Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 Review and Specs
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Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 (USA and Canadian versions)

SCORE:
80

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 100 W (8 โ„ฆ, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi
  • USB input

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Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 Overview

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing.

We evaluated the Receiver and gave 80 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.

AMPLIFIER
89
VIDEO FEATURES
76
AUDIO FEATURES
71
CONNECTIVITY
82
MULTIZONE
81
MISCELLANEOUS
71
RADIO
87
OVERALL
80

Amplifier score is based on power ratings, minimum impedance load, power supply, transformer type, total harmonic distortion, damping factor, signal to noise ratio and other small details. Audio score depends on the number of channels, front wide channel support, maximum channel processing, support of audio formats, DAC specifications, room calibration algorithm... Video score is based on HDR, Dolby Vision and video signal passthrough and upscaling, analog to HDMI upconversion. Connectivity score is defined from all wired and wireless inputs and outputs, internet and bluetooth connections, HEOS, SONOS and others. Multizone score depends on the number of zones with their outputs. Radio score is evaluated form digital radio support and analog tuner with its frequency range, signal to noise ratio, harmonic distortion...

Pros and Cons

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

PROS
Certified 4 โ„ฆ Performance ๐Ÿ‘
Bi-amp Capability ๐Ÿ‘
Dolby TrueHD ๐Ÿ‘
Dolby Digital Plus ๐Ÿ‘
Dolby Pro Logic ๐Ÿ‘
Dolby Digital EX ๐Ÿ‘
DTS Neo ๐Ÿ‘
DTS-HD Master Audio ๐Ÿ‘
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio ๐Ÿ‘
DTS 96/24 ๐Ÿ‘
DTS Express ๐Ÿ‘
DTS-ES ๐Ÿ‘
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network ๐Ÿ‘
DSD via HDMI ๐Ÿ‘
Dialog Level Adjustment ๐Ÿ‘
Dialog Normalization ๐Ÿ‘
Dialogue Lift ๐Ÿ‘
Compressed Music Enhancer ๐Ÿ‘
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control) ๐Ÿ‘
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. ๐Ÿ‘
3-D Ready ๐Ÿ‘
4K or 8K Video Passthrough ๐Ÿ‘
4K or 8K Signal Upscaling ๐Ÿ‘
Analog To HDMI Upconversion ๐Ÿ‘
DLNA 1.5 ๐Ÿ‘
Ethernet ๐Ÿ‘
Wi-Fi ๐Ÿ‘
New HDCP Version ๐Ÿ‘
Many HDMI Inputs ๐Ÿ‘
USB Input ๐Ÿ‘
Composite Video Inputs ๐Ÿ‘
Composite Video Outputs ๐Ÿ‘
Component Video Inputs ๐Ÿ‘
Component Video Outputs ๐Ÿ‘
Analog Pre-Outs ๐Ÿ‘
Zones ๐Ÿ‘
Detachable Power Cord ๐Ÿ‘
Analog Tuner ๐Ÿ‘
Pandora ๐Ÿ‘
SiriusXM Internet Radio ๐Ÿ‘
CONS
No Front Wide Channel Support ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Dolby Atmos ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Dolby Surround Upmixer ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No DTS:X ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No DTS Neural:X ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No DTS Virtual:X ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No IMAX Enhanced ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Gapless Playback ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No DTS Dialog Control ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No High-resolution Music Enhancer ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No HDR10 ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No HDR10+ ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No BT.2020 color space ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Dolby Vision ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Chromecast Built-In ๐Ÿ‘Ž
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa ๐Ÿ‘Ž
Does Not Work with SONOS ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Bluetooth ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No eARC ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Phono Input ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Multi-Channel Input ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Spotify ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Tidal ๐Ÿ‘Ž
No Deezer ๐Ÿ‘Ž

Major Changes from its predecessor

Here we are comparing Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 to its predecessor RX-A810 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 Yamaha Aventage RX-A810
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System โœ” YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement) โœ” YPAO sound optimization (Multipoint measurement)
Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K up to 1080p
Video Signal Upscaling โœ” up to 4K โœ” up to 1080p *
AirPlay โœ” AirPlay โœ–
Wi-Fi โœ” via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately) โœ–

DOWNGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 Yamaha Aventage RX-A810
Analog to Analog Video conversion โœ– โœ” (Component**, Composite) to (Component, Composite)
Bluetooth โœ– โœ” via optional YBA-10 adapter (sold separately)

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

Selected Features

Amplifier

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 has 7 channel amplifier and delivers 100 W (8 โ„ฆ, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and also has a stable performance at 4 โ„ฆ load.


Video Features

The Receiver has 4K passthrough up to 30p and 4K upscaling up to 30p.


Adaptive DRC

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 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 Correction

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 comes with[y] YPAO (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.


Connectivity

Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 can be connected to internet using ethernet cable or wirelessly[y] via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately). The Receiver supports[y] AirPlay. It has 8 HDMI inputs and HDCP 2.2 copy protection. There are 7.2 channel analog pre-outs for external amplification.

Front panel has HDMI, USB, analog audio and composite inputs.

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Detailed Specifications

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Yamaha Aventage RX-A820.

BASICS
BrandYamaha
SeriesAventage
ModelRX-A820
TypeA/V Receiver
CountryUSA and Canada
Release Year2012
AMPLIFIER
Channels7.2
Front Wide Channel Supportโœ–
THXโ„ข Certificationโœ–
Continuous 6 โ„ฆ Ratedโœ”
Certified 4 โ„ฆ Performanceโœ”
Bi-amp Capabilityโœ”
AUDIO
Surround:AIโ„ขโœ–
DACBurr-Brown
Maximum Channel Processing7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certificationโœ–
Dolby Atmosโœ–
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizationโœ–
Dolby TrueHDโœ”
Dolby Digital Plusโœ”
Dolby Surround Upmixerโœ–
Dolby Pro Logicโœ” PLIIx
Dolby Digital EXโœ”
DTS:Xโœ–
DTS Neural:Xโœ–
DTS Virtual:Xโœ–
DTS Neoโœ” Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audioโœ”
DTS-HD High Resolution Audioโœ”
DTS 96/24โœ”
DTS Expressโœ”
DTS-ESโœ” Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhancedโœ–
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixerโœ–
PCMโœ” 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Networkโœ” up to 96 kHz
High Resolution Audio Formats via USBWAV, FLAC
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USBโœ–
Gapless Playbackโœ–
DSD via HDMIโœ” 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converterโœ–
USB DACโœ–
DTS Dialog Controlโœ–
Dialog Level Adjustmentโœ”
Dialog Normalizationโœ”
Dialogue Liftโœ” no presence speakers required
Compressed Music Enhancerโœ”
High-resolution Music Enhancerโœ–
Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)โœ”
Initial Volume & Maximum Volume Settingโœ”
Audyssey Dynamic EQโœ–
Audyssey Dynamic Volumeโœ–
Audyssey LFCโœ–
Audyssey Sub EQ HTโœ–
Audyssey DSXโœ–
Straight Decoding Modeโœ”
Pure Direct Modeโœ” with video on mode
CINEMA DSPโœ” 3D
DSP Programs17
SILENT CINEMA / Virtual CINEMA DSPโœ”
Virtual Speakersโœ”
CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.โœ” YPAO sound optimization (R.S.C. with Multipoint measurement)
YPAO Volumeโœ–
PEQ for SUBDown to 31 Hz
VIDEO
Video Signal TypeNTSC
Video Signal Format (Video Covnersion)NTSC/PAL
HDR10โœ–
HDR10+โœ–
BT.2020 color spaceโœ–
Dolby Visionโœ–
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)โœ–
Quick Media Switching (QMS)โœ–
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-throughโœ–
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)โœ–
Quick Frame Transport (QFT)โœ–
3-D Readyโœ”
Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K
Video Signal Upscalingโœ” up to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversionโœ” Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscalingโœ–
Analog to Analog Video conversionโœ–
Component Video Maximum Resolution1080i
Video Parameter Adjustmentsโœ–
isf Certified Calibration Controlโœ–
CONNECTIVITY
MHL Inputโœ–
DLNA 1.5โœ”
FireConnectโœ–
FlareConnectโœ–
MusicCastโœ–
Chromecast Built-Inโœ–
DTS Play-Fiโœ–
Works with Amazon Alexaโœ–
Works with SONOSโœ–
AirPlayโœ” AirPlay
Apple Product Connectionโœ” iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote Appโœ” (iPhone/iPad, Androidโ„ข phone/tablet, Kindle Fireโ„ข)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevueโœ–
Ethernetโœ”
Ethernet Switchโœ–
Wi-Fiโœ” via optional YWA-10 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetoothโœ–
HDBaseT Compatibleโœ–
Enhanced ARCโœ–
HDCP Version2.2
HDMI Input8 (1 front)
HDMI Output2
USB InputiPodยฎ/iPhoneยฎ/iPadยฎ, 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 Portโœ” (USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Analog Audio Line Input5 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Output2
Phono Inputโœ–
Optical In2
Optical Outโœ–
Coaxial In/Out2 / โœ–
Composite Video Input5 (1 front)
Composite Video Output2
S-Video Inputโœ–
S-Video Outputโœ–
Component Video Input2
Component Video Output1
PC Inโœ–
Multi-Channel Inputโœ–
Analog Pre-Outs7.2
XLR Inputsโœ–
XLR Pre-outsโœ–
Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, analog audio, composite
Speaker A/Bโœ–
Headphone Outโœ” 6.3 mm
ZONES
Zones2
Powered ZonesZone 2
Zone 2Line Out
Zone B Video Outputโœ” (HDMI)
Zone GUIโœ–
RS-232โœ–
+12V Trigger Outputโœ” (1)
Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
Party Modeโœ”
MISC
On-Screen DisplayGraphical user interface
SCENEโœ” (four sets)
Web Browser Controlโœ”
PreAmp Modeโœ–
Remote Controllerโœ” (Preset)
Detachable Power Cordโœ”
dockportโœ–
RADIO
Analog Tunerโœ” FM/AM
Presets40
Digital Radioโœ–
Internet Radioโœ”
Pandoraโœ”
Spotifyโœ–
Tidalโœ–
Deezerโœ–
SiriusXM Internet Radioโœ”
CONSTRUCTION
Solid Aluminum FrontAluminum
A.R.T. Wedgeโœ”
Speaker Terminals9
Large Speaker Terminals9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminalsโœ–
Gold plated RCA terminalsโœ–
POWER
Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption400 W/500 VA
Standby Power0.1 W
GENERAL
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Functionโœ”
Auto Power Standbyโœ”
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"
Weight10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)
Warranty3 Years
SPECS
Power Output (8 โ„ฆ, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2100 W (0.09% THD)
Power Output (8 โ„ฆ, 1 kHz, 2110 W (0.9% THD)
Rated Power Output (8 โ„ฆ, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)130 W (0.9% THD)
Maximum Effective Output Power (8 โ„ฆ, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 โ„ฆ, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)160 W (0.9% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (2250 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 โ„ฆ, Front)210 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (6 โ„ฆ, Front)180 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 โ„ฆ, Front)140 W
THD0.06% (AV 5 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 โ„ฆ)
Damping Factor100 (Front, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 โ„ฆ)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kโ„ฆ
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)2.3 V
Rated Lineout Level and Impedance200 mV/1.2 kโ„ฆ (REC OUT)
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance100 mV/560 โ„ฆ (AV 5 etc., 1 kHz, 50 mV, 8 โ„ฆ)
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 ยตV (Speaker Out)
Channel Separation at 1 kHz/10 kHz (LINE)60 dB/45 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 โ„ฆ (Component Y)
0.7 Vp-p/75 โ„ฆ (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
1 Vp-p/75 โ„ฆ (Composite)
Video Maximum Input1.5 Vp-p
Video Frequency Response5 Hz to 60 MHz, -3 dB (Component)
Video S/N Ratio50 dB
Ethernet Standard100BASE-TX
USB TerminalUSB2.0 5 V, 2.1 A
FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 3 ยตV (20.8 dBf)
FM S/N RatioMono/Stereo: 71 dB/69 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)Mono/Stereo: 0.3%/0.5%
AM Frequency530 MHz - 1710 MHz

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

Successor

In 2013 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820 was replaced by RX-A830. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


UPGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A830 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB โœ” up to 192 kHz โœ” up to 96 kHz
MHL Input โœ” โœ–
Bluetooth โœ” via optional YBA-11 adapter (sold separately) โœ–
Spotify โœ” โœ–

DOWNGRADES Yamaha Aventage RX-A830 Yamaha Aventage RX-A820
Less Analog Audio Line Outputs 1 2

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

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