Yamaha Aventage RX-A850

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K 60p 4:4:4 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 85 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-A850.

In 2015 Yamaha released 6 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Yamaha RX-A3050 vs RX-A2050 vs RX-A1050 vs RX-A850 vs RX-A750 vs RX-A550.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 has replaced RX-A840. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A850	vs	Yamaha RX-A840
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		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
Phono Input		vs

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha Aventage RX-A850	vs	Yamaha RX-A840
MHL Input		vs
USB DC Out Port		vs	(USB DC output 5 V / 0.5 amp)
Less RCA Line Outputs		vs	1
Less Composite Video Outputs	1	vs	2
Party Mode		vs
Napster		vs
Lower Maximum Effective Output Power (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven, JEITA)	160 W (10% THD)	vs	165 W (10% THD)
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-A850 vs RX-A840.

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850'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.
• 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-A850 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-A850 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

• 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.

DECODING
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

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 features 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p 4:4:4 video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 can upscale up to 4K 60p 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-A850 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-A850 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

andh3>HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10 via HDMI ports. 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.

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/60p 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4

Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 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-A850 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.

Zone B

• HDMI Output: Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 offers HDMI output for Zone B. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.

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-A850 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: There are 5 line inputs 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: 1
• 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-A850 supports up to 1080i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB, Analog Audio, Composite Video

In 2016 Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 was replaced by Yamaha RX-A860. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Yamaha Aventage RX-A850 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Yamaha RX-A860	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A850
DTS:X	up to 5.1.2	vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
DTS Dialog Control		vs
PEQ for SUB	Down to 15.6 Hz	vs	Down to 31 Hz
BT.2020 color space		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
HLG		vs
Party Mode		vs
Napster		vs
Higher FM S/N Ratio	Mono/Stereo: 69 dB/67 dB	vs	Mono/Stereo: 65 dB/64 dB

DOWNGRADES	Yamaha RX-A860	vs	Yamaha Aventage RX-A850
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-A850 vs RX-A860.

GENERAL
Brand	Yamaha
Series	Aventage
Model	RX-A850
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	USA and Canada
Release Year	2015
Predecessor	Yamaha RX-A840
Successor	Yamaha RX-A860

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
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz
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 Dialogue Control
Dialog Level Adjustment
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift	no presence speakers required
Compressed Music Enhancer	including for Bluetooth®
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 CINEMA FRONT
Virtual Speakers	including surround back

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/60p 4:4:4
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K 60p 4:4:4
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	with Wireless Direct
Bluetooth
Works with Amazon Alexa	on MusicCast (Voice control using your Alexa device like Echo, Dot, Tap and Show)
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)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	8 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2
8K Inputs
USB Input	iPod® / iPhone®, USB memory, portable audio player
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	2
RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs
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	1
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 Video
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 output
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	SCENE (4 sets)
Web Control
PreAmp Mode

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

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	400 W
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 380 mm (with antenna: 435 mm x 234 mm x 380 mm) 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 15" (with antenna up: 17-1/8" x 9-1/4" x 15")
Weight	10.6 kg (23.4 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	100 W (0.06% 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, Front)
Dynamic Power per Channel (2 Ω, Front)	240 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	195 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (6 Ω, Front)	170 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	130 W
THD	0.06% (AV 5 etc. to Front, Pure Direct, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 50 W, 8 Ω)
THD (Phono)	0.02% (Phono to SPEAKER OUT (Front), 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 V)
Damping Factor	100 (Front, 20 Hz - 20 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)	2.3 V
Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)	60 mV
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1.0 V/1.2 kΩ
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	110 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	96 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)	75 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	5.6 MHz, 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	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	2․1 + EDR
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: 65 dB/64 dB
FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz)	Mono/Stereo: 0.5%/0.6%
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