

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

CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum Front	Aluminum
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	400 W/500 VA
Standby Power	0.1 W
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
Auto Power Standby

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 171 mm x 369 mm 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-1/2"
Weight	10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	110 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	130 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	160 W (0.9% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (2 Ω, Front)	250 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (6 Ω, Front)	180 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	140 W
THD	0.06% (AV 5 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
Damping Factor	100 (Front, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 Ω)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)	2.3 V
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance	200 mV/1.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	100 mV/560 Ω (AV 5 etc., 1 kHz, 50 mV, 8 Ω)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	100 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	+0/-3 dB (10 Hz to 100 kHz)
Residual noise (IHF-A Network)	150 µV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)	60 dB/45 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y) 0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Video Maximum Input	1.5 Vp-p
Video Frequency Response	5 Hz to 60 MHz, -3 dB (Component)
Video S/N Ratio	50 dB
Ethernet Standard	100BASE-TX
USB Terminal	USB2.0 5 V, 2.1 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: 71 dB/69 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.3%/0.5%
AM Frequency	530 MHz - 1710 MHz
Warranty	3 Years

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